Contracts and powers of attorney
Terminating a contract in Sweden
Do you need to terminate a contract with a customer, supplier, business partner or another party? Our lawyers can interpret the terms, determine the applicable notice period and prepare the termination notice.
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What does terminating a contract mean?
Ordinary termination normally brings a contract to an end after an applicable notice period. The contract usually remains in force during that period, and the parties must continue performing their obligations until the termination date.
The applicable requirements depend on the contract, the type of agreement and any legislation governing that particular relationship. In business contracts, the agreed termination provisions are often especially important.
Ordinary termination should be distinguished from immediate termination for cause. Ending a contract early generally requires a sufficiently serious breach or another contractual or legal basis. Ordinary termination does not necessarily involve wrongdoing by either party.
Which notice period applies?
Start by determining whether the contract is open-ended or has a fixed term. An open-ended contract can normally be terminated, but the applicable notice period may follow from the contract, the type of agreement or the circumstances. Legal assessment may be required when the contract is silent.
A fixed-term contract generally remains in force until its agreed end date. Early termination normally requires support in the contract, applicable law or a new agreement between the parties.
The contract should also be checked for automatic renewal provisions and notice deadlines. Missing a deadline in a consultancy or service agreement may cause the agreement to continue for another contractual period.
How should notice be given?
Follow any notice requirements stated in the contract. These may specify who must receive the notice, whether it must be in writing and whether it must be delivered by mail, email or another method.
A written notice should clearly identify the contract and the parties, state when notice is being given and specify the intended termination date. It should also refer to the relevant termination provision where appropriate.
Keep the notice and evidence showing when it was sent and received. A disagreement about the notice period, termination date or right to end the agreement may result in a contractual dispute.
How we can help you
Our lawyers can determine what the contract requires and help ensure that the termination is handled clearly and correctly.
Reviewing the contract
We review the term, termination provisions, renewal clauses and any formal notice requirements.
Determining the notice period
We assess when notice must be given and the date on which the contract can end.
Preparing the notice
A lawyer prepares a written termination notice tailored to the contract and the circumstances.
Handling a dispute
We assist if the other party challenges the termination or disputes the contract’s termination date or continued validity.
Get help terminating a contract
Schedule a 15-minute meeting with a lawyer to review and discuss your situation.
If you need further assistance, we’ll explain your options, how we can assist you, and what it would cost. If you hire us for your case, the cost of the first 15 minutes will be deducted from your final bill.
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Get help from our lawyers
Our lawyers assist companies and individuals with interpreting Swedish contracts, determining notice periods, preparing termination notices and handling contractual disputes.
Mirxan Özalp
Lawyer
Mirxan specializes in real estate law, construction law, housing and tenancy law, contract law, and consumer disputes. He speaks Swedish, English, and Kurdish (Kurmanji).
Florita Telhaj
Lawyer
Florita specializes in migration law, business law, contract law, and employment law. In addition to Swedish and English, Florita is also fluent in Albanian and Greek.
Wazima M. Aga
Lawyer
Wazima is deeply committed to protecting individual rights and practices immigration law, administrative law, social welfare law, family law, and contract law. She speaks Swedish, English, Persian, and Dari.
Matilda Selander Persson
Lawyer
Matilda primarily works with employment law, business law, contract law, family law, and migration law. She speaks Swedish and English.
Farid Laghrissi
Lawyer
Farid assists individuals and businesses with employment law, tenancy law, financial family law, contracts, disputes, and other business and corporate law matters. Farid speaks Swedish, English, Arabic, Darija, and French.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about terminate a contract
This depends on the contract and the type of agreement. Written notice is generally advisable because it provides evidence of what was communicated and when the notice was received.
There is no single notice period that applies to every contract. The answer may depend on the type and duration of the agreement, the parties’ relationship and the surrounding circumstances.
Early termination normally requires support in the contract, applicable law or an agreement between the parties. A sufficiently serious breach may sometimes provide grounds for immediate termination.
A valid unilateral termination does not normally require acceptance. The terminating party may still need to prove that termination was permitted and that notice was delivered correctly and on time.
Let a lawyer contact you
Tell us briefly about your situation, and we’ll get back to you within one business day to schedule a video consultation.