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Trial period and probation in Europe – trial days, length and your rights

Trial days, trial shifts and probation periods are often confused. Here is what each one means and how long probation can last.

Trial day and probation

Two different things are often called “trial work”. A trial day or shift is a short try-out before you are hired – common in some jobs, but not regulated at EU level. A probation period is the first part of your employment contract. In the EU it may as a rule last no longer than six months.

The general rule: probation under EU law

The EU Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions (2019/1152) sets the framework:

Maximum six months. Where a job has a probation period, it shall not exceed six months. Countries may allow longer periods only exceptionally – where the nature of the job justifies it or it is in the worker’s interest.
Fixed-term contracts: the probation period must be proportionate to the expected length of the contract and the type of work. If your contract is renewed for the same job and tasks, you cannot get a new probation period.
In writing. Your employer must tell you the duration and conditions of any probation period in writing – according to Your Europe, within the first week of work.
Absence: if you are away from work during probation, countries may allow the period to be extended accordingly.

What differs between countries

Our country pages, based on official national sources, show the variety:

Up to 3 months in Latvia; in Slovakia at most 3 months (6 for managers), agreed in writing.
In Romania up to 90 calendar days (120 for managers).
In Estonia the law sets 4 months if you do not agree otherwise.
Up to six months in Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Sweden and Slovenia.
In Spain at most 6 months for qualified technicians and 2 months for other workers.
In Malta usually 6 months, up to 1 year for technical, executive or managerial posts paying more than twice the minimum wage.

Trial days and shifts: practical tips

Ask before you go: how long it will take, what you will do, whether it is paid and whether you are insured.
Be careful with long unpaid “trials”. If you are asked to work several days for free, check the rules with the labour inspectorate or a trade union in that country.
During probation, ask for feedback early, and check the notice period that applies during probation in your contract.

How long probation lasts

In the EU, a probation period may not last longer than six months. That is the upper limit, not a target: many countries set a shorter maximum, and some allow longer periods only in exceptional cases, for example for managers. Always check the exact length in your contract.

The general rule in the EU

The EU directive on transparent and predictable working conditions sets common minimum rules for every EU country:

Six months maximum – if your job has a probation period, it must not exceed six months.
Fixed-term contracts – the probation period must be proportionate to the expected length of the contract and the type of work.
No new probation on renewal – if your contract is renewed for the same job and tasks, the employer cannot start a new probation period.
Exceptions – a country may allow a longer period where the nature of the job or your own interest justifies it, and it can extend probation if you were absent from work during it.
In writing – the length and conditions of the probation period are part of the information you must get in writing, no later than the seventh calendar day after you start.

What differs between countries

National laws set their own maximum, often below six months. A few examples from our country guides:

Up to six months – Bulgaria, Finland, Croatia, Sweden and Slovenia.
Shorter limits – in Latvia up to 3 months; in Slovakia at most 3 months (6 for managers), agreed in writing; in Romania up to 90 calendar days (120 for managers).
Depends on the job – in Spain at most 6 months for qualified technicians and 2 months for other workers.
Set by law if you agree nothing else – in Estonia the law sets 4 months.
Longer for some posts – in Malta probation is usually 6 months, but up to 1 year for technical, executive or managerial posts paying more than twice the minimum wage.

Switzerland and the United Kingdom are not in the EU, so the directive does not apply there – check the national rules in our country guides.

Practical tips

Look for the probation clause in your contract before you sign: its length, the notice period during probation and whether you are paid the full salary.
If the period in your contract is longer than the national maximum, ask the employer about it, or contact the labour inspectorate or a EURES adviser.
Use probation to test the job too – it works both ways.