Quick answer: Under the Labour Code an employment contract must always contain four basic things: the type of work, the place of work, the start date and the pay conditions. If a probationary period is agreed, it can last at most 3 months (Section 45 of the Labour Code). Below you will find what the contract must contain, how it differs from a work agreement and what to watch out for before signing. Jooble
What must an employment contract contain?
The law lays down four essential requirements without which the contract is not valid:
- The type of work and a brief description of it
- The place of work (municipality, part of a municipality or otherwise specified place)
- The date of starting work
- The pay conditions (unless agreed in a collective agreement)
The salary may not be lower than the minimum wage, and its amount must be stated in the contract.
What else should be in the contract?
Besides the essential requirements, the employer should also state further conditions — either in the contract or separately in writing:
- the payday and the method of paying the salary
- working hours and the arrangement of shifts
- the amount of holiday
- the length of the notice period
What is the difference between an employment contract and a work agreement?
An employment contract establishes a standard employment relationship with full protection, holiday and a notice period. An agreement is intended for occasional or smaller work and has different rules — you will find the details in the article on work agreements.
What to watch out for before signing?
- Missing or vague pay ("salary by agreement") — insist on a specific figure.
- An indeterminate place of work — it can mean being transferred anywhere.
- A probationary period longer than 3 months is invalid — more in the article on the probationary period.
- Repeated fixed-term contracts — check the conditions for extension.
- An unclear type of work — it can lead to being assigned entirely different tasks.
Looking for work with fair conditions?
Before signing, take a look as well at notice periods and severance pay. You will find the exact wording of the law in the Labour Code.
Try Surikado: over WhatsApp you say what you can do and you get tailored offers — or Surikado Interview AI can interview you directly over a call. No CV and no registration.
Related articles:
