Glossary/Probation
Labour law
Probation
China caps probation by contract length (one, two, or six months) and forbids pay below 80% of the contract wage or the local minimum. Vietnam caps it (up to 180 days for some professional roles) and forbids a second probation for the same job. Spain's maximum is set by the Estatuto and the convenio.
Hong Kong and Singapore treat probation as contractual, sitting on top of statutory notice minima. Malaysia's 'still on probation' disputes run when confirmation is never written down. Put the length, the pay, and the notice in the offer.
Countries
Where this shows up
FAQ
Questions we get
- Can we extend probation if we are unsure?
- Only if that country's law allows it. Vietnam does not let you reset by running a second probation for the same job. China ties maximum length to the contract term. Do not assume a rolling trial.
Related
Other terms
Notice period
The time that must run, or be paid in lieu, between a resignation or dismissal decision and the last day of employment.
Indefinite contract
An employment contract with no fixed end date — the default form of employment in most of our markets, as opposed to a lawful fixed-term or contractor invoice.
Minimum wage
The statutory wage floor in a country or city. It is a compliance number, not a market salary for the roles in our salary guide.
Reviewed 11 September 2026. Statutory figures follow the country hiring guides. This is a briefing for multinational employers, not legal advice. For China, start with the hiring guide.
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