Where executives are considered employees (see above), they generally enjoy the same protection and follow the same rules relating to dismissal as other employees, although there are some exceptions (for example in Sweden, the legislation regarding dismissal conditions does not apply to executives, while in Germany the works council does not need to be heard in the dismissal procedure).
In some countries (for example Hungary), parties may freely deviate from the mandatory provisions applicable to regular employees, but this has to be expressly agreed in the executive’s employment contract, as otherwise the regular rules will apply.
Where executives are self-employed, they can, in general, freely negotiate with the company on the conditions for termination as well as any indemnities due.