Artikelresumé
- ✅ ASE is one of Denmark’s largest and most established a-kasses: open to employees, self-employed, students, and newly graduated alike
- ✅ A-kasse membership costs 560 DKK/month; add the union (fagforening) for just 74 DKK/month more (total: 634 DKK/month)
- ✅ Students under 30 in education can join free of charge
- ✅ ASE offers dedicated support for self-employed and freelancers: a key differentiator among Danish a-kasses
- ✅ Extra benefits include wage protection insurance (lønsikring), legal advice, and career support all under one roof
What is ASE A-kasse?
ASE is one of Denmark’s oldest and most recognised unemployment insurance funds (a-kasses). Founded as an independent, cross-sector organisation, ASE does not focus on any single profession or industry. That makes it one of the most flexible choices available for anyone living and working in Denmark, including internationals, expats, and the self-employed.
An a-kasse is a membership-based unemployment insurance fund. You pay a monthly fee, and in return you are entitled to dagpenge (unemployment benefits) if you lose your job and meet the eligibility requirements. In Denmark, a-kasse membership is voluntary but without it, you have no right to dagpenge. You would instead have to rely on state social assistance (kontanthjælp), which comes with far stricter means-testing.
ASE is politically independent. It pays out exactly the same dagpenge rates as any other a-kasse in Denmark. What sets it apart is its broad eligibility, long track record, and full-service member support from career coaching to legal advice to wage protection insurance.
With more than 140,000 members, ASE is a proven choice for anyone who wants a trusted, full-service a-kasse with a long track record. If you are looking for an a-kasse for international employees in Denmark, ASE is one of the most accessible options available.
Who Can Join ASE? Broad Eligibility is ASE’s Strength
One of ASE’s biggest advantages is its open-door membership policy. Unlike sector-specific a-kasses, ASE welcomes members from virtually every professional background. This makes it an excellent choice for international workers who may not fit neatly into a Danish professional category.
Employees (Full-Time and Part-Time)
If you work as an employee in Denmark, full-time or part-time, you can join ASE. The requirement is that you work a minimum of 25 hours per week as an employee. Part-time workers can join at a reduced rate. ASE covers all sectors and industries, so your specific job title or field does not matter.
Self-Employed and Freelancers
ASE has a dedicated track for self-employed members, a genuine differentiator in the Danish a-kasse market. If you run your own business or work as a freelancer, you can join as long as you work a minimum of 30 hours per week in your self-employed capacity. ASE offers a specialist add-on (Ase Selvstændig) that provides tailored support for business owners navigating unemployment insurance. This makes ASE one of the strongest choices as an a-kasse for self-employed Denmark residents.
Students
Students can join ASE and build up their membership seniority while still studying. Members under 30 years of age who are in education can apply for free a-kasse membership. This is a significant benefit it means you can start accumulating the 12 months of membership required to qualify for dagpenge without paying anything during your studies.
Newly Graduated
If you have just finished your studies, you may be eligible for dagpenge under the special graduate rule (dimittendregel). ASE supports newly graduated members through this process. You do not need prior work experience to qualify, your completed degree can count towards the income requirement.
ASE Prices 2026
ASE keeps its pricing straightforward. You can join the a-kasse alone or add the union (fagforening) membership for a small additional fee.
A-kasse + Fagforening Bundle
| Membership type | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| A-kasse only | 560 DKK/month |
| Union (fagforening) add-on | +74 DKK/month |
| A-kasse + union bundle | 634 DKK/month |
Payments are made quarterly (1,680 DKK per quarter for a-kasse only). ASE recommends setting up Direct Debit (Betalingsservice) to avoid any risk of missed payments and loss of benefit entitlement.
Important: Your membership fees are tax-deductible in Denmark. The effective cost is therefore lower than the headline price typically around 25–33% less after tax relief.
Students under 30 in education: free membership – contact ASE directly on +45 7013 7013.
How ASE Compares to Other A-kasses
ASE sits in the mid-range on price. Here is how it compares to other popular broad coverage a-kasse Denmark options:
| A-kasse | Full-time bundle price |
|---|---|
| A&Til a-kasse | 521 DKK/mo (a-kasse only) |
| Det Faglige Hus | 597 DKK/mo |
| ASE | 634 DKK/mo |
| Krifa a-kasse | 706 DKK/mo |
| Lederne A-kasse | 643 DKK/mo (managers only) |
| CA A-kasse | 561 DKK/mo (academics only) |
| Min A-kasse | 542 DKK/mo | Open to all, physical offices |
ASE costs slightly more than Det Faglige Hus and A&Til, but offers a broader range of in-house services particularly for self-employed members and those who want career and legal support included in their membership. For business and economics graduates, CA A-kasse is the specialist choice: a-kasse only at 561 DKK/month with a 4.7/5 Trustpilot score.
Use our free a-kasse calculator to compare all a-kasses based on your specific situation.
Unemployment Benefits (Dagpenge) with ASE
How Much Can You Receive?
If you become unemployed and meet the eligibility requirements, ASE will pay out dagpenge. The 2026 rates are:
- Standard maximum dagpenge: 21,092 DKK/month (before tax)
- With employment supplement (beskæftigelsestillæg) – first 3 months: up to 25,070 DKK/month (before tax)
Dagpenge are paid for a maximum of 2 years (104 weeks) within a 3-year period. The exact amount you receive depends on your previous salary, you receive 90% of your former wage up to the maximum cap.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for dagpenge through ASE, you must:
- Have been an ASE member for at least 12 months
- Have worked (or been self-employed) for the equivalent of at least 1 year within the past 3 years
- Meet the income requirement: a minimum of 263,232 DKK in registered income over the past 3 years
- Be available for the labour market and actively applying for jobs
- Meet the residency requirement (living in Denmark)
It is important to note that only income earned during a period of simultaneous a-kasse membership counts towards the income requirement. This is why joining ASE as early as possible even as a student, is a smart move.
Extra Member Benefits
ASE is more than just an unemployment insurance fund. Membership comes with a range of practical benefits designed to support you throughout your working life.
Legal Advice and Employment Support
ASE members have access to legal advice on employment matters. If you have a dispute with your employer over a contract, notice period, salary, or working conditions, ASE can provide guidance. This is a valuable benefit for international workers who may be less familiar with Danish employment law.
Wage Protection Insurance (Lønsikring)
ASE offers lønsikring (wage protection insurance) as an optional add-on. This is a private insurance product that tops up your dagpenge if you become unemployed, so that your total income (dagpenge + lønsikring) can cover up to 90% of your previous salary.
Key details:
- Available to ASE members aged 18–60
- Payout periods of 3, 6, or 12 months depending on the plan
- Monthly payouts from 2,000 DKK up to 50,000 DKK
- A qualifying period applies before you can claim
- Offered in partnership with Tryg, one of Denmark’s leading insurers
Lønsikring is particularly valuable for higher earners, since dagpenge alone is capped at 21,092 DKK/month regardless of your previous salary.
Career and Job Search Support
ASE actively supports members in getting back to work. Benefits include:
- CV and job application guidance
- Career counselling from experienced advisors
- Job search tools and resources
- Cooperation with your local Jobcenter to ensure a smooth re-entry into the labour market
This full-service approach to job search support is one of the reasons ASE is a strong choice for a-kasse for internationals Denmark navigating a new job market is easier with professional support behind you.
How to Join ASE (Step by Step)
Joining ASE is quick and straightforward – even if you are new to Denmark or not fluent in Danish. ASE has English-language pages and phone support.
- Go to ASE’s sign-up page at ase.dk/eng/member and fill in the online form
- ASE will call you within two business days to complete your enrolment
- Prepare the following information for the call:
- Your CPR number (Danish social security number)
- Payment details (bank account for Direct Debit)
- The date from which you want membership to start
- If self-employed: your company name and CVR number
- Pay your first month’s fee via the online payment link sent after your call
- Set up Direct Debit (Betalingsservice) for automatic quarterly payments going forward
That is it. ASE handles everything else including the transfer from your current a-kasse if you are switching.
How to Switch to ASE from Another A-kasse
Switching a-kasse is easier than most people think. In Denmark, you have the right to change a-kasse at any time and you keep your full membership seniority when you do.
Here is what happens when you switch to ASE:
- ASE contacts your current a-kasse on your behalf and manages the transfer
- Your seniority transfers: the years you have been a member of any a-kasse count towards your eligibility for dagpenge
- Any prepaid fees to your old a-kasse are refunded to you
- There is no gap in coverage: your membership continues uninterrupted
The only thing to be aware of: if you are currently receiving dagpenge, you must notify your Jobcenter of the switch. ASE will guide you through this.
If you want to compare all a-kasses before switching, use our free comparison tool to find the best match for your situation.
ASE Reviews: What Members Say
ASE has a strong reputation among its members. On Trustpilot, ASE holds a rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on more than 4,800 reviews (as of July 2026): classified as “Good” by Trustpilot.
Members frequently highlight:
- ✅ Responsive and helpful customer service: staff are praised for being easy to reach and knowledgeable
- ✅ Clear communication: members appreciate straightforward explanations of complex rules
- ✅ Smooth claims process: dagpenge payments are described as reliable and on time
- ✅ Good support for self-employed members: a recurring theme in positive reviews
Critical reviews occasionally mention wait times during busy periods and the complexity of the self-employed income calculation rules both of which are common across Danish a-kasses generally.
Overall, ASE’s Trustpilot score reflects a well-run, member-focused organisation with a long track record of delivering on its promises.
FAQ: ASE A-kasse in English
What is ASE a-kasse?
ASE is one of Denmark’s largest and most established unemployment insurance funds (a-kasses). It is an independent, cross-sector organisation open to employees, self-employed individuals, students, and newly graduated regardless of profession or industry. With over 140,000 members, ASE provides dagpenge (unemployment benefits), legal advice, career support, and optional wage protection insurance (lønsikring).
How much does ASE a-kasse cost in 2026?
ASE a-kasse costs 560 DKK per month for the unemployment fund alone. Adding the union (fagforening) membership costs an additional 74 DKK per month, bringing the total bundle to 634 DKK per month. Membership fees are tax-deductible in Denmark. Students under 30 in education can apply for free membership.
Can I join ASE as a self-employed person or freelancer?
Yes. ASE has a dedicated membership track for self-employed individuals and freelancers. You need to work a minimum of 30 hours per week in your self-employed capacity. ASE also offers a specialist add-on (Ase Selvstændig) with tailored support for business owners. This makes ASE one of the best a-kasse options for self-employed Denmark residents.
Can I join ASE as an international worker or expat?
Yes. ASE is open to all workers in Denmark regardless of nationality. ASE has English-language pages and English phone support (+45 7013 7013). You will need a Danish CPR number to complete your enrolment. For a full overview of your options, see our guide to a-kasse for international employees.
How long do I need to be a member before I can claim dagpenge?
You must have been a member of an a-kasse for at least 12 months and have worked for the equivalent of at least one year within the past three years. You must also meet the income requirement (minimum 263,232 DKK in registered income over the past 3 years). Newly graduated members may qualify under the special graduate rule (dimittendregel).
What is the maximum dagpenge I can receive through ASE in 2026?
The standard maximum dagpenge rate in 2026 is 21,092 DKK per month before tax. In the first three months of unemployment, you may receive up to 25,070 DKK per month if you qualify for the employment supplement (beskæftigelsestillæg). Dagpenge are paid for a maximum of two years within a three-year period.
Can I switch to ASE from another a-kasse?
Yes. You can switch a-kasse at any time in Denmark, it is your legal right. When you switch to ASE, your full membership seniority transfers automatically. ASE handles the transfer process on your behalf, including contacting your current a-kasse and arranging any fee refunds. Use our free a-kasse calculator to compare options before you decide.
Last updated: August 2026. Prices and rates are subject to change always verify current figures directly with ASE at ase.dk.
