Understanding the danish social security rules is one of the first things you need to get right when you move to or work in Denmark. The system is generous, well-structured, and once you know the rules surprisingly accessible to international workers. This guide covers every pillar of the Danish social security system with real 2026 figures, clear eligibility criteria, and concrete steps for EU/EEA nationals, non-EU nationals, cross-border workers, posted workers, and self-employed professionals.
TL;DR – Danish Social Security Rules at a Glance
- Denmark’s social security system is tax-funded, not payroll-contribution-based. You do not pay separate social security contributions in the way most EU countries require, the system is financed through general taxation.
- EU/EEA nationals working in Denmark have equal rights to Danish citizens under Regulation (EC) No 883/04, including the aggregation principle that lets prior EU work periods count toward eligibility.
- Non-EU nationals need CPR registration for healthcare access, and a permanent residence permit to claim unemployment benefits (dagpenge).
- Unemployment insurance (a-kasse) is not automatic, you must join a fund yourself. The 2026 maximum benefit is DKK 22,041/month (up to DKK 26,198/month in the first 3 months with 4+ years of membership).
- Cross-border and posted workers can retain Danish social security coverage abroad for up to 24 months (36 months with an extension) using a PD A1 certificate issued by Udbetaling Danmark.
What Is the Danish Social Security System?
The danish social security system is built on seven core pillars that together provide comprehensive economic protection across the major life events a worker or resident may face:
- Healthcare: free public healthcare for all CPR-registered residents
- Unemployment: income replacement via a-kasse membership (voluntary, not automatic)
- Sickness benefits: short-term income support during illness
- Family and parental benefits: maternity/paternity pay, child allowances, and day care subsidies
- Pension: state pension (folkepension) plus mandatory ATP contributions
- Industrial injury insurance: coverage for workplace accidents and occupational diseases
- Social assistance: last-resort support (kontanthjælp) for those who do not qualify for other benefits
A key fact that surprises many international workers: Denmark finances its social security primarily through taxes, not payroll contributions. Unlike Germany, France, or the Netherlands where you see explicit social security deductions on every payslip, Denmark funds most benefits through income tax and VAT. This means there is no separate social security contribution rate to calculate; your tax covers it.
ATP (Arbejdsmarkedets Tillægspension) is the one exception. This mandatory supplementary labour market pension involves a small employer and employee contribution DKK 1,188/year from the employee side in 2026 and sits alongside the state pension as a second layer of retirement provision.
Who Is Covered? EU/EEA vs. Non-EU Nationals
Your rights under the Danish social security system depend significantly on your nationality and residence status. It is important to note that the rules divide people into two main groups.
Side-by-Side Eligibility Comparison
| Benefit | EU/EEA Nationals | Non-EU Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Public healthcare | ✅ Equal rights (CPR or EU coordination rules) | ✅ CPR registration required (stay >3 months) |
| Unemployment benefits (dagpenge) | ✅ Equal rights; must join a-kasse | ⚠️ Permanent residence permit required |
| Sickness benefits | ✅ Equal rights; labour market connection required | ✅ CPR + labour market connection required |
| Parental/maternity benefits | ✅ Equal rights; employment conditions apply | ✅ CPR + employment conditions required |
| Child and youth benefit (børnecheck) | ✅ Must apply if not resident in Denmark | ⚠️ 6-year qualification scale (8.3%–100%) |
| Day care subsidies | ✅ Equal rights as Danish citizens | ✅ Legal residency required |
| State pension (folkepension) | ✅ 3+ years residence (EU periods count) | ✅ 3+ years residence between ages 15–65 |
| ATP pension | ✅ Mandatory for all employees | ✅ Mandatory for all employees |
| Social assistance (kontanthjælp) | ⚠️ Must have right of residence under EU rules | ⚠️ Subject to residence conditions |
| EU Regulation 1231/2010 coverage | ✅ Applies | ❌ Does NOT apply to Denmark |
EU/EEA Nationals
As a citizen of an EU or EEA country working in Denmark, you are entitled to the same social benefits as Danish citizens under Regulation (EC) No 883/04. This regulation coordinates but does not replace national systems. You still need to meet each benefit’s specific eligibility conditions.
The critical advantage for EU/EEA nationals is the aggregation principle: previous periods of insurance, work, or residence in other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland count toward eligibility thresholds in Denmark. If you worked in Germany for two years before moving to Denmark, those two years can count toward your a-kasse membership period, your pension entitlement, and your child benefit qualification.
EU/EEA citizens do not need a work permit to work in Denmark, which means they can take any job with one day’s notice, a key requirement for unemployment benefit availability.
Non-EU Nationals
If you are a national of a country outside the EU/EEA, the rules are stricter in several important ways:
- CPR registration is required for access to public healthcare. You can only register (and obtain a CPR number) if your stay in Denmark exceeds three months.
- Unemployment benefits (dagpenge) require a permanent residence permit. This is because you must be available to take any job with one day’s notice, a condition that most temporary or conditional residence permits do not satisfy.
- EU Regulation 1231/2010, which extended EU social security coordination to third-country nationals in cross-border situations, does not apply to Denmark. This is an explicit Danish opt-out. Coming to Denmark from another EU country as a non-EU national does not automatically give you EU-coordinated social security rights.
- Some residence and work permits granted by SIRI (the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) may in principle allow you to take any job, but can be conditional on not receiving unemployment benefits. The three-year working permit for graduates is one example. Always check your permit conditions.
UK Nationals After Brexit
A British citizen who moved to Denmark after 31 December 2020 is treated as a non-EU national for most social benefit purposes. However, the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) of 24 December 2020 provides important protections:
- UK nationals are still subject to social security coordination rules for certain benefits, including unemployment benefits.
- The principle of being covered by one country’s social security at a time still applies typically the country where the work is performed.
- UK nationals coming to Denmark after January 2021 to work should join a Danish a-kasse.
- Posted workers from the UK can retain Danish social security coverage for a maximum of 24 months under the TCA (no extension to 36 months, unlike EU postings).
- British citizens who were residing or working in Denmark before 31 December 2020 retain EU citizen status for social benefit purposes under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Healthcare in Denmark
Free public healthcare is available to all CPR-registered residents. This is one of the most immediate benefits of establishing legal residence in Denmark, and it applies equally to EU/EEA nationals and non-EU nationals who have registered.
What You Are Entitled To
Once you have a CPR number and a yellow health insurance card, you have access to:
- General practitioners (GPs): free of charge, during normal hours (8am–4pm); after-hours service available (call 1813 in the Capital Region)
- Hospital treatment: free of charge; non-urgent cases require a GP referral
- Specialist treatment: free of charge with a GP referral
- Physiotherapists, chiropractors, and psychologists: subsidised with a GP referral; you pay a portion of the cost
Dental Care
Dental care is partially reimbursed, not free. The reimbursement level depends on the type of treatment:
- Average reimbursement: approximately 30% of treatment costs
- Diagnostic procedures: above 60% reimbursement
- Dentures and crowns: not reimbursed at all
Prescription Medicines
Prescription medicines are reimbursed once your annual spending crosses a threshold:
- Reimbursement threshold: DKK 1,110/year, once you spend more than this on prescription medicines in a year, you can claim reimbursement on the excess
- Children under 18: 60% reimbursement regardless of annual spend, no threshold applies
Temporary Stays and the EHIC
If you are temporarily staying in Denmark and are covered by public health insurance in another EU country, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare under the same conditions as Danish residents. Present your EHIC card at the point of treatment. If you do not have your EHIC, you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.
Contact for healthcare queries: Udbetaling Danmark – +45 70 11 12 13
Unemployment Benefits (A-kasse)
Unemployment insurance in Denmark is not automatic. You must actively join an unemployment insurance fund (a-kasse) to be covered. This is one of the most important things to understand about social security in Denmark, the system does not enroll you by default.
2026 Benefit Rates
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly benefit (full-time insured) | DKK 22,041/month |
| Maximum weekly benefit | DKK 5,085/week |
| Enhanced rate (first 3 months, 4+ years membership) | Up to DKK 26,198/month |
| Benefit duration | Up to 2 years (104 weeks) within a 3-year period |
| Benefit level | Up to 90% of previous salary (capped at maximum) |
Eligibility Requirements
To claim unemployment benefits, you must meet all of the following:
- A-kasse membership for at least 1 year before claiming
- Income threshold: DKK 286,632 earned over the last 3 years (full-time insured); DKK 191,088 for part-time insured members
- Availability: able to take any job with one day’s notice
- Actively job-seeking and registered with the employment service
The Graduate Rule (Dimittendregel)
Recent graduates have a specific pathway. If you have been a student member of an a-kasse for at least 1 year, you can claim unemployment benefits from the first day after graduation without needing to meet the income threshold. The graduate rate applies for the first period of unemployment.
Transferring EU Insurance Periods
If you have worked in another EEA country before coming to Denmark, you may be able to transfer those insurance periods. You must apply for a-kasse membership within 8 weeks of arriving in Denmark, and in some cases you must also start work in Denmark and work at least 296 hours over 12 weeks.
To find the right a-kasse for your profession and compare costs, find the cheapest a-kasse for your situation. For a full breakdown of eligibility conditions, see full a-kasse eligibility requirements.
Sickness Benefits (Sygedagpenge)
Sickness benefit supports workers who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is a short-term benefit you can receive it for up to 22 weeks within any 9-month period, with possible extensions in certain situations.
2026 Benefit Rate
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | DKK 5,085/week |
| Maximum hourly rate (salary earners) | DKK 137.43/hour |
Eligibility Conditions
You can receive sickness benefit if you:
- Are unable to work due to your own illness or injury
- Live in Denmark, or are covered by Regulation (EC) No 883/04
- Pay tax on your income in Denmark
- Meet the labour market connection requirements below
Who Pays, and When?
Salary earners:
- Your employer pays sickness benefit for the first 30 days of sick leave
- Condition: you must have worked at least 74 hours for your employer in the last 8 weeks
- After day 30, your local authority (kommune) pays, provided you have worked at least 240 hours in the last 6 months (with at least 40 hours/month in 5 of those months)
- Report your absence to your employer within 2 hours of your scheduled start time
Unemployed a-kasse members:
- Your a-kasse pays sickness benefit for the first 14 days
- After 14 days, your local authority pays
- Report your absence on Jobnet on the first day of sickness
Self-employed workers:
- The local authority pays after a 2-week waiting period (or earlier if you have taken out voluntary sickness benefit insurance)
- Requirements: substantial self-employed activity for at least 6 months in the last 12 months, including the last month before absence; minimum 18.5 hours/week for 6 months
How to Apply
- Employers report via NemRefusion
- Employees submit their own request via Mit Sygefravær within 8 days of the notification letter arriving in their digital mailbox
Parental and Maternity Benefits (Barselsdagpenge)
Denmark offers 24 weeks of paid parental leave for children born or received from 2 August 2022. The benefit is paid by Udbetaling Danmark and applies to salary earners, self-employed workers, and unemployed a-kasse members.
2026 Benefit Rate
Maximum: DKK 5,085/week before tax the same cap as sickness benefit.
Leave Entitlement at a Glance (Childbirth)
| Period | Mother | Father/Co-parent |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks before expected birth | Pregnancy leave | – |
| 2 weeks after birth (within first 10 weeks) | – | Paternity leave |
| 10 weeks after birth | Maternity leave | – |
| Remaining parental leave | 14 weeks | 22 weeks |
In the case of twins or more, each parent receives 13 extra weeks of parental leave.
Eligibility Conditions
Salary earners:
- Employed the day before or on the first day of leave
- At least 160 hours worked in the last 4 completed calendar months
- At least 40 hours/month in at least 3 of those months
Self-employed:
- Worked the last month and at least 6 months in the past year before leave
- At least 18.5 hours/week (half of the standard 37-hour week) for 6 months in the past 12 months
- Previous salary employment can count if you have been self-employed for less than 6 months
Unemployed:
- Must be a member of an a-kasse
- Cannot receive maternity benefit if on social assistance (kontanthjælp), but can continue receiving kontanthjælp during leave
Contact for parental benefit queries: Udbetaling Danmark – +45 70 12 80 64
Family Benefits – Child and Youth Allowance (Børnecheck)
The børnecheck (child and youth benefit) is paid quarterly to parents of children under 18 living in Denmark. For most Danish residents, it is paid automatically. EU/EEA workers whose children live in another EU country must apply.
2026 Quarterly and Monthly Amounts
| Child’s Age | Benefit Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| 0–2 years | DKK 5,370 per quarter |
| 3–6 years | DKK 4,248 per quarter |
| 7–14 years | DKK 3,342 per quarter |
| 15–17 years | DKK 1,114 per month |
The benefit is tax-free and paid in advance (e.g., January payment covers January–March).
Income Reduction
The full benefit is reduced by 2% of income above DKK 961,000 (2026). If your household income is below this threshold, you receive the full amount.
Qualification Scale for Foreign Nationals
If you are a foreign national who has worked or lived in Denmark (or Greenland or the Faroe Islands), a qualification scale applies:
| Residence/Employment Period | Benefit Level |
|---|---|
| 6 months | 8.3% |
| 1 year | 16.7% |
| 1.5 years | 25% |
| 2 years | 33.3% |
| 3 years | 50% |
| 4 years | 66.7% |
| 5 years | 83.3% |
| 6 years | 100% |
Important: For persons covered by Regulation (EC) No 883/04, periods of employment or residence in other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland count toward this qualification scale (the aggregation/combining principle). You do not start from zero when you move to Denmark from another EU country.
Refugees must hold a residence permit under Sections 7, 8, or 9b of the Danish Aliens Act to be eligible.
Day Care Subsidies
All children from 26 weeks of age until school age are entitled to a place in a day care facility (the child care guarantee). The local authority must offer a place within 4 weeks of application.
Cost breakdown:
| Party | Contribution (below school age) |
|---|---|
| Local authority | Minimum 75% |
| Parent | Maximum 25% |
An economic subsidy can reduce the parent’s contribution further, based on household income:
| Household Income (2026) | Economic Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Up to DKK 218,101 | 100% (parent pays nothing) |
| DKK 218,101 – DKK 677,499 | Reduced by 1 percentage point per DKK 4,614 increase |
| DKK 677,500 or more | 0% (no subsidy) |
Income limits are raised by DKK 7,000 for each additional child under 18, and by DKK 76,317 for single parents entitled to a subsidised place. If you have more than one child in day care, you pay full price for the most expensive place and 50% for all other places (sibling subsidy).
Pension – Folkepension and ATP
State Pension (Folkepension)
The Danish state pension is called folkepension. Key facts for 2026:
- Retirement age: 67 (rising to 68 in 2030)
- Eligibility: at least 3 years of residence in Denmark between the ages of 15 and 65
- The full basic amount is reached after 40 years of residence between ages 15 and 65; shorter periods result in a proportional (pro-rated) pension
- EU/EEA nationals: periods of residence or work in other EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, or the UK can count toward the 3-year minimum, provided at least 1 year was in Denmark
2026 state pension amounts (before tax):
| Recipient Status | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single person | DKK 16,273/month |
| Married/cohabiting | DKK 12,011/month |
| Basic amount only | DKK 7,544/month |
ATP (Arbejdsmarkedets Tillægspension)
ATP is a mandatory supplementary pension for all employees in Denmark. Both employer and employee contribute. The employee contribution is DKK 1,188/year (2026). ATP is separate from the state pension and builds up throughout your working life in Denmark.
Private Pension Schemes
Many Danish employers also offer occupational pension schemes on top of ATP. These are common in collective agreements and can represent a significant additional layer of retirement income. Check your employment contract or collective agreement for details.
Cross-Border Workers and Posted Workers
Posted Workers – Staying on Danish Social Security Abroad
If your Danish employer sends you to work in another EU/EEA country, Switzerland, or the UK, you can remain covered by the Danish social security system for the duration of your posting provided you obtain an A1 certificate.
Standard posting: up to 24 months. You remain fully covered by Danish social security (health insurance, family benefits, pension, unemployment, sick pay, ATP, industrial injury insurance).
Extended posting: up to 36 months. An extension beyond 24 months is possible, subject to mutual agreement between the Danish and host-country social security authorities. Apply before your initial 24-month certificate expires.
UK postings: The maximum is 24 months under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. No extension to 36 months is available for UK postings.
Requirements for Posted Employees
To qualify for an A1 certificate as a posted employee, all of the following must apply:
- You and your employer do not expect the posting to exceed 24 months
- You work for a Danish employer in the host country
- You were covered by Danish social security before the posting (e.g., you lived and worked in Denmark)
- Your employer has extensive activity in Denmark and employs staff there
Multi-Country Workers – The 25% Threshold Rule
If you work in more than one EU/EEA country (for example, international transport workers or those who regularly travel for work), your social security coverage depends on how much of your work is performed in Denmark.
If you live in Denmark:
| Situation | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 25%+ of work performed in Denmark | Covered by Danish social security (regardless of employer nationality or number of employers) |
| <25% in Denmark + work for one or more Danish employers | Covered by Danish social security |
| <25% in Denmark + work for 2+ employers, at least 2 domiciled outside Denmark (e.g., Norwegian + Swedish employer) | Covered by Danish social security |
If you do not live in Denmark:
| Situation | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Only employed by a Danish employer | Covered by Danish social security |
| Employed by a Danish employer + another job with employer in your country of residence | Covered by Danish social security |
If you work for a Danish employer in more than two EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, or the UK, the social authorities in your country of residence must decide where you are covered.
Cross-Border Workers and Unemployment
Cross-border workers, those who work in Denmark but return to their home EU country at least once a week, are covered by Danish social security for most benefits. However, unemployment benefits are an exception: if you become wholly unemployed, you must register with the employment services and claim unemployment benefits in your country of residence, not in Denmark. Your Danish work and insurance periods will be counted by your home country’s unemployment authority.
Self-Employed Workers in Denmark
Self-employed professionals working in Denmark have specific rules for both domestic coverage and for maintaining Danish social security when working abroad.
A1 Certificate for Self-Employed Posted Workers
Self-employed workers can apply for an A1 certificate to remain on Danish social security for postings of up to 24 months (state in your application if you expect a longer posting).
Requirements for self-employed A1 certificates:
- You run an extensive business in Denmark
- Your business has been operating for at least 2 months before the posting
- You work in the same industry during your posting as in Denmark
- You maintain your Danish business infrastructure during the posting: office space, tax registration, business licence, VAT registration
- You do not expect the posting to exceed 24 months
Multi-Country Self-Employed Workers
The 25% threshold rule also applies to self-employed workers. If you are self-employed, live in Denmark, and work in more than two EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, or the UK, you are covered by Danish social security if you perform at least 25% of your work in Denmark.
Before issuing an A1 certificate to a self-employed worker, Udbetaling Danmark reviews your business performance based on:
- Working hours
- Turnover
- Number of services provided
- Revenue
Note that it is not required that you work in the same industry in each country you work in only that your Danish and posted activities are in the same industry.
Sickness and Parental Benefits for the Self-Employed
Self-employed workers in Denmark are entitled to sickness benefit and parental benefit, but with a 2-week waiting period for sickness benefit (unless you have taken out voluntary sickness benefit insurance). See the relevant sections above for the full eligibility conditions.
How to Register and Apply – Practical Steps
Getting set up with the Danish social security system involves a clear sequence of steps. Follow these in order.
Step 1: Get a CPR Number
A CPR number (Civil Registration Number) is the foundation of your access to Danish social security. You need it for healthcare, a-kasse membership, tax, and virtually every public service.
- Apply at your local International Citizen Service or municipality (kommune) office
- Required if your stay in Denmark exceeds 3 months
- More information and online guidance at borger.dk
Step 2: Register with a GP
Once you have your CPR number and yellow health insurance card, register with a general practitioner (GP) in your area.
- Find a GP accepting new patients at sundhed.dk
- Your GP is your gateway to specialist referrals, hospital treatment, and prescription medicines
Step 3: Join an A-kasse Within 14 Days of Starting Work
Unemployment insurance is not automatic. Join an a-kasse as soon as you start working in Denmark ideally within 14 days. The sooner you join, the sooner your 1-year membership period begins.
- Compare a-kasser and find the cheapest option for your profession: find the cheapest a-kasse for your situation
- If you are transferring insurance periods from another EEA country, apply within 8 weeks of arriving in Denmark
Step 4: Apply for Family Benefits
Child and youth benefit (børnecheck) is paid automatically to Danish residents. If you are an EU/EEA worker whose child lives in another EU country, or if you are a foreign national subject to the qualification scale, you must apply.
- Apply via self-service at borger.dk
- Attach your employment contract and your child’s birth certificate or ID
- Contact Udbetaling Danmark at +45 70 11 12 13 with questions
Step 5: Apply for an A1 Certificate if Working Abroad
If your employer is posting you to another EU/EEA country, Switzerland, or the UK, apply for an A1 certificate before your posting begins.
- With MitID: Apply at businessindenmark.virk.dk
- With a non-Danish eID: Apply at citizens.atp.dk
- Without digital ID: Download and submit the non-digital form from borger.dk
Key Contacts at a Glance
| Authority | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Udbetaling Danmark | Administers family benefits, maternity pay, A1 certificates, health cards | +45 70 11 12 13 (general) / +45 70 12 80 64 (parental benefits) |
| Local authority (kommune) | Sickness benefit (after employer period), social assistance, day care | Find your kommune at borger.dk |
| STAR (Styrelsen for Arbejdsmarked og Rekruttering) | Unemployment authority, employment services | +45 72 21 74 00 / star@star.dk |
| Ankestyrelsen | National Social Appeals Board – appeals against decisions | +45 33 41 12 00 / ast@ast.dk |
| SIRI | Residence and work permits for non-EU nationals | siri.dk |
| Your a-kasse | Unemployment benefit payments, sickness benefit (first 14 days if unemployed) | Varies by fund |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I automatically get Danish social security as an EU citizen?
Not entirely. As an EU/EEA citizen working in Denmark, you have the right to the same social benefits as Danish citizens but you still need to meet each benefit’s specific eligibility conditions. Healthcare access comes automatically once you have a CPR number. Unemployment insurance, however, requires you to actively join an a-kasse. Family benefits may require an application if your child lives in another EU country. The system gives you equal access; it does not enroll you automatically.
What is the difference between EU and non-EU social security rights in Denmark?
EU/EEA nationals benefit from Regulation (EC) No 883/04, which coordinates social security across member states, allows aggregation of insurance periods from other EU countries, and grants equal treatment with Danish citizens. Non-EU nationals must meet Danish national law requirements independently. Crucially, EU Regulation 1231/2010 which extended EU coordination to third-country nationals in cross-border situations does not apply to Denmark. Non-EU nationals also need a permanent residence permit to access unemployment benefits, whereas EU/EEA nationals only need to meet the standard a-kasse membership and income conditions.
How do I keep Danish social security coverage when working abroad?
Apply for a PD A1 certificate from Udbetaling Danmark before your posting begins. The certificate proves that you pay social contributions in Denmark and must be recognised by the host country’s authorities. Standard postings are covered for up to 24 months; extensions to 36 months are possible (except for UK postings, which are capped at 24 months under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement). Apply with MitID at businessindenmark.virk.dk or with a non-Danish eID at citizens.atp.dk.
What is the PD A1 certificate and do I need one?
The PD A1 certificate (formerly called the E101 form) is an official document that proves you are covered by the social security system of one EU/EEA country – in this case, Denmark. You need one if you are posted abroad by a Danish employer, if you are a self-employed professional working temporarily in another EU/EEA country, or if you work in multiple EU/EEA countries and need to establish which country’s system covers you. Without an A1 certificate, you may end up paying social contributions in the host country as well. It is issued by Udbetaling Danmark, International Social Sikring.
Can I claim Danish unemployment benefits if I just moved to Denmark?
Not immediately. You must be a member of an a-kasse for at least 1 year before you can claim unemployment benefits (dagpenge). You also need to meet the income threshold (DKK 286,632 earned over the last 3 years for full-time insured members). However, if you have worked in another EEA country, you may be able to transfer those insurance periods provided you apply for a-kasse membership within 8 weeks of arriving in Denmark and meet the additional work requirements. Recent graduates who have been student a-kasse members for at least 1 year can claim from the day after graduation.
What happens to my social security if I work in both Denmark and another country?
Your coverage depends on the 25% threshold rule. If you live in Denmark and perform at least 25% of your work in Denmark, you are covered by Danish social security regardless of where your employer is based or how many employers you have. If less than 25% of your work is in Denmark, coverage depends on whether you work for Danish employers. You should apply for an A1 certificate to formalise your coverage. If you work for a Danish employer in more than two EU/EEA countries, the social authorities in your country of residence must determine your coverage.
How much is the maximum unemployment benefit in Denmark?
In 2026, the maximum unemployment benefit (dagpenge) is DKK 22,041/month for full-time insured members. This equates to DKK 5,085/week. If you have been a continuous a-kasse member for 4 or more years, you may receive an enhanced rate of up to DKK 26,198/month for the first 3 months of unemployment. Benefits are paid for a maximum of 2 years (104 weeks) within a 3-year period. The benefit is calculated at up to 90% of your previous salary, capped at the maximum rate.
What social security rights do UK nationals have in Denmark after Brexit?
UK nationals who moved to Denmark after 31 December 2020 are treated as non-EU nationals for most social benefit purposes. However, the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides coordination rules for certain benefits, including unemployment benefits. UK nationals working in Denmark should join a Danish a-kasse. Posted workers from the UK can retain Danish social security coverage for up to 24 months (no extension available). UK nationals who were residing or working in Denmark before 31 December 2020 retain EU citizen status under the Withdrawal Agreement and are treated as EU nationals for social benefit purposes.
Useful Sources
The following official sources were used in compiling this guide and are recommended for further reading:
- EU Commission – “Your social security rights in Denmark” (2026): employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu – the definitive EU-level guide to Danish social security, updated July 2026
- Life in Denmark (borger.dk): lifeindenmark.borger.dk – the Danish government’s English-language portal for residents and workers
- Social security cover when working abroad: lifeindenmark.borger.dk/working/social-security-cover – A1 certificate rules, posting rules, multi-country worker guidance
- Udbetaling Danmark: udbetaling-danmark.dk – the authority that administers family benefits, maternity pay, A1 certificates, and health insurance cards
- STAR (Styrelsen for Arbejdsmarked og Rekruttering): star.dk – the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment; oversees unemployment benefit rules
- A1 certificate application (employees): businessindenmark.virk.dk – apply with MitID
- Ankestyrelsen (National Social Appeals Board): ast.dk – appeals against social security decisions; +45 33 41 12 00
- Nordic cooperation – social security in Denmark: norden.org – useful overview for Nordic cross-border workers
