Labour Rights

Wages and employment terms on the Danish labour market are usually regulated by collective labour agreements, decided by trade unions and employer associations. That is why there is no statutory minimum wage in Denmark.

Work contract

Always obtain a work contract from your prospective employer – whether you work for a Danish company or a foreign employer. The contract should contain the following information:

• The name and address of the employer and employee
• Location of the employment
  • in the absence of a fixed place of work, the place where the work is primarily carried out or a statement that the employee is employed at various different locations
• A job description or the employee´s title, position or job category
• The commencement date of the employment
• The expected duration of employment, unless it is a permanent position
• The period of notice
  • notice of termination from employee and from the employer, and any provisions concerning this
• The agreed salary, bonuses, supplemental pay for e.g. night work or inconvenient working hours, overtime pay, etc.
• Information regarding payment dates
• The employee’s rights to paid holidays, pension contributions, food and accommodation in Denmark, sick pay, reimbursement for travel expenses
• The number of daily and weekly working hours

Always save a copy of your employment agreement/work contract. The work contract is important as it describes your rights and responsibilities related to your employment. If you have doubts about the content, ask your employer.

You can find more information about work contracts here(new tab)

Residence and Work Permit

Check if you need a residence and work permit in order to work in Denmark.

• Nordic citizens do not need a permit to live and work in Denmark
• EU/EEA citizens can freely travel to Denmark for work.
  • If you work in Denmark for less than 3 months, you do not need to apply for an EU residence document, but you will need a tax card.
  • If you work more than 3 months, you will need to apply for an EU residence document when you start working.
• Non EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, will need to apply for and obtain a residence and work permit before they start working in Denmark.

Find further information at newtodenmark.dk(new tab)

Health and safety

All employees who work in Denmark must comply with the Danish Working Environment Act. The Act aims to prevent accidents and illnesses at the workplace. It is the employer´s responsibility to ensure that the working conditions are safe and that all employees receive the work instructions.

You must participate in the co-operation on safety and health. Furthermore, you must use protective equipment provided by the employer.

Some professions and functions require that you or your employer seek recognition of your professional qualifications e.g. forklift truck and crane drivers, welding, work with asbestos etc.

Find more information at at.dk(new tab)

Insurance

Liability/accident insurance

Employers have a legal obligation to obtain an “employer’s occupational accident insurance”, which protects you in case of accidents during work hours. Make sure that your employer has a valid insurance.

Consider a private household insurance policy if you want liability and accident insurance, this insurance covers any accidents during non-working hours. You might be covered by your insurance from your home country, if not, it is recommended to insure yourself in Denmark.

Unemployment insurance

Unemployment insurance in Denmark is voluntary, therefore you are not guaranteed benefits if you lose your job, unless you are a member of an unemployment insurance fund - “A-kasse”. Many unemployment insurance funds are affiliated with a trade union.

Trade unions

You have the right to join a trade union. Your trade union can assist you in case of disputes over pay and working conditions – but only if you are a member. Most employees in Denmark are members of a union. Various trade unions cover different industries and sectors in Denmark. Thus, your job function will depend on which trade union you can choose.

Tax

In most cases in Denmark, you must pay taxes, irrespective of whether you work for a Danish employer, a foreign employer, or a temporary work agency. As soon as you start working in Denmark, you must have a tax card that issues by the tax authorities. Tax rates depend on several factors e.g. your employment conditions, your residence, deductions rights etc. The tax authorities will calculate your tax and deductions. Failure to declare tax on your earnings is a criminal act and there will be placed charges. Part of the penalty will include paying the tax evaded.

Get more information at www.skat.dk(new tab)

Driving in Denmark

If you are not a resident in Denmark, you can use your driving licence from your home country. If you take up residence in Denmark, a driving licence issued by an EU/EEA country or Switzerland is valid in Denmark. Usually, a license issued by a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country must be exchanged within 90 days upon arrival.

Vehicles

If you maintain your residence in another country than Denmark and return to your home country on a daily/weekly basis, you are allowed to use your foreign registered vehicle in Denmark.

Please note: if you work in Denmark for more than 185 days within 12 months, you are considered a resident in Denmark.

If you take up residence in Denmark, your vehicle must be registered with Danish number plates within 30 days. Contact SKAT for further information.

Save these documents:

• Passport/ID card
• EU residence document/work permit
• Work contract
• Driving licence
• Diplomas/certificates
• Insurance papers
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificates and children’s birth certificates
• Vehicle ownership
• Medical card
• Rental contract

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