Workers’ Rights in Denmark
A clear, practical guide to Danish employee rights—contracts, pay, working hours and holiday, notice & dismissal, unions and protection, equal treatment, and where to get help.
Overview: the Danish model in practice
🤝 Collective agreements lead
Pay, hours, overtime and many benefits are negotiated between unions and employer associations—and then applied at company level.
📝 Written contract
If you work 8+ hours/week for over 1 month, you’re entitled to a written contract detailing pay, hours, notice, leave and more.
💰 No legal minimum wage
Minimums come from sector agreements. Typical floors are around 115–140 DKK/hour (varies by year & sector).
Employment contracts
📄 What it must include
Role/title, workplace, weekly hours, pay & supplements, holiday, notice, probation, and which agreement applies.
🔎 Language & clarity
Ask for an English copy if needed. Don’t sign what you don’t understand—get your union to review.
🛡️ Probation
Commonly 3 months. Dismissal is easier during probation—but rules still apply.
Pay & minimum wages
💸 Payment & payslips
Paid monthly (often last working day). Payslips must show tax, ATP/pension, holiday pay and any supplements.
🏦 Pension
Many agreements include employer pension contributions on top of salary. Check your rate and vesting.
📈 Supplements
Evening, night, weekend or on-call pay is typically negotiated. Confirm the exact percentages.
Working hours & leave
⏱️ Standard hours
Full-time is typically 37 hours/week. EU rules cap average weekly work at 48 hours over 4 months (incl. overtime).
🌴 Holiday
Minimum 5 weeks paid holiday per year by law, with accrual & “concurrent” taking. Some agreements grant extra days.
👶 Parental leave
Parents are entitled to substantial paid leave. Exact pay & weeks depend on law + your agreement.
Notice & dismissal
📆 Notice periods
Set by law/agreements and seniority. Office roles often range 1–6 months after probation.
⚠️ Fair reasons
Dismissal must be justified and follow process. Illegal to dismiss due to pregnancy, union activity, or protected characteristics.
💼 Redundancy & severance
Packages depend on agreement and seniority. Always consult your union before signing.
Unions & workplace protection
🧭 Why join
Unions advise on contracts, negotiate pay, and represent you in disputes or dismissal cases.
🗣️ Reps & dialogue
Many workplaces have a shop steward (tillidsrepræsentant) for quick conflict resolution.
🦺 Health & safety
Employers must ensure a safe environment. Contact the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet).
Equal treatment & discrimination
⚖️ Equal rights
It’s unlawful to discriminate based on gender, race, religion, disability, sexuality, age, or union activity.
♀️ Gender equality
Equal pay and equal access to promotion and parental leave are protected principles.
🌍 International workers
Foreign employees have the same rights. If in doubt, ask your union or relevant authority.
Useful links
🌐 Work in Denmark
⚖️ Equal Treatment Board
🦺 Working Environment
Related on exploringdenmark
📄 Work contracts
💶 Typical salaries
🧑💼 Job search
🏥 Insurance
Frequently asked questions
💰 Is there a minimum wage?
No statutory minimum. Sector agreements set floors—often ~115–140 DKK/hour depending on year/sector.
🤝 Should I join a union?
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended for pay negotiations, contract review and disputes.
⏰ What are normal hours?
37 hours/week is typical. Overtime and supplements depend on your agreement.
📅 How much paid leave?
At least 5 weeks/year by law. Some workplaces offer more via agreements.
⚖️ Unfair dismissal?
After probation, employers need a fair reason and due process. Contact your union immediately.
🌍 Are foreigners protected?
Yes—same rules apply. Don’t hesitate to ask for help in English.
Need help with a contract, pay or dismissal issue?
Tell us what’s going on—include your sector, contract type, and any deadlines. We’ll point you to the right steps and resources.