Changing or Losing Your Job in Denmark

Updated By exploringdenmark

Denmark’s flexicurity model means it’s relatively easy to be let go – but the safety net is strong. If you lose your job and you’ve been a member of an A-kasse for at least 12 months, you can claim dagpenge (unemployment benefits). This guide covers what happens when employment ends, whether by firing or resignation.

Employed Notice period 1-6 months Full salary A-kasse Dagpenge Up to 2 years ~19,700 DKK/mo Denmark’s flexicurity safety net

Notice periods

Notice periods in Denmark depend on the type of employment and seniority. Under Funktionærloven (the Salaried Employees Act, covering most white-collar workers):

  • Employer firing you: 1 month (during probation) → 3 months (after 6 months) → 4 months (after 3 years) → 5 months (after 6 years) → 6 months (after 9 years).
  • You resigning: always 1 month from the end of the current month, regardless of seniority.

For non-Funktionær roles, notice periods are set by collective agreement or individual contract. Always check your employment contract.

Being fired

Employers can fire you, but the dismissal must be reasonable (sagligt begrundet). Valid reasons include redundancy, restructuring, poor performance (with documentation), and repeated absence. Dismissal for discriminatory reasons (gender, age, ethnicity, pregnancy) is illegal.

If you believe you were fired unfairly, contact your trade union (fagforening) – they can negotiate on your behalf or take the case to an industrial tribunal.

Resigning

Submit your resignation in writing. Your notice period is typically 1 month from the end of the current month. So if you resign on 15 March, your last day is 30 April. Your employer may ask you to work the notice period or release you (garden leave).

Dagpenge (unemployment benefits)

If you lose your job involuntarily and meet the requirements, you can receive dagpenge for up to 2 years. Requirements:

  • Member of an A-kasse for at least 12 months
  • Worked a minimum number of hours (approximately 1,924 hours in the past 3 years for full-time)
  • Available for work and actively job-seeking
  • Registered at the Jobcenter

The maximum dagpenge rate is approximately 19,700 DKK/month (2026). It’s less than most salaries but covers basic expenses while you search.

If you resigned voluntarily

You may face a 3-week waiting period (karantæne) before dagpenge starts if you quit without a valid reason.”Valid reasons” include harassment, unsafe working conditions, or following a spouse who’s relocated. Simply wanting a change is not a valid reason.

Making an A-kasse claim

Register at the Jobcenter

Register as unemployed at your local Jobcenter on the first day of unemployment. This is mandatory for dagpenge.

Contact your A-kasse

Notify your A-kasse and submit a claim. They’ll verify your membership, work history, and reason for unemployment.

Create a CV on Jobnet.dk

Upload your CV to Jobnet.dk within the first 2 weeks. This is a requirement.

Attend meetings and apply for jobs

You must attend regular meetings at the Jobcenter and demonstrate active job searching. Apply for a minimum number of jobs per week (your A-kasse will specify).

Impact on your work permit

If you’re a non-EU citizen with a work permit tied to a specific employer, losing that job means your permit is no longer valid. You typically have a short grace period to find a new position and apply for a new permit. Contact SIRI immediately if this happens – the rules are strict and timelines are tight.

EU citizens are not affected – your right to stay in Denmark doesn’t depend on a specific employer.

Common problems

I wasn’t a member of an A-kasse

Without A-kasse membership of at least 12 months, you cannot receive dagpenge. You may be eligible for kontanthjælp (social assistance) from the municipality, but it’s means-tested and lower. This is why joining an A-kasse early is critical – see the A-kasse guide.

I want to start my own business instead of job searching

You may be able to receive dagpenge while starting a business for up to 6 months under certain A-kasse schemes. Discuss with your A-kasse before starting.

Questions and answers

How long can I receive dagpenge?

Up to 2 years (within a 3-year reference period). After that, you transition to other support or must have found employment.

Can I receive dagpenge if I find part-time work?

Yes – supplementary dagpenge can top up your income if you’re working part-time but seeking full-time employment.

What about my pension during unemployment?

You don’t accrue employer pension during unemployment, but ATP (the mandatory pension) may continue at a reduced rate.

Sources

  1. borger.dk – dagpenge and unemployment rights.
  2. Life in Denmark – employment termination.