Working
Parental leave, 52 weeks, shared and earmarked
The one-line versionDenmark gives parents up to 52 weeks of leave with barselsdagpenge, with 11 weeks earmarked per parent that cannot be transferred. Many employers top up to full salary - check your agreement.
How the leave is structured
Danish parental leave (barsel) under the Barsel Act gives parents up to 52 weeks in total relating to the child. The 2022 reform (still current in 2026) splits it into individual and shared portions to encourage both parents to take time:
- Mother: 4 weeks before birth, plus leave after birth including earmarked weeks.
- Father/co-parent: 2 weeks within the first 10 weeks, plus 9 earmarked weeks.
- Earmarked: 11 weeks per parent are non-transferable - use them or lose them.
- Shared: the remaining weeks can be divided between parents as you choose.
What you are paid
During leave you receive barselsdagpenge from Udbetaling Danmark - a maximum of roughly DKK 4,650-4,695 per week (2026), the same ceiling as sickness benefit. That is well below most salaries, which is why the employer top-up matters so much.
The top-up is where the real money isMany employers - especially public sector and larger private firms - top barselsdagpenge up to full salary for part or all of the leave, per collective agreement or contract. This varies hugely, so check your overenskomst before you plan. A union can confirm exactly what you are entitled to.
Practical points
- Rights apply to anyone working in Denmark with a CPR number, regardless of nationality or permit type.
- You keep accruing holiday during leave.
- Some weeks can be postponed and used before the child turns 9, if your agreement allows.
- Report leave via your employer, or via Jobnet if you are unemployed.
The earmarked weeks don't transferEach parent's 11 earmarked weeks are lost if unused - they cannot be signed over to the other parent. Plan together early so neither parent forfeits time.
Common questions
Does my permit affect my barsel rights?
No - parental leave rights apply to anyone working here with a CPR number, whatever your nationality or permit.
Will I get full pay?
Only if your employer or collective agreement tops up barselsdagpenge. Statutory benefit alone is capped well below most salaries.
Can we split the leave freely?
The shared weeks, yes. But 11 weeks per parent are earmarked and non-transferable.
Verified July 2026 against official sources: borger.dk, the Barsel Act (Barselsloven), the Salaried Employees Act (Funktionaerloven), virk.dk and skat.dk. Figures are 2026 levels and reset each January. General information, not legal advice - see our editorial policy.