Time Off in Denmark: Sick Days, Vacation & Sabbaticals (2025) | exploringdenmark

Time Off in Denmark: Sick Days, Vacation & Sabbaticals (2025)

How to call in sick, book paid vacation, or arrange a sabbatical (“orlov”) in Denmark—your rights, typical employer rules, and practical steps for 2025.

Quick facts: You earn 25 paid vacation days/year (2.08 per month). Sick pay often starts from day 1, and longer unpaid leave is possible by agreement (“orlov”).

Sick Days (“Sygedage”)

📞 Notify early

Call or email your manager/HR as soon as you know you can’t work—ideally before your shift. You don’t need to disclose your diagnosis.

💶 Sick pay

Many contracts pay full salary from day 1. Otherwise statutory benefit (“sygedagpenge”) applies—initially via employer, then kommune for longer absences.

🩺 Doctor’s note

Often not needed for 1–3 days. Employers can request a certificate (e.g., “friattest”) for longer/repeated illness or to assess fitness for work.

Paid Vacation (“Ferie”)

📅 Accrual

Earn 2.08 days/month (25/year). Many Danes take a long break in July and a few days around Christmas/Easter.

✅ Booking

Request through email or HR system in good time. Employers should accommodate but can decline specific dates for operational reasons.

💼 Holiday pay

Handled by your employer or FerieKonto/Feriepengeinfo. Check payslips and ask HR how your holiday funds are managed.

Sabbaticals & Leave (“Orlov”)

🧳 What is orlov?

An agreed longer break—often unpaid—for study, travel, caregiving, or rest. Terms depend on your contract and workplace policy.

✍️ Requesting leave

Discuss timing well in advance. There’s no general statutory right to a sabbatical—negotiate duration and return conditions in writing.

🛡️ While away

Clarify whether your job is held, and how pension/benefits are handled. Policies vary—get written confirmation from HR.

Useful Links & Help

⚖️ Employee rights

Know your rights and duties at work. Read more

💼 Working in Denmark

Contracts, benefits, and culture. Read more

🤝 Trade unions & A-kasse

Legal help and unemployment insurance. Read more

⚖️ Work–life balance

Flex time, parental leave, wellbeing. Read more

Frequently asked questions

🩺 Do I need a doctor’s note?

Usually only after ~3 days or if your employer asks. Short absences typically just require notification.

📆 How much vacation do I get?

25 days by law. Some employers add “feriefridage” (extra days)—check your contract or handbook.

🛬 Sick on vacation?

Inform your employer immediately and get documentation. Sick days can usually be rebooked as vacation later.

🧭 Is sabbatical guaranteed?

No. General sabbaticals are by agreement unless a specific scheme (e.g., parental/education leave) applies.

💳 Who pays for sick leave?

Often the employer initially; for longer illness, municipal benefits may take over. Exact terms depend on your contract/collective agreement.

📣 Where can I get help?

Talk to HR, your union/A-kasse, or see lifeindenmark.borger.dk.

Need help planning your leave?

Tell us your contract type and timeline—we’ll send a checklist and point you to English-speaking support.