How to join an a-kasse in Denmark
Signing up takes about ten minutes online and there is no health check, no waiting list and no age limit. The only thing that matters is that you start the clock as early as possible.
- 1
Get your CPR number and MitID
Every a-kasse signs you up digitally with MitID. If you have just arrived, register at International Citizen Service or your local Borgerservice first β you cannot join without a CPR number.
- 2
Pick a fund
Compare price, whether the fund answers in English, and whether it accepts your profession. All funds pay the same dagpenge, so you are buying service and price, not benefit level.
- 3
Fill in the online form
You will state your job, education and whether you are currently a member elsewhere. Choose full-time insurance unless you consistently work under 30 hours per week.
- 4
Confirm the start date
Membership normally starts the day the fund receives your application. Save the confirmation β the start date is the date your 12-month qualifying period begins.
- 5
Switching from another fund
Your new fund handles the transfer and your seniority follows you, so you lose nothing. Never cancel the old membership yourself; a gap of even one day resets your qualifying period.
Mistakes that cost real money
- Waiting until you are worried about your job β the 12-month clock has not started yet.
- Cancelling your old fund before the new one confirms the transfer.
- Choosing part-time insurance while working full time, which lowers your future dagpenge.
- Not registering on Jobnet.dk on your first day of unemployment β those days are lost.
- Forgetting to ask for a PD U1 when moving to Denmark from another EU country, which can count your foreign insurance periods.
Compare the major Danish a-kasser
| A-kasse | Open for | Price | Union | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Din Sundhedsfaglige A-kasse | Healthcare professionals | 513 DKK/month 6,156 DKK per year Verified Β· dsa.dk | Not verified |
|
| AJKS | Journalism, media & communication | 514 DKK/month 6,168 DKK per year Verified Β· ajks.dk | No union | |
| BUPL-A | Pedagogues & early childhood education | 516 DKK/month 6,192 DKK per year Verified Β· bupl.dk | Not verified |
|
| Akademikernes A-kasse | University graduates & students | 517 DKK/month 6,204 DKK per year Verified Β· aka.dk | No union |
|
| A&Til (former FTFa) | Everyone | 521 DKK/month 6,252 DKK per year Verified Β· aogtil.dk | No union |
|
| Lærernes A-kasse | Teachers & education | 521 DKK/month 6,252 DKK per year Verified · laka.dk | Not verified |
|
| Det Faglige Hus | Everyone | 528 DKK/month 6,336 DKK per year Verified Β· detfagligehus.dk | Not verified |
|
| Min A-kasse | Sales, IT & business | 542 DKK/month 6,504 DKK per year Verified Β· minakasse.dk | No union |
|
Some Danish unions market their own a-kasse brand β for example IDA and Business Danmark β but the a-kasse membership itself is administered by Akademikernes A-kasse and Min A-kasse respectively. They are listed here under the fund that actually administers them.
Price and source shown per fund. Prices and calculations are kept up to date, but always check the official source for the latest figures and rules. Akasse.io is independent and is not an a-kasse.
Joining an a-kasse: questions people also ask
- How long does it take to join an a-kasse?
- The online sign-up takes about ten minutes with MitID, and membership normally starts the same day the fund receives your application. There is no health check, no waiting list and no age limit.
- When should I join an a-kasse after moving to Denmark?
- As early as possible β ideally the week you get your CPR number. You need 12 months of membership plus an income record before you can claim dagpenge, so the start date decides when your cover begins.
- Can I join an a-kasse if I am already unemployed?
- You can join at any time, but you cannot claim dagpenge for the period before you qualify. Joining while unemployed still makes sense because the 12-month membership clock starts running immediately.
- How do I switch a-kasse without losing seniority?
- Sign up with the new fund and let them handle the transfer. Your membership seniority follows you, so nothing is lost. Never cancel the old membership yourself β a gap of even one day can reset your qualifying period.
- Do students pay for a-kasse membership?
- Several funds offer free or heavily discounted membership while you study. Graduates who join no later than 2 weeks after finishing a programme of at least 18 months can get graduate benefits without meeting the ordinary 12-month and income requirements; payments normally start one month after finishing, with no waiting month if you were a member for at least a year before graduating. The table shows which funds are free for students.
- Can non-EU citizens join a Danish a-kasse?
- Yes, if you have a CPR number and a valid residence and work permit. The permit type can affect your right to dagpenge, so confirm your own situation with the fund before you rely on it.