# Akasse.io — full knowledge base > Compare 21 of Denmark's 21 state-recognised a-kasser in English. Prices from 513 DKK/month, a standard maximum dagpenge of 22,041 DKK a month, and step-by-step guides for internationals living in Denmark. Source: https://akasse.io. Content last updated 2026-08-26. Each price carries the source URL it was read from and the date it was checked. This site covers 21 of Denmark's 21 state-recognised a-kasser. Akasse.io is independent, has no commission or partner agreements with any a-kasse, is not an a-kasse itself and does not provide legal advice. ## Comparison of Danish a-kasser | A-kasse | STAR no. | Monthly fee (DKK) | Price source | Union fee (DKK) | Open for | English service | Free for students | Salary insurance | Website | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Din Sundhedsfaglige A-kasse | D76 | 513 | https://dsa.dk/medlemskab/danmarks-billigste-a-kasse/kontingent (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Healthcare professionals | no | yes | yes | https://www.dsa.dk | | AJKS | D10 | 514 | https://ajks.dk/priser-billig-kasse (checked 2026-09-11) | no union | Journalism, media & communication | unverified | no | no | https://ajks.dk | | BUPL-A | D81 | 516 | https://bupl.dk (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Pedagogues & early childhood education | unverified | yes | no | https://bupl.dk | | Akademikernes A-kasse | D86 | 517 | https://www.aka.dk/medlemskab/kontingent/ (checked 2026-09-11) | no union | University graduates & students | yes | yes | yes | https://www.aka.dk | | A&Til (former FTFa) | D92 | 521 | https://aogtil.dk/ (checked 2026-09-11) | no union | Everyone | yes | yes | yes | https://www.aogtil.dk | | Lærernes A-kasse | D18 | 521 | https://laka.dk/kontingent (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Teachers & education | no | yes | no | https://laka.dk | | Det Faglige Hus | D22 | 528 | https://www.detfagligehus.dk/bliv-medlem/priser-for-fagforening-og-a-kasse/ (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Everyone | no | yes | yes | https://www.detfagligehus.dk | | Min A-kasse | D57 | 542 | https://minakasse.dk/nyheder/a-kassernes-kontingent-stiger-ved-aarsskiftet/ (checked 2026-09-11) | no union | Sales, IT & business | yes | yes | yes | https://www.minakasse.dk | | Lederne A-kasse | D67 | 542 | https://www.lederne.dk/medlemskab (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Managers & executives | yes | no | yes | https://www.lederne.dk | | HK Danmarks A-kasse | D53 | 552 | https://www.hk.dk/blivmedlem/akasse (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Admin, HR & customer service | no | yes | yes | https://www.hk.dk | | FOAs A-kasse | D17 | 552 | https://www.foa.dk (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Care, social & public service | unverified | no | yes | https://www.foa.dk | | Frie | D83 | 555 | https://frie.dk/loenmodtager/find-svar/medlemskab/forstaa-din-regning (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Everyone | no | yes | yes | https://www.frie.dk | | Krifa | D73 | 556 | https://www.krifa.dk/priser (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Everyone | yes | yes | yes | https://www.krifa.dk | | ASE | D94 | 560 | https://www.ase.dk/a-kasse/priser (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Everyone | yes | yes | yes | https://www.ase.dk | | CA A-kasse | D98 | 561 | https://www.ca.dk/a-kasse-og-dagpenge/kontingentsatser/ (checked 2026-09-11) | not verified | Sales, IT & business | yes | yes | yes | https://www.ca.dk | | MA — Magistrenes A-kasse | D88 | 562 | https://ma-kasse.dk/hvorfor-blive-medlem/medlemskab/kontingentet-i-2026/ (checked 2026-09-11) | no union | University graduates & students | yes | yes | no | https://www.ma-kasse.dk | | 3F A-kasse | D15 | 570 | https://www.3f.dk/bliv-medlem/derfor-skal-du-vaelge-3f/kontingent-til-3f-og-a-kassen (checked 2026-09-11) | 501 | Skilled trades & industry | no | no | no | https://www.3f.dk | | Teknikernes A-kasse | D72 | 573 | https://tl.dk/hvorfor-tl/ (checked 2026-09-11) | 445 | Technicians, designers & draughtsmen | unverified | yes | yes | https://tl.dk | | Metal A-kasse | D24 | not verified | not verified | not verified | Skilled trades & industry | no | no | yes | https://www.danskmetal.dk | | Socialpædagogernes A-kasse | D14 | not verified | not verified | not verified | Social educators | unverified | yes | no | https://sl.dk | | Din Faglige A-kasse | D40 | not verified | not verified | not verified | Electricians, plumbers, painters & food industry | unverified | no | no | https://www.fa-k.dk | ## Dagpenge key figures 2026 - Standard maximum, full-time insured: 22,041 DKK/month before tax (about 5,085 DKK/week), capped at 90% of previous income. Part-time insured: 14,694 DKK/month. - Employment supplement (beskæftigelsestillæg), first 3 months: up to 26,198 DKK/month, only for members with at least 4 years' unbroken membership who worked 2 of the last 3 years and had an income of at least 547,008 DKK over 3 years. - Graduate rates: 18,074 DKK/month with dependants; 15,759 DKK for the first 3 months without dependants, then 13,690 DKK (30+) or 10,838 DKK (under 30). - First-time qualification: 12 months of membership + an income of 286,632 DKK within 3 years (max 23,886 DKK counted per month). - Re-qualification after using up the benefit period: 1,924 paid working hours within 3 years (full-time insured). - Duration: up to 104 weeks (2 years within 3 years). No general waiting period; the employer pays the first 2 G-days after a dismissal, and karens costs one day's benefit every 4 months unless you worked at least 148 hours in the period. ## Cheapest A-kasse in Denmark 2026: Full Price Comparison URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/cheapest-a-kasse-in-denmark **Quick answer:** In 2026 the cheapest a-kasse open to everyone in our comparison is A&Til (former FTFa) at 521 DKK per month. Within their own admission areas two funds are lower: Din Sundhedsfaglige A-kasse at 513 DKK for health professionals, and Akademikernes A-kasse at 517 DKK for university graduates and students. After the tax deduction, the real cost of the cheapest funds is around 380 DKK per month. **Key facts** - Cheapest open to everyone: A&Til (former FTFa) — 521 DKK/month - Cheapest for graduates: Akademikernes A-kasse — 517 DKK/month - Cheapest in our comparison: Din Sundhedsfaglige A-kasse — 513 DKK/month (health professionals) - Most expensive verified: 573 DKK/month - Real spread: About 60 DKK/month, 720 DKK/year - Free for students: Most funds ### Why all a-kasser cost roughly the same A large, fixed part of your monthly fee is a state contribution that every fund must collect and pass on. Only the administration margin on top is genuinely competitive, which is why the entire market sits inside a 60 DKK band. Anyone advertising a dramatically cheaper a-kasse is either bundling something, or not talking about a-kasse at all. ### The real cost after tax Membership fees are deductible, so with a typical marginal deduction value of about 26% a 521 DKK fee costs you roughly 386 DKK. Over ten years the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive verified fund is around 5,328 DKK after tax — real money, but small enough that English-language service or specialist advice can be worth paying for. ### Where the price can mislead you Three traps show up repeatedly when people compare quotes. - Bundled union: some quotes include a fagforening you do not have to buy. HK's union alone costs more than the a-kasse fee. - Introductory offers: a low first-year price that jumps afterwards. - Salary insurance: lønsikring is a separate insurance product with its own premium, not part of the membership fee. ### Cheapest is not always right If you are a graduate, an academic fund gives you advisers who understand your labour market. If your Danish is limited, a fund with a dedicated English line will save you far more than 50 DKK a month the first time a dagpengekort goes wrong. Price should be the tiebreaker, not the only criterion. ### Questions people also ask **Which a-kasse is cheapest in Denmark right now?** A&Til (former FTFa) at 521 DKK per month among funds open to everyone in our comparison, and Akademikernes A-kasse at 517 DKK for university graduates and students. **Is a cheap a-kasse worse?** No. Dagpenge is set by law, so every fund pays exactly the same benefit. Price differences reflect administration and extra services only. **Can I get a free a-kasse as a student?** Most funds offer free membership while you study on a higher-education programme. It is free protection, though it does not raise your rate: graduates get the fixed graduate rate unless they meet the ordinary income and membership requirements. **How much can I save by switching?** Up to about 720 DKK a year between the cheapest and the most expensive verified fund in our comparison, and more if you are currently paying for a bundled union you never use. ## Dagpenge After You Resign: Quarantine Rules Explained URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/dagpenge-after-you-resign **Quick answer:** If you resign without a valid reason you are self-inflicted unemployed and get a three-week quarantine before dagpenge begins. Quitting twice within 12 months makes the second quarantine effective for the rest of that period until you work 276 hours again. **Key facts** - Standard quarantine: 3 weeks (111 hours) without benefit - Second resignation in 12 months: Benefit blocked until 276 hours of work - Valid reason: No quarantine — must be documented - Applies to: Resignations and dismissals you caused ### What counts as self-inflicted unemployment The rule covers more than resigning. Being dismissed for something you did, refusing an offered job, dropping out of an agreed activation programme, or ending a fixed-term contract early all count as selvforskyldt ledighed and trigger the same three-week quarantine. The quarantine is not a delay you can wait out passively: it is measured in 111 hours of registered unemployment, so you must still be registered on Jobnet.dk and searching for work throughout. ### Valid reasons that avoid the quarantine Your a-kasse assesses each case individually and needs documentation, not explanations after the fact. Recognised grounds include: - A doctor-documented health problem that makes the job unsuitable for you - Moving because your spouse or registered partner takes a job elsewhere in Denmark - The employer breaching the contract — unpaid salary, unsafe conditions, harassment - The job being unsuitable relative to your qualifications on the agreed terms - An unreasonable commute caused by the employer relocating ### Agreed resignation and severance A 'mutually agreed' exit is usually treated as a resignation unless the paperwork clearly shows the employer initiated it. If you are negotiating an exit agreement, insist that the document states the employer terminated the employment, and send the draft to your a-kasse before signing. Severance pay or salary in lieu of notice also postpones dagpenge for the period it covers. You cannot receive both at once. ### Before you quit: three practical rules Call your a-kasse first — free, confidential, and they will tell you exactly how your case will be assessed. Never resign before a new contract is signed. And collect documentation while you are still employed: emails, medical notes and written complaints are much harder to obtain afterwards. ### Questions people also ask **How long is the a-kasse quarantine in Denmark?** Three weeks — technically 111 hours of registered unemployment — for a first self-inflicted unemployment within 12 months. **Can I get dagpenge if I quit for health reasons?** Yes, if you can document with medical evidence that the job was harmful to your health. Get the documentation before you resign. **What if I quit twice in one year?** The second time, your entitlement is blocked until you have worked 276 hours within three months as a paid employee. **Does the quarantine apply if I am dismissed?** Not for ordinary redundancy. It applies only if the dismissal was caused by your own conduct, which the a-kasse investigates with your employer. ## Feriepenge and Holiday Rules in Denmark: How Holiday Pay Works URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/holiday-pay-feriepenge **Quick answer:** In Denmark you earn 2.08 paid holiday days for every month worked — 25 days a year — and can take them almost immediately under the concurrent holiday system. Employees paid by the hour receive 12.5% of their salary as feriepenge instead of paid days off. **Key facts** - Accrual: 2.08 days per month worked - Annual entitlement: 25 days (5 weeks) - Feriepenge rate: 12.5% of gross salary - Holiday year: 1 September – 31 August, with 4 months to use - Where to check: borger.dk / Feriepengeinfo ### Concurrent holiday (samtidighedsferie) Since 2020 Denmark uses concurrent holiday: you can take the days you earn in the same holiday year, rather than waiting a year as under the old system. The holiday year runs 1 September to 31 August, and you have a further four months, until 31 December, to use the days you accrued. ### Paid holiday versus feriepenge Salaried employees with holiday-with-pay (ferie med løn) simply keep receiving their normal salary while on holiday, plus a holiday supplement of at least 1% of the annual salary. Others accrue 12.5% of gross earnings as feriepenge, which is held by the employer or the FerieKonto fund and paid out when the holiday is taken. Both routes are worth the same amount overall. The difference is only who holds the money until you use the days. ### When you change or lose a job Unused holiday accrual is converted into feriepenge and transferred to FerieKonto. You claim it via borger.dk when you take the holiday, and it must be requested — money left unclaimed after the deadline can be forfeited to the state holiday fund. If you leave Denmark permanently, you can normally apply to have outstanding feriepenge paid out without taking holiday. Do this before you deregister your Danish address if possible. ### Holiday while on dagpenge You can take holiday while unemployed, but you must register it with your a-kasse in advance. Days covered by feriepenge are not paid as dagpenge — you cannot receive both for the same day, and unregistered absence counts as being unavailable for work. ### Sixth holiday week and public holidays Many collective agreements add a sixth week of holiday or extra care days (feriefridage) on top of the statutory five weeks. Danish public holidays are separate again and depend on your contract. Check your overenskomst — none of this is guaranteed by the Holiday Act alone. ### Questions people also ask **How many holiday days do you get in Denmark?** 25 statutory days per holiday year, accrued at 2.08 days per month. Many collective agreements add a sixth week. **What is feriepenge?** Holiday pay worth 12.5% of your gross salary, set aside for you and paid out when you take holiday. It is the alternative to being paid your normal salary during holiday. **How do I get my feriepenge paid out?** Log in to borger.dk with MitID and request the payment for the holiday period you are taking. It is paid to your NemKonto. **Can I get my feriepenge if I leave Denmark?** Usually yes — you can apply for payout when you permanently leave the Danish labour market. Apply as early as possible, ideally before deregistering your address. ## How to Apply for Dagpenge as a Foreigner in Denmark (2026 Guide) URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/how-to-apply-for-dagpenge-as-a-foreigner **Quick answer:** To apply for dagpenge (unemployment benefits) as a foreigner in Denmark, you first need to join a recognised unemployment insurance fund (a-kasse) and meet its membership and income requirements, then register as a jobseeker on Jobnet and submit your dagpenge application through your a-kasse within the deadline after your last day of work. Before any of that, you need a CPR number, MitID (Danish digital ID), and a NemKonto (bank account linked to your CPR) set up, since these are required to log in to Jobnet and receive payments. The whole process is largely digital, so having your admin basics sorted early makes it much smoother. **Key facts** - Who pays dagpenge: Your unemployment insurance fund (a-kasse), not the municipality - Where you register as jobseeker: Jobnet.dk, from your first day of unemployment - Digital ID needed: MitID, linked to your CPR number - Payment account: NemKonto, a bank account registered to your CPR - Number of recognised a-kasser: 21 statsanerkendte a-kasser in Denmark (2026), according to star.dk - Income requirement for ordinary dagpenge right: 286.632 kr. earned within the last 3 years (2026), according to borger.dk ### What do I need in place before I can even apply? Before you can apply for dagpenge, you need three pieces of Danish digital infrastructure: a CPR number (your personal identification number), MitID (the national digital ID used to log in to almost every Danish public service), and a NemKonto (a bank account registered to your CPR for receiving public payments, including dagpenge). If you have been working and living in Denmark, you likely already have all three. If you are missing any of them, sort this out as early as possible, because Jobnet, your a-kasse's self-service system, and SKAT (the tax authority) all require MitID login, and your a-kasse cannot pay you without a registered NemKonto. - CPR number - obtained via the municipality (kommune) when you register your address in Denmark - MitID - applied for once you have a CPR number, often at a citizen service centre (Borgerservice) - NemKonto - usually set up automatically when you open a Danish bank account and register your CPR with it ### Do I need to be a member of an a-kasse first? Yes. Dagpenge in Denmark is administered through unemployment insurance funds (a-kasser), not directly by the state or the municipality. You must already be a paying member of a recognised a-kasse (statsanerkendt a-kasse) before you lose your job, or join as soon as possible, since membership length and income history affect whether and how much you can receive. As of 2026 there are 21 recognised a-kasser in Denmark, according to star.dk, some organised by profession and others open to any industry. It is worth comparing options for membership fees and services before choosing one, since this is a personal decision based on your job type and preferences. ### How do I actually register and apply, step by step? The process generally follows a set order, and timing matters because missing deadlines can delay or reduce your payments. Register as a jobseeker on Jobnet on your first day without work or notice of upcoming unemployment - this is a legal requirement, not optional. Then contact your a-kasse to formally apply for dagpenge, usually through their own online self-service portal linked to your MitID login. Your a-kasse will ask for documentation of your employment history, income, and the reason your job ended, since this affects eligibility and any waiting periods. - Day 1 of unemployment (or as soon as notice is given): register as jobseeker on Jobnet.dk - Immediately after: log in to your a-kasse's self-service system and submit your dagpenge application - Provide requested documents: employment contracts, payslips, termination letter, and ID - Keep your CV updated on Jobnet, since an incomplete or outdated CV can delay approval - Attend any introductory meeting your a-kasse schedules, often within the first weeks ### What determines how much I get and for how long? Your dagpenge rate depends on your prior income and whether you are a new graduate (dimittend) or an experienced worker, and your benefit period depends on meeting an income or hours requirement. As of 2026, the highest monthly dagpenge rate for a fully insured member is 22.041 kr. before tax, according to borger.dk. New graduates without dependants receive a dimittendsats of 15.759 kr. per month before tax, or 18.074 kr. per month before tax if they have dependants, as of 2026, according to borger.dk. To qualify for ordinary dagpenge rights as a fully insured member, you generally need to have earned at least 286.632 kr. within the last 3 years, according to borger.dk. These figures are adjusted periodically, so always check the current numbers on borger.dk before planning your finances around them. ### What if I'm on a work permit or residence permit? Losing your job can affect more than your income if your right to stay in Denmark is tied to your employment, for example under a work permit scheme. Applying for dagpenge itself does not automatically determine your immigration status, but the rules connecting unemployment, job search timelines, and residence permits can be strict and vary by permit type. Individual cases vary significantly depending on your specific permit and circumstances, so if your residence status depends on employment, it is worth getting advice from SIRI (New to Denmark), your a-kasse caseworker, or a lawyer before you rely on any general information, including this article, to make decisions. ### Questions people also ask **Can I apply for dagpenge without a CPR number?** No. A CPR number is the foundation for MitID, NemKonto, and Jobnet registration, all of which are required steps in the dagpenge application process, so you need a CPR number before you can meaningfully begin. **How soon after losing my job should I register on Jobnet?** You should register as a jobseeker on Jobnet on your very first day of unemployment or as soon as you receive notice, since delays in registration can affect your dagpenge payments. **Do I apply for dagpenge through the municipality or my a-kasse?** Through your a-kasse. Dagpenge is managed by unemployment insurance funds, not municipalities, so your application, documentation, and ongoing compliance checks go through whichever a-kasse you are a member of. **What happens if I don't have MitID yet?** You will need to obtain MitID before you can log in to Jobnet or most a-kasse self-service systems, so it is worth arranging this as early as possible, ideally through a citizen service centre (Borgerservice) once you have a CPR number. **Will applying for dagpenge affect my residence permit?** It depends on the type of permit you hold and your individual circumstances, so this is not something that can be answered generally. If your residence status is linked to employment, get specific advice from SIRI, your a-kasse, or a lawyer. ## Jobnet.dk and Joblog: What You Must Do Every Week URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/jobnet-and-joblog-requirements **Quick answer:** To receive dagpenge you must register as a jobseeker on Jobnet.dk on your first day of unemployment, publish a CV there within two weeks, log every job application in the joblog, and confirm your job search on Jobnet at least once every seven days. **Key facts** - Register: First day of unemployment — no retroactive benefit - CV deadline: Within 2 weeks of registering - Confirm job search: Every 7 days - Applications: Typically 2 per week, logged - Missing a step: Sanction — lost benefit days ### Day one is a hard deadline Dagpenge is never paid for days before you registered as a jobseeker. If your job ends on the 31st and you register on the 5th, those five days are simply gone. Register on Jobnet.dk with MitID the moment you know you are unemployed — you can do it before your notice period ends. ### The weekly rhythm Four recurring obligations keep your payment running. - Confirm your job search on Jobnet at least every 7 days — the reminder email is not a substitute - Log every application in the joblog, with date, employer, role and how you applied - Read your Jobnet and e-Boks messages; meeting invitations are legally served there - Attend every meeting with your a-kasse and Jobcenteret, including digital ones ### What a good joblog entry looks like Your fund assesses whether your search is realistic and broad enough, so quality counts. Record unsolicited applications too, note whether the job was full time, and keep the application text if the fund asks for documentation. Two applications a week is the normal expectation, but your specific agreement can require more. ### Sanctions and how to avoid them Missing a confirmation deadline removes you from the register and stops your benefit until you re-register. Missing a meeting without notice suspends payment from that day until you contact the Jobcenter. Refusing a reasonable job offer costs three weeks of benefit. If you are ill, on holiday or travelling, report it in advance — sickness and agreed holiday are handled routinely, but only if you tell them before, not after. ### Questions people also ask **Is Jobnet.dk available in English?** The interface is primarily Danish, with limited English support. Most a-kasser with English advisers will walk you through the first registration on the phone. **How many jobs must I apply for per week?** Usually two, but the exact expectation is agreed with your a-kasse and depends on your field and the state of your local labour market. **What happens if I forget to confirm my job search?** You are deregistered and benefit stops from that date. Log in and re-register immediately; days in between are usually lost. **Do I have to accept any job offered?** You must accept any reasonable job, including outside your field, with up to about three hours of daily commuting. Refusing costs three weeks of benefit. ## Danish Tax Explained: AM-bidrag, Deductions and Your Payslip URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/danish-tax-for-internationals **Quick answer:** Danish salary tax is deducted at source in two layers: 8% AM-bidrag (labour market contribution) off the gross amount, then A-tax on the remainder according to your tax card. Typical total taxation is 35–45%, reduced by the personal allowance, the employment deduction and deductible items such as your a-kasse fee and commuting costs. **Key facts** - AM-bidrag: 8% of gross salary - Personal allowance: Tax-free base amount per year - Employment deduction: Automatic, percentage of income up to a cap - A-kasse fee: Deductible - Annual tax return: Årsopgørelse, published each March ### How the deduction stack works Your employer first removes 8% AM-bidrag from the gross salary. What remains is your A-income, and A-tax is withheld from it using the tax card (skattekort) that SKAT sends your employer electronically. Two figures on that card drive everything: your withholding rate (trækprocent) and your monthly deduction (fradrag), the slice of income taxed at zero. If your tax card is missing, your employer must withhold 55%. That happens routinely to new arrivals — fix it in E-tax (TastSelv) and the excess comes back. ### Deductions worth claiming Some are automatic, others you must enter yourself in your preliminary income assessment. - Beskæftigelsesfradrag — employment deduction, calculated automatically - A-kasse and trade union fees — usually reported by the fund - Kørselsfradrag — commuting deduction beyond 24 km round trip per working day - Interest on loans, including student debt - Cross-border and double-taxation relief if you also pay tax abroad ### Two special schemes for internationals The researcher and key-employee scheme (forskerordningen) allows qualifying high-salary and research hires to be taxed at a flat rate plus AM-bidrag for a limited number of years. Cross-border commuters living in Sweden or Germany may qualify as grænsegængere and claim Danish personal deductions. Both have strict conditions — check with SKAT or your employer's payroll team before assuming you qualify. ### The yearly cycle In November you set your forskudsopgørelse — the preliminary assessment that shapes next year's tax card. In March you receive your årsopgørelse, the annual statement, and any overpaid tax is refunded to your NemKonto in April. Keep your address, income and deductions updated during the year to avoid an unpleasant balance. ### Questions people also ask **What is AM-bidrag?** An 8% labour market contribution taken off your gross salary before income tax. Everyone with earned income pays it, and it is not affected by your personal allowance. **Why was 55% deducted from my first Danish salary?** Your employer had no tax card for you. Register with SKAT and request a tax card; the overpayment is returned via your annual statement or a corrected card. **Is dagpenge taxed?** Yes, as ordinary income with A-tax, but no AM-bidrag is charged on it. **Can I deduct my commute to work?** Yes, if your round trip exceeds 24 km on a working day. You enter it yourself in TastSelv — it is not automatic. ## A-kasse for Internationals: Rules for EU and Non-EU Workers URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/a-kasse-for-internationals **Quick answer:** Any foreigner living and working in Denmark with a CPR number can join an a-kasse on the same terms as Danish citizens. EU/EEA citizens can transfer insurance periods from their home country using a PD U1 document; non-EU citizens need a residence permit that allows work and must keep that permit valid to claim dagpenge. **Key facts** - Open to: All nationalities with a CPR number - EU transfer document: PD U1 from your previous insurer - Non-EU requirement: Valid residence and work permit - Exporting benefits: Up to 3 months in the EU/EEA with PD U2 ### You are not treated differently — but the timing is harder Danish unemployment insurance is nationality-blind. The obstacle for internationals is not discrimination, it is sequence: you need a CPR number before you can join, you need 12 months of membership before you can claim, and many people only hear the word 'a-kasse' a year into their stay. That lost year is the entire problem. ### EU and EEA citizens: bring your insurance history If you were insured against unemployment in another EU/EEA country, Switzerland or the UK under transitional rules, ask that country's insurer for a PD U1 document before you leave. Give it to your Danish a-kasse within eight weeks of arriving and joining, and your foreign membership periods can be counted towards the Danish qualifying period. You still need to have worked in Denmark — typically 296 hours over three months — before the foreign periods can be used. But it can turn a 12-month wait into a three-month wait. ### Non-EU citizens: your permit is the limiting factor You can join and claim like anyone else, but only while your residence permit allows you to work and live in Denmark. Permits tied to a single employer — including many Pay Limit Scheme and Positive List permits — end when that job ends, and you usually have a limited job-search period to find new sponsorship. Receiving dagpenge is an insurance payout, not social assistance, but some permit and permanent-residence rules still look at periods of public support. Check with SIRI before you rely on assumptions. ### Getting service in a language you understand Several funds run English-language advice, English member portals and English dagpengekort guidance — among them Akademikernes, A&Til, ASE, CA, Krifa and Min A-kasse. (IDA is a trade union, not an a-kasse — IDA members' a-kasse is Akademikernes A-kasse.) Since a mistake on a benefit card can cost a month's payment, English service is worth more than a small price difference. ### If you leave Denmark Ask your a-kasse for a PD U1 covering your Danish periods before you go — it is much harder to obtain from abroad. If you are already receiving dagpenge and want to job hunt in another EU/EEA country, a PD U2 can let you export the benefit for up to three months, but it must be approved before you travel. ### Questions people also ask **Can foreigners get dagpenge in Denmark?** Yes. There is no nationality requirement. You need membership, the work requirement, legal residence with the right to work, and to be available for the Danish labour market. **Does my unemployment insurance from Poland or Germany count in Denmark?** It can. Request a PD U1 from your previous insurer, hand it to your Danish a-kasse, and combine it with Danish work — normally at least 296 hours over three months. **Can I join an a-kasse on a working holiday or student visa?** Students on Danish higher education can usually join free. Short-term permits without a real right to work generally make a claim impossible even if the membership is accepted. **Which a-kasse is best for English speakers?** Funds with dedicated English advisers and English member portals: Akademikernes for graduates and engineers — including IDA members, whose a-kasse is Akademikernes A-kasse — A&Til, ASE and Krifa across all sectors, CA and Min A-kasse for business and IT. ## What is an A-kasse? Denmark's Unemployment Insurance Explained URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/what-is-an-a-kasse **Quick answer:** An a-kasse (arbejdsløshedskasse) is a private, state-supervised unemployment insurance fund. You pay 513–573 DKK a month in our comparison, and once you have 12 months of membership and meet the income requirement of 286,632 DKK over three years you can claim dagpenge — a standard maximum of 22,041 DKK a month before tax for full-time insured members — for up to two years within three years. **Key facts** - Monthly cost: 513–573 DKK, partly tax deductible - Mandatory?: No — entirely voluntary - Qualifying period: 12 months of membership - Income requirement: 286,632 DKK over 3 years (max 23,886 DKK/month counted) - Standard maximum payout: 22,041 DKK per month, full-time insured, up to 104 weeks ### The Danish safety net is opt-in In most countries, unemployment insurance is deducted automatically from your salary and you never think about it. Denmark works the other way around: the state runs no automatic employee insurance, and you must actively buy protection by joining an a-kasse. That single difference catches out thousands of internationals every year. An a-kasse is a private association supervised by the state. It collects your monthly fee, checks that you meet the legal requirements, and pays out dagpenge — the Danish unemployment benefit — on the state's behalf. Because the payout is set by law, every fund pays exactly the same amount. What differs is the price you pay and the service you get. ### What you get for the fee The core product is income protection. The standard maximum rate for full-time insured members is 22,041 DKK a month before tax in 2026, capped at 90% of your previous salary, for a maximum of two years within a three-year period; part-time insured members get up to 14,694 DKK. Your own rate depends on your circumstances. If you meet the conditions for the employment supplement (beskæftigelsestillæg) — at least 4 years' unbroken membership, work in 2 of the last 3 years and an income of at least 547,008 DKK over 3 years — you can receive up to 26,198 DKK for the first three months. - Dagpenge if you become unemployed, and supplementary dagpenge if your hours are cut - Career advice, CV reviews and job-search courses, usually free of charge - Help with the paperwork Jobcenteret and Jobnet demand of you - Access to optional salary insurance (lønsikring) that tops up the legal maximum - In several funds: dedicated English-language advisers ### Who can join Anyone who lives and works in Denmark and holds a CPR number can join, regardless of nationality. Non-EU citizens need a valid residence and work permit. Students on a Danish higher-education programme can typically join for free, and graduates who join no later than 2 weeks after finishing a programme of at least 18 months can claim graduate benefits without meeting the ordinary membership and income requirements. Self-employed people, freelancers and people running a business alongside a salaried job can also be members, though the rules for how their income is counted are stricter. If you invoice through your own CVR number, tell the fund before you sign up. ### What it does not cover An a-kasse does not pay you if you are sick — that is sygedagpenge from your employer or municipality. It does not cover the first days after a dismissal in some cases (see G-days), it does not pay while you are on parental leave, and it pays nothing at all if you quit your job without a valid reason, for the first three weeks of self-inflicted unemployment. ### Is it worth it for an international? Do the arithmetic. A year of membership costs 6,156–6,876 DKK in our comparison, and around a quarter of that comes back through your tax deduction. One month of dagpenge is worth up to 22,041 DKK for a full-time insured member. If you expect to stay in Denmark for more than about two years, or you work in a sector with layoffs, the insurance pays for itself the first time you use it. The alternative, kontanthjælp, is means-tested: savings above roughly 10,000 DKK, a working spouse, or too short a residence history can all reduce it to zero. Many internationals discover this only after losing a job. ### Questions people also ask **Is a-kasse the same as a fagforening?** No. An a-kasse insures your income; a fagforening (trade union) negotiates your pay and represents you in conflicts with your employer. They are sold separately and you can buy one without the other. **Can I join an a-kasse if I already lost my job?** You can join, but you cannot claim. Dagpenge requires 12 months of membership before your first day of unemployment, so joining after a dismissal only protects you against the next one. **Is the a-kasse fee tax deductible in Denmark?** Yes. Membership fees for both a-kasse and trade union are deductible on your annual tax return, which cuts the real cost by roughly 25–26%. Most funds report the amount to SKAT automatically. **What happens to my membership if I change jobs?** Nothing. Membership follows you, not your employer. Just keep paying the fee — even a single unpaid month can break your eligibility. ## Dagpenge Rate 2026: How Much Unemployment Benefit You Get URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/dagpenge-rate-2026 **Quick answer:** The standard maximum rate for full-time insured members is 22,041 DKK a month before tax in 2026 (about 5,085 DKK a week), equal to 90% of your previous salary up to that ceiling. Your own rate depends on your circumstances: part-time insured members get up to 14,694 DKK, members who meet the conditions for the employment supplement (beskæftigelsestillæg) up to 26,198 DKK for the first three months, and recent graduates fixed graduate rates. **Key facts** - Standard maximum, full-time insured: 22,041 DKK/month before tax - Maximum, part-time insured: 14,694 DKK/month before tax - First 3 months, with employment supplement: up to 26,198 DKK/month if you meet the conditions - Replacement rate: 90% of previous salary, capped - Duration: 104 weeks within 3 years - G-days and karens: Employer pays the first 2 days after a dismissal; karens costs one day's benefit every 4 months ### How the rate is calculated Your dagpenge is 90% of your average monthly income in the 12 best-paid months within the last 24 months — but never more than the legal maximum. In practice, anyone who earned more than about 24,490 DKK a month before tax lands exactly on the ceiling, which is why most recipients receive the same amount. Part-time insured members receive two-thirds of the full-time figures. Part-time insurance is only worth choosing if you consistently work under 30 hours a week; otherwise you pay slightly less and lose a third of your protection. ### The 2026 numbers All figures are gross, before AM-bidrag and income tax. - Standard full-time maximum: 22,041 DKK per month / about 5,085 DKK per week - Employment supplement (beskæftigelsestillæg), months 1–3: up to 26,198 DKK per month if you meet the conditions - Part-time maximum: 14,694 DKK per month - Graduate rate with dependants: 18,074 DKK per month - Graduate rate without dependants: 15,759 DKK per month for the first 3 months, then 13,690 DKK (age 30+) or 10,838 DKK (under 30) ### What you must have done to get it Two conditions run in parallel the first time you claim. First, 12 months of unbroken a-kasse membership. Second, an income of 286,632 DKK reported to SKAT within the last three years, with a maximum of 23,886 DKK counted per month (part-time insured: 191,088 DKK and 15,924 DKK). Neither can be bought retroactively. If you have used up your benefit period, you must re-qualify with 1,924 paid working hours within three years (full-time insured; 1,258 hours part-time). ### Tax, pension and the payout calendar Dagpenge is ordinary taxable income. AM-bidrag is not deducted, but A-tax is, using the tax card you already have. Your municipality does not top it up. You submit a dagpengekort (benefit card) at the end of every month, declaring hours worked, holidays and sickness. Payment reaches your NemKonto on the last banking day of the month. Miss the card, and payment is delayed until the next cycle. ### Things that reduce your payment Working hours are deducted hour for hour. Holiday pay covering a period you also claim for is offset. Failing to attend a Jobcenter meeting or to keep your joblog updated triggers a sanction, which means losing benefit days. Quitting voluntarily gives you a three-week quarantine. ### Questions people also ask **How much is dagpenge after tax?** With a typical Danish tax card, 22,041 DKK gross leaves roughly 14,500–15,500 DKK in your account. That is an illustrative example only — your own figure depends on your municipality, tax card and deductions. **How long can I receive dagpenge?** Up to 104 weeks (two years) of payment inside a three-year window. Working while insured re-earns entitlement. **Do students and new graduates get dagpenge?** Graduates who join an a-kasse no later than 2 weeks after finishing a programme of at least 18 months can claim fixed graduate rates: 18,074 DKK a month with dependants, or 15,759 DKK for the first three months without dependants and then 13,690 DKK (age 30+) or 10,838 DKK (under 30). Payment normally starts one month after finishing, but that waiting month does not apply if you were an a-kasse member for at least a year before graduating. Graduate benefits run for a maximum of one year within two years, and a Danish-language or work-hours requirement also applies — see borger.dk. Joining early as a student does not change the rate: you get the graduate rate unless you meet the ordinary income requirement plus 12 months of membership. **Is dagpenge paid from the first day of unemployment?** There is no general waiting period, but nothing is paid for days before you register as unemployed on Jobnet.dk. After a dismissal your employer pays the first 2 days of unemployment (G-days), and karens reduces your benefit by one day's payment every 4 months unless you worked at least 148 hours (full-time insured) in that period. ## What is Dagpenge? Denmark's Unemployment Benefit in Plain English URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/what-is-dagpenge-and-who-pays-it **Quick answer:** Dagpenge is Denmark's unemployment benefit, paid monthly by your own a-kasse — not by the municipality. You are entitled to it if you have been an insured member for 12 months, meet the work requirement, are registered as a jobseeker on Jobnet.dk and are actively looking for work. **Key facts** - Paid by: Your a-kasse, monthly in arrears - Requires: Membership + work requirement + active job search - Means-tested?: No — savings and spouse's income are ignored - Alternative: Kontanthjælp, which is means-tested ### Dagpenge versus kontanthjælp These two benefits are constantly confused, and the difference matters enormously. Dagpenge is an insurance payout: you bought it, so your savings, your partner's salary and the value of your car are irrelevant. Kontanthjælp is social assistance from the municipality: it is means-tested, so savings above roughly 10,000 DKK or a working spouse can reduce it to nothing. For many internationals, kontanthjælp is also blocked by residence-history requirements. Practically speaking, an a-kasse membership is often the difference between an income and no income at all. ### The four conditions You must satisfy all four at the same time, every single month. - Insured member of an a-kasse for at least 12 unbroken months - An income of 286,632 DKK within three years, with a maximum of 23,886 DKK counted per month (first-time qualification, full-time insured) - If you have used up your benefit period: 1,924 paid working hours within three years to re-qualify - Registered as a jobseeker on Jobnet.dk from your first unemployed day - Available for work: able to start a job at one day's notice, resident in Denmark, and actively applying ### What 'available for work' really means Availability (rådighed) is the requirement that trips people up. You must be able to take any reasonable job with one day's notice, including outside your field and up to a three-hour daily commute. Full-time study, travelling abroad without permission, or being unable to work because of childcare all break availability and stop your payment. ### Your monthly routine Apply for jobs and record every application in the joblog on Jobnet.dk — typically two per week. Attend meetings at your a-kasse and Jobcenteret; missing one without notice suspends your benefit until you contact them. Submit the dagpengekort in the last days of the month and the money arrives on the last banking day. ### Questions people also ask **Who pays dagpenge in Denmark?** Your a-kasse pays it and the state reimburses the fund. That is why the amount is identical no matter which fund you belong to. **Can I get dagpenge as a non-EU citizen?** Yes, if your residence and work permit allows you to work and you meet the general conditions. Some permits tied to a specific employer end when the job ends, so check your permit before you rely on benefits. **Can I travel while on dagpenge?** Only with agreed holidays registered in advance. Being abroad without notifying your a-kasse breaks the availability requirement and costs you benefit days. **Does dagpenge affect my permanent residence application?** It can. Some Danish residence and citizenship rules count periods of public support. Ask SIRI or a legal adviser about your specific permit before applying. ## How to Join an A-kasse in Denmark: Step-by-Step Guide URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/how-to-join-an-a-kasse **Quick answer:** To join an a-kasse you need a CPR number and MitID, then complete the fund's online form — around ten minutes. Membership starts the day the fund receives your application, and that date starts your 12-month qualifying period, so join on your first working day in Denmark. **Key facts** - Time needed: About 10 minutes online - You need: CPR number + MitID - Health check: None. No age limit, no exclusions - Switching funds: Free, seniority follows you - Notice period: Usually one month when leaving a fund ### Step 1: get the Danish basics in place You cannot join without a CPR number, so start at International Citizen Service (Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg) or your local Borgerservice. Order MitID at the same visit. If you are an EU citizen you also need an EU residence document from SIRI; non-EU citizens need a residence and work permit. ### Step 2: choose a fund on facts, not advertising Because dagpenge is fixed by law, no fund can offer you more money. Compare on four things instead: monthly price, whether the fund accepts your occupation, whether it advises in English, and whether a union is bundled into the price. For most internationals the shortlist is a cross-sector fund with English service. A&Til is the cheapest nationwide option open to everyone, Akademikernes is the standard choice for university graduates, and CA and Min A-kasse are strong for sales, IT and business profiles. ### Step 3: the application form You log in with MitID and answer questions about your employment, education and any existing membership. Choose full-time insurance if you work 30 hours a week or more — part-time insurance is cheaper but pays only two-thirds. If you have worked in another EU/EEA country in the last 12 months, tell the fund and request the PD U1 document from that country's insurer. It lets Denmark count your foreign insurance periods, which can shorten the qualifying period dramatically. ### Step 4: switching from another a-kasse Sign up with the new fund and tick that you are already a member elsewhere. The new fund cancels the old membership and transfers your seniority, so you keep every month you have paid for. Never resign yourself — a one-day gap resets your 12-month clock and can cost you a full year of coverage. ### Special cases Students on a higher-education programme can usually join free of charge, and it is always worth doing. Graduates get a shortened route to dagpenge if they join no later than 2 weeks after finishing a programme of at least 18 months. Self-employed people can join, but must document their business income and observe stricter rules when closing the business. ### Questions people also ask **When should I join an a-kasse?** On your first working day in Denmark, or on your first day of study. The qualifying period runs from your signup date, so joining early is free protection later. **Can I switch a-kasse while unemployed?** Yes, but it is rarely a good idea mid-claim. Your case, documents and meetings all move to the new fund, which can delay payment. Switch while you are employed. **Does it cost anything to change a-kasse?** No. Switching is free and your accumulated membership time follows you. **Can I be a member of two a-kasser?** No. You can only be insured in one fund at a time, and overlapping memberships are automatically cancelled. ## What is a Fagforening? Danish Trade Unions vs A-kasse URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/what-is-a-fagforening **Quick answer:** A fagforening is a trade union: it negotiates collective agreements, checks your contract and represents you in disputes with your employer. An a-kasse only insures your income. They are separate products with separate fees, and you can buy either one alone. **Key facts** - What it does: Pay negotiation, contracts, legal help - Union fees: Union fees vary by union and are not included in the a-kasse price. We only show a union fee where we have verified it on the union's own website (currently Teknikernes/TL and 3F). - Mandatory?: No - Union coverage in Denmark: Around two-thirds of employees ### The Danish model in one paragraph Denmark has no statutory minimum wage. Pay, working hours, overtime, notice periods and pension contributions are set in collective agreements (overenskomster) negotiated between unions and employer associations. That is why unions matter here more than in countries where parliament writes the rules — the agreements themselves are the labour law. ### What you actually get Union membership is service, not insurance. - Someone reads your employment contract before you sign it - Legal representation if you are dismissed, harassed or not paid - Salary statistics for your role, which is powerful in Danish salary talks - A workplace representative (tillidsrepræsentant) who negotiates on your behalf - Often: courses, networks and career counselling ### Do internationals need one? Arguably more than Danes do. If you cannot read a contract in Danish, do not know what a normal salary looks like in your field, and have no local network to ask, a union is the cheapest professional advice available. If your workplace has no collective agreement, everything in your contract is individually negotiated — and you are negotiating alone. That said, it is optional. Plenty of internationals hold only an a-kasse and are perfectly protected on the income side. ### Buying them separately Many funds sell a-kasse membership without any union attached — A&Til, Akademikernes, CA, Min A-kasse and ASE among them. Others quote a combined price where the union is the larger part of the bill. Always check what the number includes: with funds like HK the union fee alone can rival the a-kasse fee, so ask the fund for the current amount. ### Questions people also ask **Do I have to join a union in Denmark?** No. Union membership is voluntary and closed-shop agreements are illegal. Your employer cannot require it. **Can I have an a-kasse without a fagforening?** Yes, and it is common. Several funds sell a-kasse membership on its own. **Is union membership tax deductible?** Yes, up to an annual ceiling set by law, alongside your a-kasse deduction. **What is a tillidsrepræsentant?** An elected colleague who represents staff towards management under the collective agreement. They are your first contact in a workplace conflict. ## Notice Periods and Dismissal Rights in Denmark URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/your-rights-notice-and-dismissal **Quick answer:** Salaried employees (funktionærer) have a notice period from one to six months depending on seniority, and after one year of employment a dismissal must be reasonably justified. Employees not covered by the Salaried Employees Act rely on their contract or collective agreement. **Key facts** - Employer notice, salaried: 1–6 months by seniority - Employee notice, salaried: Normally 1 month - Protection from unfair dismissal: After 12 months of employment - Trial period: Usually 3 months, 14 days' notice - G-days: Up to 2 days of employer-paid compensation ### Who the Salaried Employees Act covers Funktionærloven covers office, technical, sales, and supervisory staff working more than eight hours a week. If it applies, notice periods, sick pay and dismissal protection are set by law and cannot be reduced by your contract. Manual and industrial roles are usually covered by a collective agreement instead, which often gives shorter notice. ### Notice periods by seniority Employer's notice under the Salaried Employees Act, counted from the end of a month: - Under 6 months of employment: 1 month - Under 3 years: 3 months - Under 6 years: 4 months - Under 9 years: 5 months - More than 9 years: 6 months ### Unfair dismissal and severance After twelve months, a dismissal must be objectively justified by your conduct or the company's circumstances. If it is not, compensation can be awarded — typically calculated in months of salary and rising with seniority. Long-serving salaried employees may also be entitled to statutory severance after 12 and 17 years. Dismissal linked to pregnancy, parental leave, ethnicity, religion, age, disability or trade union membership is prohibited outright, and the burden of proof shifts to the employer. ### G-days after short jobs If you were employed for at least 74 hours in the previous four weeks and are dismissed, your employer may owe godtgørelsesdage — 'G-days' — covering the first two days of unemployment at a fixed rate. Your a-kasse checks this automatically, but flag it to them if the employer refuses. ### The day you are dismissed: a checklist Get the dismissal in writing with a reason. Register on Jobnet.dk immediately, even though you are still in your notice period, and call your a-kasse the same week. Ask your union to review the dismissal before you sign anything, and never accept a 'mutually agreed' resignation without advice — it can turn a redundancy into a quarantine. ### Questions people also ask **What notice must my employer give me in Denmark?** Under the Salaried Employees Act, from one month up to six months depending on how long you have been employed. Other employees follow their contract or collective agreement. **Can I be fired without a reason in Denmark?** In the first twelve months, largely yes, provided notice is given. After twelve months, a salaried employee's dismissal must be reasonably justified or compensation may be due. **What are G-days (godtgørelsesdage)?** Compensation for the first two days of unemployment paid by the employer after short-term employment of at least 74 hours in four weeks. **Should I sign a severance agreement immediately?** No. Send it to your union or a-kasse first. Wording that describes the exit as voluntary can trigger a three-week dagpenge quarantine. ## Dagpenge Eligibility: The Income and Membership Rules Explained URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/dagpenge-eligibility-income-membership-rules **Quick answer:** To qualify for unemployment benefits (dagpenge) in Denmark, you generally need to have been a member of an unemployment insurance fund (a-kasse) for a minimum period, meet an income requirement from recent paid work, and be registered as a jobseeker while actively available for work. The exact income thresholds and membership periods are set in Danish law, administered by STAR (the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment), and adjusted periodically, so this article explains the mechanics rather than quoting figures that may already be outdated by the time you read them. Always check the current numbers directly with your a-kasse or on star.dk before making decisions based on them. **Key facts** - Membership requirement: A minimum continuous period of a-kasse membership before you can claim - Income requirement: A minimum amount of income earned within a recent reference period - Jobseeker registration: Must register with Jobnet on your first unemployed day - Availability: Must be actively available for and searching for work - Figures change: Exact thresholds are set by law and published by STAR (star.dk) ### What does 'eligibility' actually mean for dagpenge? Dagpenge is unemployment benefit paid out through your unemployment insurance fund (a-kasse), not directly by the state. Eligibility is not a single test but a combination of conditions that all need to be true at the same time: you must have been a paying member of an a-kasse for long enough, you must have earned enough income recently, and you must be registered and actively job-hunting. Because these are separate conditions, it is possible to meet one and not another. For example, someone can be a long-standing a-kasse member but still fail the income requirement if they took an unpaid career break just before becoming unemployed. Understanding the mechanics of each condition helps you see where your own situation might need a closer look. ### How does the membership length requirement work? A-kasser require you to have been a member for a minimum continuous stretch of time before you can draw dagpenge. This membership clock generally starts from the date you formally join, not from when you started working in Denmark, which is why joining early matters even if you feel financially secure in your job. If you switch a-kasser, most transfers preserve your accumulated membership time as long as there is no gap in coverage. A gap, even a short one, can in some cases reset or interrupt the clock, so it is worth checking directly with your a-kasse how transfers and pauses are actually handled at the time you make a change. ### What is the income requirement? Alongside membership length, you typically need to show that you earned a minimum level of income within a defined recent period before becoming unemployed. This is sometimes referred to as an earnings requirement, and it exists to confirm that you have had a genuine, recent attachment to the labour market rather than only formal membership on paper. The specific income threshold and the length of the reference period are set by the authorities and reviewed periodically, so this article deliberately does not quote a number that could be out of date by the time you read it. Check the current requirement directly at star.dk, since acting on an old figure could lead you to miscalculate your own eligibility. ### What else do you need to do to stay eligible? Meeting the membership and income conditions gets you in the door, but ongoing eligibility also depends on behaviour after you become unemployed. You generally need to register as a jobseeker on the national job portal (Jobnet) from your first day without work, keep your job search log (joblog) updated, and remain available to start a new job on short notice. Failing to register on time, not documenting your job search, or turning down suitable job offers can all affect your right to receive payments, even if you technically satisfied the membership and income rules. Availability is treated as a continuous requirement, not a one-time check, so it is something to keep maintaining throughout your claim. - Register with Jobnet without delay after your last working day - Keep your CV and joblog updated as required - Be able and willing to start a new job at short notice - Attend any meetings requested by your a-kasse or jobcenter ### How does this interact with residence or work permits? For internationals, dagpenge eligibility rules sit alongside, but separately from, residence and work permit rules. Meeting the a-kasse's membership and income conditions does not automatically tell you anything about whether your residence permit remains valid if you lose your job, since that depends on the specific permit type you hold. Because individual cases vary significantly depending on visa category, family situation, and employment history, it is worth getting guidance from SIRI (New to Denmark), your a-kasse caseworker, or a lawyer before assuming how a period of unemployment will affect your right to stay in Denmark. ### Questions people also ask **How long do I need to be an a-kasse member before I can get dagpenge?** There is a minimum continuous membership period required before you become eligible, but the exact length is set by the authorities and can change, so it is best confirmed directly with your a-kasse or on star.dk rather than assumed from older information. **Do I need a certain income to qualify for dagpenge?** Yes, most applicants need to show they earned a minimum amount of income within a recent reference period before becoming unemployed. The current threshold is published by star.dk and is reviewed periodically, so check the up-to-date figure there. **What happens if I switch a-kasser before becoming unemployed?** Switching a-kasser usually carries your accumulated membership time forward as long as there is no gap in coverage, but a break in membership can sometimes interrupt this, so confirm the details with both the old and new a-kasse before making the switch. **Can I lose dagpenge eligibility even if I meet the membership and income rules?** Yes. Ongoing eligibility also depends on registering as a jobseeker on time, keeping your job search documented, and staying available for work. Not meeting these ongoing obligations can affect your payments even if your membership and income history were fine. **Will losing my job affect my residence permit?** It depends heavily on the type of permit you hold and your individual circumstances, so this is not something that can be answered in general terms. It is worth speaking with SIRI (New to Denmark), your a-kasse caseworker, or a lawyer if you are facing unemployment and are unsure how it interacts with your residence status. ## How Long Can You Receive Dagpenge in Denmark? (2026 Guide) URL: https://akasse.io/knowledge/how-long-can-you-receive-dagpenge **Quick answer:** In Denmark, most full-time insured members can receive dagpenge (unemployment benefits) for up to two years within a rolling reference period. This is often called the benefit period (dagpengeperiode), and it works inside a wider three-year window: the more benefit days you use, the faster your entitlement is consumed, but you can also rebuild new rights by working. Always check the current rules with your a-kasse or star.dk, since the exact mechanics can be technical. **Key facts** - Standard benefit period: Up to 2 years (full-time insured) - Reference window: The 2 years are used within a 3-year period - Rebuilding rights: Work hours during the period can extend your benefit days - Requalification requirement: 1.924 løntimer within the last 3 years (2026), according to star.dk - Number of a-kasser in Denmark: 21 state-approved funds (2026), according to star.dk ### What does the two-year dagpenge period actually mean? Most full-time insured members of an unemployment insurance fund (a-kasse) can receive dagpenge for a maximum of two years in total. This two-year allowance is not simply a countdown from your first unemployment day to a fixed end date - it is measured in hours and placed inside a rolling three-year reference period (referenceperiode). Think of it like a bank account of benefit hours. Every time you receive a day of dagpenge, hours are withdrawn from that account. The three-year window keeps moving forward, so the system constantly checks how much of your two-year allowance you have used within the most recent three years, according to star.dk. This structure is part of why the rules can feel confusing - it is worth checking the current mechanics for your own situation rather than assuming a simple calendar countdown. ### Does the clock pause if I get a job and lose it again? Yes, in principle. If you find work during your benefit period, you stop drawing dagpenge and your remaining entitlement is effectively paused while you are employed. If that job ends and you become unemployed again within the three-year reference window, you can typically return to drawing from whatever balance of your two-year allowance you had left. This is one reason the three-year window matters so much: periods of employment do not erase your used-up dagpenge days, but they also do not usually force you to start over from zero, as long as you are still within the relevant window. The exact interaction between short jobs, part-time work, and your remaining days can get complicated, so this is a good topic to raise directly with your a-kasse caseworker. ### Can I extend or renew my dagpenge period? Yes - this is called requalification or re-earning your right to dagpenge (genoptjening). If you work enough hours while already receiving, or after having exhausted, your benefit period, you can qualify for a brand-new two-year entitlement. As of 2026, the requalification requirement for a full-time insured member is 1.924 løntimer (paid work hours) within the most recent three years, according to star.dk. This figure is reviewed periodically, so it is sensible to verify the current number on star.dk before making decisions based on it, since thresholds like this can change from year to year. ### What happens if I reach the end of my two years without a new job? If you use up your full benefit period without requalifying for a new one, your dagpenge payments stop. At that point, many people need to look into alternative support, such as municipal assistance schemes, depending on their personal and financial circumstances. This is also where the intersection with residence status can matter for international members: running out of dagpenge without another income source can affect broader financial planning and, for some non-Danish residents, may be relevant to residence or work permit conditions. Individual cases vary considerably, so if your situation involves a residence or work permit, it is worth getting guidance from SIRI (New to Denmark), your a-kasse caseworker, or a lawyer before you rely on any general explanation, including this one. ### Does the benefit period work differently for new graduates or part-time workers? Yes, there are variations. New graduates (dimittender) who qualify for dagpenge based on their education rather than prior work history are still generally subject to the same overall benefit-period logic, though their monthly rate differs from the standard rate. Part-time insured members also have their own set of hour-based calculations that parallel the full-time system but at different thresholds. Because these variations are detailed and change periodically, the safest approach is to confirm your specific category and remaining entitlement directly with your a-kasse, who can see your personal record, rather than relying on general percentages or averages found online. ### Questions people also ask **How long can you get dagpenge in Denmark in 2026?** Most full-time insured members can receive dagpenge for up to two years, measured within a rolling three-year reference period. The exact balance depends on how much you have already used and whether you have requalified through work. **Can my dagpenge period be reset or extended?** Yes. If you work enough hours - 1.924 løntimer within the most recent three years as of 2026, according to star.dk - you can requalify for a brand-new two-year benefit period. Always check the current threshold since it can be adjusted. **What happens when my two years of dagpenge run out?** Payments stop once you have used your full entitlement without requalifying for a new period. Many people then need to explore other forms of financial support, and the right next step depends heavily on individual circumstances. **Does getting a temporary job affect my remaining dagpenge days?** Working typically pauses your dagpenge rather than cancelling your remaining entitlement, as long as you become unemployed again within the relevant three-year window. The details depend on your specific work pattern, so it is worth confirming with your a-kasse. **Is the two-year dagpenge rule the same for everyone?** The overall two-year structure applies broadly, but new graduates, part-time insured members, and people requalifying after exhausting their rights can have different thresholds and calculations. Rules can change, so it is always worth verifying your own situation with your a-kasse or star.dk.