Working in Denmark in 2026: jobs, contracts and tax
In short. If you want to work in Denmark, find a legitimate employer, clarify your right to work and live in the country and get a contract that sets out pay, working hours and notice terms. Workindenmark is an official entry point for jobs and guidance. Denmark has no statutory minimum wage: pay and conditions are often agreed through collective agreements.
Where do you find vacancies?
Workindenmark and EURES provide vacancies and guidance for international applicants. Also look at employers' own career pages. Your CV and application should describe your education, experience and language skills accurately. Verify the company, and do not pay an unknown intermediary for a job you have not been able to verify.
If you need help with accounts or learning Danish, you can browse accountants in Copenhagen and language schools in Copenhagen in the directory.
What should an employment contract include?
Workindenmark recommends that you always get a contract from your employer, even when the employer is foreign, and that you keep a copy. The contract should include, among other things, the employer and employee, place of work, job description, start date and expected duration, notice periods, pay, supplements and overtime pay, pay dates, the right to paid holidays and daily and weekly working hours. Ask for an explanation of unclear terms before you start.
Source: Workindenmark, labour rights.
Does Denmark have a statutory minimum wage?
No. Denmark has no statutory minimum wage. Pay and employment terms are often set in collective agreements between trade unions and employer associations. Ask whether a relevant collective agreement exists, and distinguish between gross pay, tax and net pay. An hourly rate in one sector is not a minimum for everyone.
What about residence permission and CPR?
The rules on work and residence differ for EU/EEA citizens and for citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA. New to Denmark explains who must apply for a residence and work permit, so check your own situation before you start the job. The CPR number and tax card are handled by Danish authorities, and you also need to sort out your address and bank account. Read more in our guides to bank accounts and CPR, renting a home and healthcare for newcomers.
Source: New to Denmark, work permits.
How do taxation, holidays and termination work?
As a non-Danish employee you need a digital tax card and a tax identification number (CPR number). The Danish Tax Agency sends the tax card directly to your employer, who withholds the tax and pays you the rest of your salary. According to the Tax Agency, without a tax card you pay 55 percent of your salary in tax. Paid holiday rights and the terms of notice depend on your contract, the law and any collective agreement. Keep your payslips and written communication.
Source: Danish Tax Agency, get a tax card as a non-Danish employee.
Frequently asked questions
No. Pay and conditions are often set in collective agreements.
On Workindenmark, EURES and employers' own career pages.
Yes, Workindenmark lists salary, supplements and overtime pay as part of what the contract should include.
No. CPR is registration in Denmark, while the right to work depends on nationality and any permit. Check New to Denmark.
No, collective agreements differ from sector to sector.
The Danish Tax Agency, which sends the tax card to your employer.
Yes, the contract should state notice periods for both parties.
0 comments
Log in to leave a comment