As in any country, hiring in Denmark is affected by local employment laws and attitudes.
A European concept, sometimes called “flexicurity,” characterizes employment in Denmark — emphasizing flexibility with job security. Furthermore, the Danish labor force comprises nearly 50% of the population, a higher percentage than in many other countries.
Danish employees have access to welfare programs and benefits in case of unemployment, making it an attractive destination for workers and businesses.
Key Employment Laws in Denmark
To successfully navigate the Danish job market, it’s essential to be aware of key employment laws, including:
- Danish Salaried Employees Act: This comprehensive law covers all white-collar employees and includes regulations on hiring, contracts, termination, benefits, and other employment aspects.
- Danish Act on Restrictive Covenants: This law introduces the concept of restrictive covenants in employment contracts.
- The Danish Holiday Act governs the number of holidays employees are entitled to, including compulsory and accrued holidays.
- Differential Treatment Act: This law prohibits discrimination based on age, skin color, disability, and more.
Timings, Holidays, and Leave Policies in Denmark
Understanding work hours, holidays, and leave policies is crucial for both employers and employees:
- Statutory Working Hours: The standard workweek in Denmark is 37 hours, typically from Monday to Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch break.
- Rest Period: Breaks are mandatory for shifts exceeding 6 hours, and the length varies depending on the purpose of the break.
- Public Holidays: Denmark observes several national holidays, including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day, among others.
- Maternity and Paternity Leave: Denmark offers up to 50 weeks of parental leave, with options for mothers and fathers to share.
- Sick Leave and Annual Leave: Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid sick leave and 2.08 days of paid leave per month, accumulating to five weeks of paid holidays annually.
Contractors vs. Full-time Employees
Denmark’s well-educated workforce includes a substantial percentage of the population, making various employment types available. Full-time employees receive comprehensive benefits under the Danish Salaried Employees Act, but part-time, temporary, and agency workers are also recognized and entitled to similar benefits. The distinction among employment types is relatively minimal in Danish law.
Scope of Negotiating Terms
Employees in Denmark have the right to negotiate their compensation, a standard step in the recruitment process. Negotiations are common, especially for higher-level positions where candidates’ preferences often influence the final compensation package.
Probation and Termination
In Denmark, there are no specific rules regarding the duration of probation, which is typically defined in employment contracts and rarely exceeds six months. Termination in Denmark is relatively straightforward compared to other European countries. Unless protected by a fair dismissal clause or the Salaried Employees Act, employees can be terminated without notifying a trade union or employment agency. Specific protections apply to employees on parental leave, minority groups, and union representatives.
Payroll Compliance and Taxes
Setting up payroll in Denmark must comply with local laws and include required benefits and provisions. Taxation is a critical aspect, with specific regulations to follow:
- Taxation ID: The SE Number, issued by the Danish Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT), is essential for tax purposes.
- Choosing a Payroll System: When choosing a payroll system, one should consider local benefit and provision requirements and employee types.
- Acquisition of Employee Information: Secure IT systems are necessary for efficiently storing and retrieving employee data.
- Employer Taxation: Corporate tax in Denmark is 22%.
- Employee Taxation: Income tax rates vary, with two structures based on income levels.
- Sales Tax: Denmark imposes a 25% sales tax.