Unemployment rate in Denmark 2022, by age group

In Denmark, the highest unemployment rate in 2022 could be found among youth between 25 and 29 years, who had an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent that year. People between 30 and 34 years had the second highest unemployment rate. On the other hand, the lowest unemployment rate was among people between 50 and 54 years of age. The unemployment rate in Denmark rose sharply in 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19, but decreased again the following years.

 Receiving unemployment benefits in Denmark 

By law, Danes have the right to receive unemployment benefits. There are requirements to be eligible for unemployment benefits in Denmark: being a member of an unemployment insurance fund called “A-kasse” is necessary as well as having earned a specific amount of money in the past. In addition, being registered at the Public Employment Service is required and as of January 2019, only people who have stayed in Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands or another EU/EEA country in seven out of the last eight years can claim unemployment benefits.

Labor market

Since 2012, the number of employed Danes was growing each year, but experienced a setback in 2020 due to COVID-19. The Danish labor market is known for the Flexicurity Model – a combination of market economy and a welfare state, and due to this model, the labor market can reflect the needs of employers and guarantee the welfare of employees which creates many possibilities for both sides.