Social security for all
The level of social security is high in Denmark, and much is covered via taxes. There are favourable rules concerning e.g. illness, childbirth, childcare and pension. Certain things work differently from most other countries; unemployment insurance, for instance, is not covered by taxes or through the individual workplace. It is up to the employee to become a member of a Danish unemployment fund.
Foreigners working in Denmark are usually covered by the Danish social security legislation as soon as they start working. In certain cases, a requirement of permanent residence in Denmark may have to be met. There are, however, certain fixed waiting periods for the various types of services, e.g. health insurance services, health benefit, unemployment benefit, compensation according to the Occupational Injury Act etc. Under certain circumstances you may apply to be covered by the social security in your home country instead.
The rules depend on which country you come from.
EC countries, and EEA countries and Switzerland
EC, EEA and Swiss nationals are generally covered by Danish legislation. EC and EEA nationals as well as Swiss citizens who are stationed on a temporary basis may be covered by the rules of their home country if a range of regulations are met - e.g. the expected period of stationing must be maximum 1 year, and you must be connected to the employer in the home country. This should be documented on form E101, wich must be brought alone from your home country. You can apply to remain covered by the rules of your home country even if you do not meet the requirements. In that case you must also use form E101.
Other countries
Nationals stationed by countries that are not members of the EC/EEA are generally subject to Danish legislation.
If you are stationed on a temporary basis from a country with which Denmark has an agreement about social security, you have the option of remaining covered by the social security system of your home country. You must fulfil a range of criteria such as your stationing being of a limited period of time, and you have to be connected to your employer in your home country.
It varies which social security arrangements are covered by the agreements, as well as which rules apply to the individual coverage. You should therefore contact the relevant social security agencies in your home country for exact information on the various agreements. The National Social Security Agency of your home country must issue the documentation necessary to prove your coverage by the social security system of the country in question.
Denmark has made agreements with the following countries: Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Israel, Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Morocco, Pakistan, Turkeyand Quebec.
Nationals from countries with whom Denmark has no agreement are generally subject to Danish legislation. Place of residence may have an influence, however.
The legislation of your home country decides whether you can stay covered by the rules of that country, for instance through voluntary insurance.
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