Minimum Wage Denmark: What to Expect as a Foreigner?

Kristian Ole Rørbye

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Kristian Ole Rørbye

Kristian Ole Rørbye

Kristian is from Denmark but now lives in Thailand. As a foreigner in another country, he knows the need to get a good start, especially in finance, such as taking out loans, buying a car, and finding the best internet at a reasonable price.

Minimum wage DenmarkDanish kronerUSD $Euro €
per hourDKK 110$15,57€17,79
per monthDKK 17,000 $2,647€2,285
per yearDKK 204,000$31,766€27,424

No law in Denmark mandates minimum wage. The minimum wage is decided through collective bargaining agreements in each sector.

Nonetheless, employers and companies know their responsibility to their employees; hence, you can expect a minimum wage in Denmark of about DKK 110 per hour.

The average number of hours an employee works in Denmark is 37. Hence, an employee working on the so-called minimum wage in Denmark can expect to earn approximately DKK 17,000 a month if they work full-time. This is the gross salary before tax deduction.

Minimum Wage Denmark facts

Most foreigners also want to know more about the average salary in the country besides the minimum wage.

Denmark is a full member of the European Union and enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world. It also has the distinction of having one of the highest salaries among all developed nations, especially among the EU.

That would explain why expatriates love to settle in Denmark, even though some may find taxes too high. Most people do not mind paying high taxes as Denmark is a welfare state, and taxpayers believe they are investing in society.

Many foreigners who want to come and live here are always inquisitive about the minimum wage in Denmark. It may come as a surprise to find out this fact.

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Average Salary in Denmark

Denmark is a developed welfare state, so the difference between the minimum wage and the average salary is not too much. According to statistics and reports, the average salary in Denmark is approximately DKK 20,900 after tax.

Working in Denmark

Currently, Denmark has a strong demand for skilled foreign workers, and usually, these roles and positions do not require skilled workers to know Danish. So, this is an added advantage for skilled professionals who are looking to make Denmark their home.

Some of the fastest-growing sectors in the country are energy, IT, research and development (R&D), beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Most jobs are based in Copenhagen, but there are opportunities in other parts of Denmark.

The skilled positions in Denmark are open to foreigners from the European Union, and many offer higher salaries than other member nations of the EU. While Denmark has openings for low-skilled positions, getting work permits for them is tougher.

These positions are often filled by nationals from third-world countries with legal rights to reside in the country.

The labor market in Denmark is based on offering flexibility to employers, security to employees, and a highly active labor market. Hence, it is designed to meet the needs of employers, employees, and the unemployed.

When you come to Denmark, workers enjoy ongoing skills development and education. So, you will always be able to acquire new skills and improve your knowledge and educational qualifications.

On the other hand, unemployed people and professionals can use the services to find jobs. As a result, they have the support and assistance to seek a job and actively get gainfully employed.

And, while unemployed, they do not experience the same levels of financial anxiety that people in a similar situation experience in other developed countries.

The Bottom Line

Denmark is a beautiful and welcoming country. It has numerous opportunities for foreigners who are skilled and have the experience to back them. They will be able to find the right job profile without too many hassles.

However, Denmark's average salary and minimum wage may not always be enough for people living and working here, even though the country is a highly developed welfare state. Under such circumstances, you can always apply for a private loan at an attractive interest rate to help meet your financial needs.

Kristian Ole Rørbye

ABOUT Kristian Ole Rørbye

Kristian is from Denmark but now lives in Thailand. As a foreigner in another country, he knows the need to get a good start, especially in finance, such as taking out loans, buying a car, and finding the best internet at a reasonable price.

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