21 Feb 2025
Understanding local labor laws is essential for Ghanaian expats living and working in Denmark to secure a successful and fulfilling professional journey that enables them to support their loved ones back home by making a frequent money transfer from Denmark to Ghana.
Denmark’s employment system balances employer flexibility with robust employee protections. This quick guide explores key aspects of Denmark's labor laws, focusing on what Ghanaian expats need to know to navigate the Danish workplace confidently.
In Denmark, employers must provide employees with a written employment contract if the job lasts longer than one month and the weekly working hours exceed eight. This contract should detail essential aspects of your employment, including:
Review your contract thoroughly to ensure clarity and fairness. A written agreement safeguards your rights and sets clear expectations between you and your employer.
The standard workweek in Denmark is 37 hours, typically spread over five days. Understanding these guidelines will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially when you want a sustainable system that allows you to keep supporting your loved ones with an online money transfer from Denmark to Ghana.
While flexibility is encouraged, the following rules apply:
Employees cannot exceed 48 working hours per week on average over four months.
Workers are entitled to 11 consecutive hours of rest daily and a 24-hour break weekly.
Denmark doesn’t have statutory overtime pay regulations. Instead, overtime work is generally compensated, either through extra pay (often at a higher rate) or time off in lieu.
Read More: 5 Financial Tips for Ghanaians Living in Denmark
Denmark does not have a statutory minimum wage. Instead, wages are determined through collective bargaining agreements negotiated by trade unions and employers. These agreements vary by industry and typically cover the following:
Joining a trade union in Denmark can offer significant benefits for Ghanaian expats, including valuable information and protection related to fair pay. This is particularly important for those who send money from Denmark to Ghana to support family and friends.
For expats working in Denmark, there are various types of leave entitlements that they can avail.
Employees in Denmark are entitled to five weeks of paid leave annually. The holiday year runs from September 1st to August 31st. Employers and employees often collaborate to schedule leave periods, with three weeks typically taken during the summer months.
Denmark offers generous parental leave policies, which include:
For expats, confirming eligibility for these benefits based on your employment status and residence is important.
Employees in Denmark are entitled to paid sick leave from their first day of illness. Employers may cover the first period, and then the municipality may take over.
As expats, it is essential to remember that the exact process and eligibility for municipal sick pay can be complex and depend on various factors, including employment history and contributions to the social security system.
For many expats, working in Denmark is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Therefore, being truthful and conscientious regarding these entitlements is crucial, as they allow you to support your family through making a regular online money transfer from Denmark to Ghana.
As a Ghanaian national, working in Denmark requires appropriate work and residence permits. Common permit schemes include:
It's important to know that immigration rules and specific requirements can change. It's crucial for individuals to consult the official website of the Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen) for the most up-to-date information, as ensuring legal employment is crucial not only for protecting your rights but also for accessing social benefits like healthcare and unemployment support.
Working in Denmark obligates you to pay taxes, which fund the country’s robust social welfare programs. Key points include:
Failure to comply with tax regulations can result in penalties, so staying informed is essential.
Unlike in some countries, unemployment insurance (A-kasse) in Denmark is voluntary. A-kasse membership provides financial support during periods of unemployment. To qualify for benefits:
Joining an A-Kasse is highly recommended for expats seeking financial stability during potential job transitions.
The Danish Working Environment Act mandates safe and healthy working conditions for all employees. Employers are responsible for:
Employees, in turn, must adhere to the safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment.
For Ghanaian expats, understanding Denmark’s labor laws is key to a successful and secure work experience. From employment contracts to leave entitlements and workplace safety, being informed helps you navigate the Danish labor market confidently.
If you want to send money online to Ghana from Denmark, ACE Money Transfer ensures your remittances are handled efficiently and securely. With ACE Money Transfer, sending money to Ghana is seamless and reliable, allowing you to focus on your goals in Denmark. Stay compliant, stay informed, and make the most of your time in Denmark.
No, wages are negotiated through collective agreements.
The standard workweek is 37 hours.
Employees are entitled to five weeks of paid annual leave.
Yes, work permits are required for non-EU nationals.
Use ACE Money Transfer for secure, fast, and affordable remittance services.
