Parental Leave (Barsel) in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Denmark provides generous parental leave under the Barselsloven. Since August 2022 (implementing the EU Work-Life Balance Directive), the system gives each parent 24 weeks:
- Birth mother: 2 weeks of mandatory leave immediately after birth (included in her 24 weeks), plus up to 4 weeks of pregnancy leave before the due date.
- Each parent — 24 weeks total: Of these, 11 weeks are non-transferable (earmarked) and must be used by that parent or lost. The remaining 13 weeks are transferable to the other parent.
- Barselsdagpenge: During leave, you receive maternity/paternity benefits from Udbetaling Danmark up to a capped weekly rate. Many collective agreements provide full pay during parts of the leave.
When does it apply?
- You are a parent (birth, adoption) who is employed or self-employed in Denmark.
- You must have worked at least 160 hours in the 4 months before leave to qualify for barselsdagpenge.
- The rules apply to both same-sex and opposite-sex parents.
What to Do If Your Employer Is Obstructing Your Parental Leave Rights in Denmark
- Notify your employer at least 3 months before the expected due date.
- Apply for barselsdagpenge through borger.dk (your municipality processes the claim via Udbetaling Danmark).
- Check your collective agreement — many provide full or partial salary during leave instead of just the capped dagpenge rate.
- Coordinate with your partner on how to use the 13 transferable weeks each parent holds.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't forget the earmarked weeks — since 2022, 11 weeks per parent cannot be transferred to the other parent. Use them or lose them.
- Don't assume your employer can refuse leave — parental leave is a statutory right; dismissal for taking leave is unlawful.
- Don't miss the notification deadline — late notice can affect your employer's ability to plan and may complicate your claim.
Common Questions
How much parental leave do I get in Denmark?
Under the Barselsloven, each parent gets 24 weeks. Of these, 11 weeks are non-transferable (earmarked) and must be used by that parent or lost, while 13 weeks are transferable to the other parent. The birth mother also has 2 weeks of mandatory leave after birth and up to 4 weeks of pregnancy leave before the due date.
Who qualifies for barselsdagpenge in Denmark?
You qualify as a parent (birth or adoption) who is employed or self-employed in Denmark, same-sex or opposite-sex, if you have worked at least 160 hours in the 4 months before leave. Benefits come from Udbetaling Danmark up to a capped weekly rate. Many collective agreements top this up to full pay during parts of the leave.
How do I apply for parental leave in Denmark?
Notify your employer at least 3 months before the expected due date, then apply for barselsdagpenge through borger.dk — your municipality processes the claim via Udbetaling Danmark. Parental leave is a statutory right, so your employer cannot refuse, and dismissal for taking leave is unlawful. Check your collective agreement for enhanced pay.
When does it apply — parental leave (barsel)?
You are a parent (birth, adoption) who is employed or self-employed in Denmark.You must have worked at least 160 hours in the 4 months before leave to qualify for barselsdagpenge.The rules apply to both same-sex and opposite-sex parents.
What should I do if my employer is refusing to allow me to take parental leave or is not paying barselsdagpenge in Denmark?
Notify your employer at least 3 months before the expected due date.Apply for barselsdagpenge through borger.dk (your municipality processes the claim via Udbetaling Danmark).Check your collective agreement — many provide full or partial salary during leave instead of just the capped dagpenge rate.Coordinate with your partner on how to use the 13 transferable weeks each parent holds.
What should you NOT do — parental leave (barsel)?
Don't forget the earmarked weeks — since 2022, 11 weeks per parent cannot be transferred to the other parent. Use them or lose them.Don't assume your employer can refuse leave — parental leave is a statutory right; dismissal for taking leave is unlawful.Don't miss the notification deadline — late notice can affect your employer's ability to plan and may complicate your claim.