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Denmark PTO Compliance:
A Guide for Employers

Paid Time Off in Denmark is governed by the Danish Holiday Act (Ferieloven) and related employment legislation. Understanding the rules around annual leave, sick leave, public holidays and carry‑over is key to maintaining legal compliance and supporting a balanced workplace.

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Understanding PTO Requirements in Denmark

A breakdown of key entitlements under Danish leave law.

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Statutory Vacation Days

Under the Danish Holiday Act, full‑time employees earn 2.08 vacation days each month, resulting in approximately 25 days (five weeks) of paid annual leave per holiday year. The holiday year runs from 1 September to 31 August, and employees typically have until 31 December of the following year to take their earned days.

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Sick Leave Regulations

In Denmark, sick leave entitlements depend on employment length and collective agreements. Employees who have been employed for at least two months and worked minimum hours may be entitled to paid sick leave, with the employer generally paying for initial absence days before municipal benefits may apply.

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Public Holidays

Denmark observes around 10 to 11 statutory public holidays each year, including occasions such as New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Christmas. Whether a day is paid depends on contract or collective agreement—employers should confirm terms.

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PTO Carry‑Over Rules

Unused annual leave may be carried over into the next year, but typically must be used by 31 December of the year following the accrual year. Alternatively, it may be paid out when employment ends.

Best Practices for Managing PTO in Denmark

Key Considerations for Employees and Employers

Denmark's leave laws set clear minimums while giving scope for collective agreements to offer more.

Employers

  • Provide at least 25 days (five weeks) of annual leave per year for full‑time staff
  • Track leave accrual and ensure carry‑over or payout arrangements are clear
  • Confirm paid public holiday entitlements via contract or collective agreement
  • Establish procedures for paid sick leave and required documentation
  • Calculate and apply pro‑rata leave for part‑time workers

Employees

  • Earn approximately 2.08 days of paid vacation per month
  • Take leave within the allowed period or understand pay‑out rules
  • Check contract for public holiday pay or entitlement
  • Understand how sick leave is handled and documentation needed
  • Verify pro‑rata calculations if working part‑time

Danish PTO entitlements are governed by the Danish Holiday Act and related labor legislation. This information is intended for general guidance only. For advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult a legal or HR professional.

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PTO Policies Around the Globe

Your comprehensive guide to paid time off policies worldwide, categorized by country.

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Best Practices for Managing PTO in Denmark

Implement these strategies to streamline leave management and stay compliant.

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    Why Compliance Matters

    Maintaining compliance with Denmark’s leave regulations helps protect your business and build a positive work environment.

    1

    Keep a Clean Record

    Failing to correctly track leave accrual, carry‑overs or pay‑outs can lead to legal disputes and reputational harm. Accurate record‑keeping and compliance with the Danish Holiday Act reduce risk.

    2

    Employee Satisfaction

    When employees trust that their leave entitlements are handled fairly and transparently, satisfaction and retention improve. Clear PTO policies support work‑life balance and morale.

    3

    Positive Workspace

    A compliant and well‑communicated PTO system demonstrates respect for employees’ rest and time off. This builds trust, encourages open communication and fosters a stronger, more engaged team.

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    How TrackingTime Can Help

    Learn more about how we can help you optimize your PTO policies and ensure compliance with Denmark's labor laws.

    Effortless Organization

    Say goodbye to messy email chains and manual tracking. With a streamlined PTO management system, you can keep all requests and records in one place, making it easy to approve time off and manage employee schedules efficiently.

    • Quick Approvals – Manage PTO requests fast.
    • Clear Records – Access all time-off data easily.
    • Team Sync – Keep schedules aligned effortlessly.

    Custom Time-Off Policies

    Every company has unique needs, and your PTO policies should reflect that. Customize your time-off rules to match your team’s structure, ensuring fairness and clarity while maintaining flexibility.

    • Flexible Rules – Tailor policies to your team’s needs.
    • Clear Guidelines – Keep everyone informed.
    • Smooth Management – Set rules that work for all.

    Real-Time Transparency

    Give your employees the confidence to plan their time off without uncertainty. By providing real-time access to balances and request statuses, you create a more transparent and trusting workplace.

    • Instant Access – Check balances anytime.
    • Live Updates – Track requests in real time.
    • Boost Trust – Keep everyone informed.

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    • TrackingTime keeps my team and projects on track. Saves us hours of headaches and facilitates working remotely. Top notch.

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    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Get answers to all your questions about our service and plans.

    How many vacation days are employees entitled to in Denmark?

    Employees in Denmark are entitled to 25 paid vacation days per year under the Holiday Act. Some collective agreements may grant additional days.

    Is paid time off mandatory in Denmark?

    Yes. Under Danish labor law, all employees are entitled to paid vacation. This is regulated by the Holiday Act and cannot be waived.

    Are public holidays included in PTO in Denmark?

    No. Public holidays in Denmark are separate from the 25 statutory vacation days. However, whether they are paid depends on collective agreements or employment contracts.

    Is there a difference between PTO and “ferie” in Denmark?

    Yes. “Ferie” refers specifically to vacation leave under Danish law. It covers the statutory 25 days, which may be complemented by additional paid time off depending on company policy.

    Does sick leave reduce vacation entitlement in Denmark?

    No. Sick leave is handled separately from vacation leave in Denmark. If an employee falls ill during scheduled vacation, they can reclaim those days with a medical certificate.

    How is PTO accrued in Denmark?

    In Denmark, employees accrue 2.08 vacation days per month worked, allowing 25 days annually. Leave earned can be used from the following month and must be taken within 16 months.

    Can part-time employees earn vacation time in Denmark?

    Yes. Part-time employees accrue vacation proportionally based on hours worked, maintaining equal rights to time off relative to full-time employees.

    When can new employees start taking vacation in Denmark?

    New employees can take vacation as soon as they have accrued it. Since leave accrues monthly, vacation is available almost immediately under the concurrent leave system.

    Can employers in Denmark deny PTO requests?

    Yes, but only with valid business reasons. Employers can propose alternative dates if a vacation request conflicts with critical operations. However, main holiday periods must be respected.

    Do freelancers get paid vacation in Denmark?

    No. Freelancers are not covered by the Danish Holiday Act and must include any compensation for vacation days in their freelance agreements or invoices.

    Can unused PTO be carried over in Denmark?

    Yes. Employees have 16 months to use accrued vacation starting from the month after accrual. After that, unused days may expire unless special conditions apply.

    Can employees lose their vacation entitlement in Denmark?

    Yes. If not taken within the 16-month period, vacation days may lapse unless prevented by exceptional circumstances like long-term illness. Employers must notify employees of unused days.

    Are vacation days paid out when leaving a job in Denmark?

    Yes. Any unused vacation is paid out through the Feriekonto system or directly by the employer upon termination of employment.

    Is there a legal requirement to document PTO in Denmark?

    Yes. Employers are required to document and report accrued vacation through Denmark’s Feriepenge system. This ensures transparency and proper payment via state-regulated schemes.

    What happens to PTO during long-term illness in Denmark?

    If long-term illness prevents an employee from taking vacation within the valid period, unused days can often be carried over, provided proper documentation is submitted.