Work requirement

As a new graduate you must meet a language requirement, if you apply for benefits solely based on your degree from 1 May 2023.

If you’re unable to meet the language requirement, you may nevertheless be entitled to benefits as a new graduate by working in Denmark – we call it the work requirement.

To meet the work requirement, you must have had 12 months employment with at least 600 hours of work in Denmark within the past 24 months.

You must have had work hours in all 12 months. But the 12 months do not have to be consecutive, nor do they have to be during a period of membership.

Work in another EEA country, Switzerland or Great Britain may also count if you have subsequently had at least 150 hours of work in Denmark.

If you do not meet the language or work requirements, you are naturally welcome to contact us for more information.

Read more about your right to benefits as a new graduate, including how to be eligible for benefits if you can not meet the language requirement or work requirement.