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Early retirement

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Get an overview of your options for early retirement. Read about the early retirement scheme, when you can take early retirement, how much you can receive, and what requirements apply.

What is early retirement?

Early retirement is a voluntary scheme that allows you to retire fully or partially from the labor market before reaching the state pension age. The scheme is insurance-based, and you must be a member of an unemployment insurance fund to participate.

The rules for early retirement benefits are set by the state and are therefore the same in all unemployment insurance funds.

Who is eligible for early retirement benefits?

If you are a member of an unemployment insurance fund, have registered for the early retirement scheme, and have paid early retirement contributions, you have the option of leaving the labor market earlier.

You must meet a number of conditions in order to obtain a retirement certificate. You must also meet the conditions if you retire on the exact day you reach retirement age.

  • You must be a member of an unemployment insurance fund.
  • You must have paid early retirement contributions for at least 30 years.
  • You must be a member of an unemployment insurance fund for the entire period during which you receive early retirement benefits.
  • You must meet the conditions for daily benefits.
  • You must have had an income of at least DKK 286,632 (2026 figure) within the last three years.
  • You must be healthy and available for work.
  • You must be a resident of Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, or another EEA country.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We can also advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of taking early retirement.

Read about early retirement abroad.

Read about the conditions for receiving unemployment benefits.

Early retirement certificate

When you meet the conditions, we will issue you with a retirement pension certificate. This certificate is your guarantee of your right to retirement pension, even if you become ill at a later date.

Read more about the early retirement certificate.

When can you take early retirement?

When you can retire depends on when you were born. Your age also determines how long you can receive retirement benefits.

Read more about your retirement age.

How to apply for early retirement

You apply for early retirement by completing the form 'Application for early retirement (AR283)'. You can find the form in Self-service.

You can apply at the earliest eight weeks before your early retirement age and at the latest the day before you wish to take early retirement.

Go to Self Service.

Frequently asked questions

What does it cost to participate in the early retirement scheme?

In addition to your unemployment insurance fund contribution, you must pay an early retirement contribution. In 2026, the early retirement contribution is:

  • 593 DKK/month if you are fully insured
  • 396 DKK/month if you are part-time insured

Your insurance status follows your regular unemployment insurance fund membership.

When you receive a retirement certificate or start receiving retirement benefits, you no longer have to pay retirement contributions. However, you must continue to pay your unemployment insurance fund contributions.

You can deduct both membership fees and early retirement contributions from your taxes.

How much can I receive in early retirement benefits?

Your early retirement pension rate depends on when you retire, your pension circumstances, and any work and working hours. The maximum amount you can receive is equivalent to your unemployment benefit rate if you were unemployed. This means that in 2026, you can receive up to:

  • DKK 22,041/month as a full-time insured person
  • 14,694 DKK/month as a part-time insured person

If you were born before July 1, 1959, you can receive a maximum of 91% of the highest daily allowance if you take early retirement before you meet the deferral rule.  

Get the full overview of rates.

Read more about deferring early retirement.

Do I need to be a member of an unemployment insurance fund to receive early retirement benefits?

Yes, you must be a member of an unemployment insurance fund and have been a member continuously for at least 30 years in order to be eligible for early retirement benefits. If you change unemployment insurance funds, you must ensure that your seniority is transferred to the new fund.

Do I need to be a member of a trade union to receive early retirement benefits?

No, you are not required to be a member of a trade union.

Is there a cancellation policy?

If you have previously participated in the early retirement scheme but have opted out, you can in some cases change your mind and opt back in.

Read more about the cancellation policy.

We can help you
and answer your questions about early retirement.

Call us on +45 70 12 37 82 or write to us via Self Service

What can you get paid in early retirement?

How much can you get?

Find out what you can get paid.

Is a senior job for you?

Senior job - what is it?

See what it is and if you meet the requirements.