I am considering starting my own business

As an unemployed person, it is possible to start your own business and still receive supplementary unemployment benefits. However, this depends on whether you can meet a number of conditions and requirements.

You can receive supplementary daily benefits for up to 30 weeks if your self-employed business is considered a secondary occupation.

Read more about the difference between main employment and secondary employment.

Read more about supplementary daily benefits when you run your own business.

Read more about unemployment benefits if you stop being self-employed.

Good advice when you want to start your own business

Clarify your motivation

Be clear about why you want to become self-employed. Is it a desire for more freedom and flexibility, or is it a passion you want to pursue? It is important that you are realistic about both the opportunities and challenges of self-employment.

Make a financial plan

Finances play a key role. As a self-employed person, you must be prepared for the fact that your income may be uncertain at first. You should therefore draw up a solid plan for your start-up capital, budget, and personal finances.

Familiarize yourself with all the rules

It is important that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with the rules governing self-employment and investigate the options available to you in your situation. This applies, for example, in relation to the authorities, SKAT (the Danish tax authority), VAT, accounting, contracts, and, of course, the rules of the unemployment insurance fund if you wish to receive supplementary unemployment benefits.

Use the unemployment insurance fund as a sparring partner

We can help you navigate the rules governing unemployment insurance funds. We can advise you on how to best protect yourself – in terms of your rights, the unemployment benefit system, and the options available to you for maintaining your financial security along the way.

Find someone you can share your thoughts with

It is a good idea to find different sparring partners with whom you can discuss your thoughts, so that you are not left alone with all your considerations and decisions.

How to get started

Regardless of your situation, it is good to have a clear understanding of the practical framework. We will assist you in making a secure choice.

If you are unemployed and ready to start as a self-employed person with secondary employment, you must:

1. Contact us before you start your business.
2. Register your business with the Danish Business Authority from the date you start.
3. Fill out form ‘AK320’ under ‘Unemployment benefits’ in Self-service if you want to apply for supplementary unemployment benefits.

It is advantageous for you to start your business on the first day of the month. This is because you will receive a full month's supplementary unemployment benefits, even if you start at the end of the month.

If you are employed and ready to start your own business

Consider starting small alongside your job. Test your idea and gain some experience before potentially making the business your main occupation.