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Early retirement (Arne pension)

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Read about early retirement (Arne pension), how much you can receive and what you should be aware of when applying.

It is Udbetaling Danmark that processes applications for early retirement - not the unemployment fund. If you have any questions or need guidance, please contact Udbetaling Danmark's department for early retirement by calling +45 70 12 80 94.

Read more about early retirement at Udbetaling Danmark.

Who is entitled to Arne pension?

It is your age and your overall attachment to the labor market that determines whether you are entitled to an early pension and how many years you can receive it. It is Udbetaling Danmark that determines your affiliation.

 In addition, you need to:

  • Be a Danish citizen.
  • Have permanent residence in Denmark.
  • Have lived in Denmark for at least three years from the age of 15 until retirement age.

You were born in 1955 - 1964

If you were born between July 1955 and 1964, your labor market attachment is calculated when you are 61 years old.

  • 44 years in the labor market entitles you to 3 years.
  • 43 years in the labor market entitles you to 2 years.
  • 42 years in the labor market entitles you to 1 year.

You were born in 1965 - 1968

If you were born in 1965 - 1968, your labor market attachment is calculated when you are 62 years old.

  • 45 years in the labor market entitles you to 3 years.
  • 44 years in the labor market entitles you to 2 years.
  • 43 years in the labor market entitles you to 1 year.

You were born in 1969 - 1970

If you were born in 1969 - 1970, your labor market attachment is calculated when you are 63 years old.

  • 46 years in the labor market entitles you to 3 years.
  • 45 years in the labor market entitles you to 2 years.
  • 44 years in the labor market entitles you to 1 year.

You were born after 1971

If you were born after 1971, the requirement for your affiliation will increase again. The requirement will continuously change in line with the applicable state pension age.

Frequently asked questions

How much can I get in early retirement?

In 2026, the early retirement benefit will be DKK 15,650/month before tax. This amount will be adjusted downwards if you have pension assets of more than DKK 2 million. If you have pension assets of more than DKK 5 million, you will not be eligible for early retirement.

Can I work even if I'm on early retirement?

You are allowed to have a small income while receiving early retirement benefits. You can earn up to DKK 28,300 per year before tax (2026 figures) without affecting your pension benefits. If you earn more than this, your pension benefits will be reduced by 64% of the amount exceeding the limit.

How do I apply for early retirement?

You apply for early retirement at borger.dk.

Udbetaling Danmark will process your application and calculate your entitlement to early retirement.

Go to borger.dk.

Should I choose early retirement or early pension?

If you are entitled to both early pension and early retirement, you can choose the scheme that suits you best.

It can be a difficult decision. Therefore, we recommend that you have your early retirement pension calculated by your unemployment insurance fund so you can compare the figures with those from Udbetaling Danmark's calculation of early pension.

On Udbetaling Danmark's website, you can find a calculator where you can compare the figures for early pension. The comparison is indicative and not binding for the unemployment fund.

Contact Min A-kasse for help with calculating your early retirement.

Try Udbetaling Danmark's calculator.

I have reached retirement age. What do I need to do?

If you have reached the early retirement age but have not taken early retirement, you have two options:

  • Opt out of the early retirement scheme. You can have your early retirement contribution refunded in cash with a 30% deduction in tax to the state. At the same time, you lose the right to tax-free premiums.
  • Unsubscribe from the unemployment insurance fund. You can have already earned tax-free premium paid out when you reach state pension age. You will not earn any further tax-free premium from the day you transfer to early retirement.

Read more about tax-free premiums.

Can I change my mind if I choose early retirement over early retirement?

No, the choice is final. Once you've switched to early retirement and had your early retirement contribution refunded, you can't change your mind.

Can the unemployment fund calculate my early pension?

No, only Udbetaling Danmark can calculate your right to early retirement.
We can help you with calculating early retirement, tax-free premiums and repayment of early retirement contributions.

Can I get an early pension if I am not a Danish citizen?

As a rule, you must be a Danish citizen, but there are exceptions.

Contact Udbetaling Danmark for further guidance.

Who can help me calculate my pensions?

Contact Udbetaling Danmark if you want to know how your pensions affect your early pension.

Contact Udbetaling Danmark.