What is arbejdsmarkedspension?

Arbejdsmarkedspension is the occupational pension your employer sets up and contributes to on your behalf. It's separate from the state pension (folkepension), which everyone in Denmark receives as a senior regardless of their employment history. Your occupational pension is a personal savings account you build up during your working life.

What should the contract say?

Your contract (or an addendum) should state: which pension provider you're enrolled with; the total contribution rate; and the split between employer and employee.

Typical structure: Employers typically pay 2/3 of the total contribution, employees 1/3. A common total rate of 12% might be split as 8% employer / 4% employee.

Collective agreement employees: The pension rate is set by the overenskomst — typically 12–17% total for many sectors.

No collective agreement: There's no statutory minimum pension contribution (beyond ATP). What you get depends entirely on individual negotiation.

What is ATP?

ATP (Arbejdsmarkedets Tillægspension) is a mandatory universal pension supplement that all employees contribute to — regardless of sector or contract type. The contribution is small and fixed (a few hundred kroner per month depending on hours), split between you and your employer.

What happens to your pension when you change jobs?

Your occupational pension belongs to you, not your employer. When you leave, you can leave the fund with the existing provider or transfer it to your new employer's pension provider (transfers may incur fees — check first).

What should you check before signing?

Is the contribution rate competitive for your sector? Does the insurance coverage include loss of earning capacity (tab af erhvervsevne) and critical illness? What are the annual costs charged by the pension provider?