Part-Time Jobs in Denmark for International Students

Denmark is a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education, an innovative economy, and a strong work-life balance. Studying in Denmark can also provide opportunities to gain practical work experience while completing a degree. For many international students, a part-time job is a useful way to earn additional income, develop professional skills, improve language abilities, and build a network that may help after graduation.

However, working in Denmark comes with specific immigration and tax requirements. International students should understand how many hours they are permitted to work, what types of jobs are realistic, how Danish taxation works, and why learning some Danish can make the job search easier.

This guide explains everything international students should know about part-time jobs in Denmark, from popular student positions and salaries to work permits, taxes, job-search strategies, and employment rights.

Can International Students Work Part-Time in Denmark?

Yes, but the exact rules depend on your residence status and the type of educational programme you attend.

For students in state-approved higher education programmes, the current Danish rules generally allow students to work 90 hours per month from September through May. During June, July, and August, students can work full-time.

The monthly limit is important. Students should not simply assume that they can work 20 hours every week throughout the academic year. Exceeding the permitted hours can be considered illegal work and may result in a warning, a fine, or potentially problems with the residence permit.

Students should therefore check the work conditions attached to their individual residence permit before accepting a job.

For some non-state-approved programmes, rules can be different. Students who applied for a residence permit for certain non-state-approved programmes on or after May 2, 2025 may not have the right to work under the student permit.

Best Part-Time Jobs in Denmark for Students

Denmark offers student employment opportunities across several industries. The right position depends on your academic background, previous experience, language skills, and schedule.

1. Restaurants and Cafés

Hospitality is one of the sectors international students often consider because restaurants, cafés, hotels, and catering businesses can offer evening and weekend shifts.

Typical positions include:

Waiter or server
Kitchen assistant
Café worker
Dishwasher
Hotel assistant
Catering staff
Barista

These positions can work well with university schedules because shifts may be available outside normal lecture hours.

2. Retail and Supermarkets

Supermarkets, clothing stores, shopping centres, and other retailers may hire part-time employees for customer service, stocking, checkout duties, and general store operations.

Danish language skills can be especially useful for customer-facing roles. However, international businesses and workplaces in larger cities may have positions where English is sufficient.

3. University Jobs

International students should always investigate opportunities within their university.

Possible positions include:

Student assistant
Research assistant
Library assistant
Administrative assistant
Laboratory assistant
IT support
Departmental assistant

University employment can be particularly valuable because it may provide experience related to your degree. A student studying engineering, for example, could benefit significantly from an assistant position connected to research or a technical project.

4. Tutoring and Language Jobs

Students with strong academic or language skills can consider tutoring.

Common areas include mathematics, science, programming, English, and other languages. Multilingual international students may have an advantage when working with language learners.

Tutoring can also offer greater flexibility than traditional shift-based employment.

5. Cleaning and Service Jobs

Cleaning companies, hotels, offices, and service businesses may offer part-time positions that require relatively little previous professional experience.

These jobs can be a practical option for students who are new to Denmark and need to build their first local employment experience.

6. Technology and Digital Jobs

Students studying computer science, engineering, data science, digital marketing, graphic design, or related subjects should look for positions connected to their skills.

Part-time internships, student developer roles, junior digital positions, and university technology jobs can strengthen a CV while providing valuable industry experience.

How Much Can Students Earn in Denmark?

One important difference between Denmark and many other European countries is that Denmark does not have a statutory national minimum wage. Instead, wages and employment conditions are largely regulated through collective agreements negotiated between trade unions and employer associations.

As a result, there is no single official hourly minimum that applies to every student job.

Before accepting an offer, check:

The hourly wage
Evening or weekend supplements
Overtime arrangements
Holiday pay
Pension contributions, where applicable
The relevant collective agreement

For example, if a student earns an illustrative DKK 140 per hour and works 15 hours in a week:

DKK 140 × 15 = DKK 2,100 gross per week

Four similar weeks would produce approximately DKK 8,400 gross before taxes and other deductions.

This is only an example, not a guaranteed Danish student wage. Actual pay varies significantly by occupation, experience, employer, and collective agreement.

Taxes for International Students Working in Denmark

International students who work in Denmark need to understand the Danish tax system.

Non-Danish employees generally need a digital tax card (skattekort) and a Danish personal tax number or CPR-related tax identification, depending on their circumstances. The Danish Tax Agency uses the tax card to determine how much tax should be withheld from salary.

The Danish Tax Agency states that people without a tax card can face a 55% withholding rate, making it important to arrange the correct tax documentation before starting employment.

Students may also qualify for a tax-exemption allowance depending on their circumstances. For 2026, the general tax-exemption amount is DKK 54,100, although the actual tax position depends on the individual's circumstances and income.

Because tax rules can depend on residency, income, and other factors, international students should use the Danish Tax Agency's official guidance rather than relying on general estimates.

Do You Need Danish to Find a Part-Time Job?

Not always, but Danish language skills can significantly improve your chances.

Denmark has many international companies, universities, research institutions, technology businesses, and workplaces where English is widely used. Consequently, students may find English-speaking opportunities, particularly in:

Technology
Research
Universities
International companies
Startups
Tourism
Some hospitality businesses

However, customer-service jobs often require communication with Danish-speaking customers. Learning basic Danish can therefore open more doors and make everyday workplace communication easier.

Even if your degree is taught entirely in English, learning Danish can be a useful investment in your employability.

Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in Denmark

A successful job search usually combines online applications with networking and university resources.

University Career Services

Your university's career office should be one of your first stops. Career centres may provide vacancy listings, CV guidance, career fairs, employer events, and internship opportunities.

Student organizations can also be useful because they often connect international students with local employers.

Online Job Platforms

Search using both English and Danish terms. Useful searches include:

Part-time jobs Denmark
Student jobs Denmark
Student jobs Copenhagen
English-speaking jobs Denmark
Student assistant Denmark
Part-time jobs Aarhus
Deltidsjob
Studiejob
Studentermedhjælper
Sommerjob

Using Danish keywords can reveal vacancies that may not appear in English-language searches.

Networking

Networking is especially important if you are looking for a job related to your field of study.

Attend university career fairs, professional events, company presentations, student associations, and industry conferences. Speak with professors, classmates, alumni, and employers.

A professional connection can sometimes introduce you to opportunities before they are publicly advertised.

How to Prepare a Strong Danish Job Application

A strong CV should be concise, easy to read, and tailored to the position.

Highlight:

Your degree and university
Previous employment
Technical skills
Language abilities
Relevant projects
Certifications
Volunteer activities
Academic achievements

If you have limited professional experience, focus on transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, organization, customer service, and time management.

For jobs connected to your degree, emphasize specific projects and practical skills rather than simply listing courses.

A short, targeted cover letter can also help explain why you are interested in the position and what you can contribute.

Understand Your Employment Rights

International students should not assume that having a student status means they have fewer workplace rights.

Danish employment conditions are strongly influenced by collective agreements. Employees should receive a written employment contract containing important information such as the employer's details, job description, start date, duration, notice arrangements, and agreed salary.

Before starting work, carefully check the contract and make sure the agreed salary and hours match what you discussed with the employer.

Keep copies of your:

Employment contract
Payslips
Work schedules
Tax documents
Timesheets
Important employer communications

If something is unclear, ask for clarification before signing.

Tips for Balancing Work and University

The biggest challenge is often not finding a job but managing employment without damaging academic performance.

Start with a manageable number of hours, particularly during your first semester. University workloads can increase dramatically during examination periods and major project deadlines.

Consider choosing evening or weekend shifts if they fit your schedule. However, avoid accepting so many shifts that you regularly sacrifice sleep, study time, or important academic activities.

Remember that maintaining satisfactory academic progress should remain a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions About Part-Time Jobs in Denmark

How many hours can international students work in Denmark?

Students in state-approved higher education programmes can generally work 90 hours per month from September through May and full-time during June, July, and August.

Can students work full-time during summer?

Yes. The current rules allow eligible students to work full-time during June, July, and August.

Is there a minimum wage in Denmark?

Denmark does not have a statutory national minimum wage. Wages are generally established through employment agreements and collective bargaining arrangements.

Can I find a job in Denmark without speaking Danish?

Yes. English-speaking jobs exist, particularly in universities, technology, research, international companies, and some service industries. However, Danish language skills can significantly broaden your options.

Do international students pay tax on their salary?

Yes. Students working in Denmark generally need the appropriate tax card and tax identification arrangements. The amount of tax depends on individual circumstances and income.

Can I stay in Denmark after graduation?

Eligible graduates may receive a job-seeking residence period, depending on their programme and immigration circumstances. Current rules provide either a six-month or three-year job-seeking permit in certain cases, and the work rights during the job-seeking period depend on the applicable permit.

Conclusion

Part-time jobs in Denmark can give international students much more than extra income. They provide an opportunity to develop workplace skills, understand Danish professional culture, build a local network, and gain experience that may become valuable after graduation.

The most effective approach is to understand your residence permit conditions before accepting employment, stay within the permitted working hours, arrange your tax card correctly, and obtain a proper employment contract.

Students should also search beyond traditional student jobs. A position related to your degree—whether in research, technology, administration, or another professional field—can be especially valuable for your future career.