Can I work at 13 in Denmark?
Yes — 13 is Denmark's part-time-job age, and the rules were eased on 1 January 2025. 13–14-year-olds (and teens who haven't finished 9th grade) may do light work: paper routes, light cleaning, fruit picking — and since the 2025 easing also light shop service in stores and supermarkets (e.g. at the checkout belt) plus light tasks in institutions. The time frames are firm: max 2 hours on school days and 12 hours a week during school weeks; on free days up to 7 hours a day/35 a week. Work between 20:00 and 06:00 is banned, as are dangerous machines, heavy lifting and alcohol service. The employer must inform the parents.
📋 The rules
- Jobs from 13 — only light work (listed in the executive order)
- New from 1 Jan 2025: light shop service and institutional tasks allowed
- School days: max 2 hours; school weeks: max 12 hours
- Free days: up to 7 h/day, 35 h/week; banned 20:00–06:00
- The employer must inform the parents
🔓 Exceptions
- Under 13: only cultural activities (theatre, film, ads) with police permission
- 15+ after 9th grade: wider job options and longer hours (under-18 rules)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Liability and fines hit the employer (Working Environment Act) — illegal tasks or hours bring fines and Labour Inspection orders. The teen isn't punished.
📎 Official sources
- Labour Inspection · Part-time job rules (DA) →
- Employment Ministry · The 1 Jan 2025 easing (DA) →
- Jobpatruljen · Rules for 13–15s (DA) →
❓ Frequently asked
Which jobs may a 13-year-old take?
Light work: paper routes, light shop work and service (from 2025), light cleaning, fruit picking, dog walking — no dangerous machines or heavy lifting.
How much may I work beside school?
Max 2 hours on school days and 12 hours a week in school weeks — and never between 20:00 and 06:00.
What about tax on the pay?
Teens have their own tax-free card/personal allowance — below the threshold no tax is withheld; have the employer apply the frikort.
May a 12-year-old deliver papers?
No — the line is 13; under-13s need police permission even for cultural performances.
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What people search to land here:
- “working age denmark 13”
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