Your path as an unemployed Copenhagener

Welcome to Job Centre Copenhagen. As an unemployed Copenhagener, you will follow a process at the Job Centre specifically targeted to you and your background.

There are many things to keep track of when you are unemployed. Here you will find an overview of what being unemployed in the City of Copenhagen typically intails.

You are always welcome to contact us if you need help, guidance or support. 

The process at the Job Centre

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Step 1: Meetings at the Job Centre

During your unemployment, you will attend meetings at the Job Centre. After finishing your three month contact plan with your unimployment insurance fund (A-kasse), you will attend meetings at the Job Centre - more specifically three meetings during the first three months. 

It varies whether you have to book the interviews yourself, or whether you will receive an invitation from us.

We recommend that you:

  • Check your messages on jobnet.dk. You will be notified when you need to book a meeting with us. You can book the meeting on jobnet.dk, and you can read more about the booking process via the link below.
  • Check your Digital Post regularly. Here you will receive the invitation to the meetings.

Read more about meetings at the Jobcenter.

Step 2: Your journey until you get a job

During your process with us, we will focus on how you can increase your chances of getting a job - based on your situation, of course.

We will talk about this during your first meeting with us, which takes palce at around 14 weeks of unemployment. At the meeting, we will assess if you have to sign up for a counseling programme (Step 3). Furthermore, we will look into a possible 'activation offer', which is placed no later than week 26 of your collected unemployment period (Step 4).

Step 3: Sign up for a counseling programme

If it is difficult to find a job, we will assess if you need to start one or more counseling programmes. Often, this includes a job search program called 'Job and career services Kombi'.

We will typically agree on the details during your first meeting at the Job Centre. 

Read more about guidance through the Jobcenter. 

Step 4: Start in an activation offer

During your entire unemployment benefit period, you will typically have to start one or more ‘activation offers’ (aktiveringstilbud) based on a decision from the Job Centre. 

You can attend an activation offer from your first unemployment day and through your entire period of unemployment.

An activation offer will typically be an internship, an employment in wage subsidy if you are eligible for this, or different types of education. 

By default, you are entitled to one activation offer, which is required to last a minimum of two weeks (combined). The beginning of this activation offer must happen no later than week 26 of your uemployment to ensure the shortest path towards your new job. This will be a topic at your first meeting in the Job Centre.

When holding a Master's degree, more education will rarely be your shortest path towards getting a job. Therefore, if you have a Master's degree, we encourage you to think in terms of collaboration with companies instead. In this case, internships and wage subsidies are some of the best tools in creating a shortcut to the next job.

That's why we also work strategically with business-oriented initiatives at Jobcenter Copenhagen. If landing the next job is taking a while, we will help you find an internship or something similar. You can also be matched to some of the jobs we are recruiting for through the Job Centre.

Step 5: When you land your next job

Congratulations on getting a job! Special rules may apply to you until you start the job and deregister from unemployment benefits. 

Read here what to do when you are on your way to a job.

Step 6: If you are unemployed after 2 years on unemployment benefits

Please note that your unemployment benefits will generally cease if you receive benefits for a total of 2 years within a 3-year period. If you have worked along the way, you can extend your benefit period for up to one year.

If you have questions about your unemployment benefits, you should always contact your unemployment insurance fund (A-kasse). The unemployment insurance fund that assesses whether you are entitled to unemployment benefits.

If you are in a situation where you need other financial support, you can apply for cash benefits (kontanthjælp) or other financial assistance.

You can also read about about how you can think outside the box in your job search. 

Special conditions

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If you are going on maternity leave or retiring or starting full-time education

You can be exempted from being an active jobseeker and having interviews at the jobcenter and unemployment insurance fund if you go on maternity leave, retire or start a full-time education within the next 6 weeks. The education must be vocational training or a medium or higher education. 

Send documentation to us via Digital Post. 

You must also remember to deregister from Jobnet. You can register up to 4 weeks before your first day of maternity leave or retirement.

If you're struggling to find a job

If you're struggling to find a job, there are several places to get advice. We have several available offers, and it is possible to ask your consultant during your meetings at the jobcenter about current opportunities. In the meantime, you can get inspired by our guide to finding a work experience placement, which is a great shortcut to getting started with your unsolicited job search.

You are always welcome to contact us for help and advice on your job search.