Background Check in Denmark

What are the Benefits of Background Checks in Denmark?

In addition to avoiding legal pitfalls and penalties, conducting proper background checks in Denmark can pose several other benefits for an organization. 

These include: 

• Implementing background checks as a standard part of the hiring process fosters a positive work culture based on trust, accountability, and transparency. 
  • Employees feel confident knowing their colleagues have undergone screening, promoting security within the enterprise.
    

• Employees represent an organization's face, and their behavior can significantly impact its reputation.
  • By conducting thorough background checks, you can ensure that you hire employees whose values align with those of the organization.
    
• Conducting background checks in Denmark enables you to make more informed hiring decisions by verifying candidates’ identities, employment history, education, and credentials.
  • This helps ensure that individuals have the qualifications and experience for the job.

What are the Types of Background Checks in Denmark?

Denmark allows for several background checks to ensure a smooth relocation process for international employees. 

Let’s examine a few examples.

Criminal record check

Individuals who have lived in Denmark before can ask for a special document that shows if they have a criminal record. 

It is typically provided in English, German, French, or Spanish. To avail the same, candidates need to furnish the following documents:

• A signed letter of consent
• A copy of the passport
• Address

The request for the certificate of criminal record usually takes about eight weeks to process. 

In addition, extra time might be required for the document to arrive by mail since, under Danish law, this certificate cannot be sent via email.

Employment history check

You can conduct employee screening in Denmark as part of the hiring process to verify the accuracy of a candidate’s work experience and qualifications. 

For this, you may contact previous employers or request references from the candidate to ensure that the information provided in their resume accurately reflects their work history.

Medical screening 

Under Danish labor laws, employees can only request health data from candidates if it directly relates to their ability to perform the job. 

You can conduct general medical examinations under certain circumstances, such as for health and safety reasons, to determine the applicant’s fitness for the job. 

In such cases, employees must provide written consent and be informed about any possible consequences that a refusal to undergo the examination may bear. 

Credit history check

Credit checks can assess an individual’s credit history and financial behavior. The primary purpose of this type of employee background check in Denmark is to evaluate a person’s creditworthiness and financial responsibility.

Credit checks are considered lawful only when the job position requires them. 

This typically applies to roles that require high trust and involve handling financial matters, such as working in a bank or overseeing a bookkeeping department.

Education history check

An education history check in Denmark involves verifying the credentials provided by the candidate, including degrees, diplomas, certificates, and transcripts. 

You may contact the educational institution listed by the candidate to confirm the authenticity of their credentials.

Social media check

You can only review candidates' publicly available social media profiles to gain insight into their online presence and behavior. 

This may include platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other professional networking sites.

Requirements for Background Check in Denmark

Conducting an employment background check in Denmark typically involves various aspects of a candidate’s personal and professional history. 

While specific requirements may vary depending on the type of check being conducted, some of the most common documents required include,

• Identification documents: valid driver’s license, passport, or national ID card
• Education verification: copy of a high school diploma, high school degree, or transcripts.
• Employment verification: copy of offer letter
• Other relevant documents: professional certifications, licenses, or permits

Steps in Conducting Background Checks in Denmark

The employment background check in Denmark involves several key steps to ensure compliance and make informed decisions. Here is a detailed explanation of each step.

• Obtain consent

The first step is to inform the candidate that a background check is part of the hiring process and obtain their explicit consent. 

You can prepare a document for the background verification process and include a consent form. 

Candidates must be made aware of the purpose and scope of the background check and their rights under Danish data protection laws.

• Begin verification

Once the candidate has provided consent and the necessary details, you can start the verification process. 

Visit their universities, schools, and past employers to verify the details they have provided for verification. 

Then, you can also ask for a Danish Police Clearance Certificate and a medical examination (if applicable).  

The entire process of verification is time-consuming and requires high investment. 

Usually, recruiters and organizations opt for reliable EOR service platforms like Skuad. 

Such platforms provide Employer of Record offerings that can help you with the entire hiring process. 

You no longer have to spend additional resources to conduct background checks as Skuad offers an EOR service that includes background verification (saving costs).

• Initiate review

After the employee screening in Denmark is completed, the employer receives a report for review. 

The report may indicate whether the candidate is clear, meaning no concerning issues were found, or ‘consider’ indicating that something of concern has been identified. 

Based on the review, the employer then makes a well-informed hiring decision.

Are Employee Background Checks Legal in Denmark?

Yes, employee screening in Denmark is legal as long as it complies with Danish Labor Law (Act on the Use of Health Data on the Labour Market, 1996) and other: 

• The Danish Data Protection Act
• General Data Protection Regulation 

Since background checks are crucial for a healthy and compliant working environment, organizations generally outsource to trusted third parties. 

Planning to Hire in Denmark? Skuad Can Help

Say goodbye to compliance headaches and currency conversion challenges. With Skuad as your Employer of Record (EOR), you can unlock opportunities while mitigating risks and reducing administrative costs.

Skuad’s EOR services help you manage payroll processes and cover background verification. 

This saves operational costs while your business complies with all local regulations. 

Additionally, it boasts some robust security measures so that you can always guarantee the security and confidentiality of your data and intellectual property. 

Get started today and experience the ease and efficiency of Skuad’s global employment solutions.

FAQs

Q1: What are the protections for employees in Denmark?

Ans: Employees in Denmark are protected by a comprehensive set of laws and regulations designed to safeguard their rights and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. This includes anti-discrimination laws, maternity and paternity rights, health and safety regulations, and unfair dismissal protections. 

Q2: What is the work policy in Denmark?

Ans: Under the work policy in Denmark, the standard working hours consist of 37 hours per week. 

Q3: What is the employment structure in Denmark?

Ans: The employment structure in Denmark reflects a dynamic and diverse labor market. A combination of permanent, temporary, and part-time employment arrangements characterizes it. 

Q4: Do employers do international background checks?

Ans: Employers can sometimes conduct international background checks on job candidates, especially if they have lived, worked, or studied in other countries.