Denmark to raise retirement age to 70 by 2040

The increase was voted in favour by the Danish Parliament, 81–21, as it is mandated by the country’s Pensions Act to decide every five years to hike the retirement age if the life expectancy of 60-year-olds increases.

Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen said in a media release that the increase was to “afford proper welfare for future generations”.

However, she noted that this will be the last time that the Social Democrats vote for an increase within the current automatic system.

According to the minister, they will negotiate a new and “fairer pension system” ahead of 2030.

Denmark’s population by age

Denmark’s current population is nearly six million as of April 2025, as per Statistics Denmark. By age, there are currently 713,091 people between the ages of 60 and 69.