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Copenhagen at a Glance

Finding Work in Copenhagen

The job search in Copenhagen is not always easy.

The Job Search in Copenhagen

Trying to find a job in a foreign country can be incredibly challenging and even more so in a city as popular as Copenhagen. Of course, intra-company transfers are by far the simplest ways for expats to work in Copenhagen. Those who are searching for work on their own account need to keep a few things in mind. First of all, it is important that you spend some time on improving your Danish. Although many people in Copenhagen speak English, having at least a basic command of the local language is essential for your job search in Copenhagen.

The job center in Copenhagen can help you in your endeavor if you have already spent a few months or years in Denmark and are now on the job search again. The job center is also the place to turn to when you lose your work and have to report as unemployed.

It is also always a great idea to activate your expat network, as the majority of positions are not advertised. One of your expat friends may know of a job opening which could be just right for you. Browse online job databases, like EURES or Monster, or search newspaper classifieds and magazine ads. Private employment agencies might be able to refer you to companies and help you find exactly the right kind of job.

Work Permits

Before you contact the Danish Immigration Service or a Danish consulate or embassy in order to apply for your work permit, please remember that your Danish employer first has to prove that no Danish citizen can fill your prospective position. Other than that, there are different work permit schemes which are designed to make the application process easier for you:

• The Corporate Scheme is designed for expats who transfer to a branch of their company.
• The Pay Limit Scheme applies to you if your income exceeds a certain limit.
• The Greencard Scheme allows you to undertake an extensive job search and subsequently take up employment in Copenhagen.
• The Positive List includes all occupations which experience a current labor shortage. Jobs on the positive allow you to apply directly for a work permit.
• The Researchers Scheme is supposed to ease the access to the Danish labor market for researchers.

These and other schemes apply to nationals of non-EU/EEA countries. Those who live in the EU/EEA will be happy to learn that they do not require a permit to work in Copenhagen. However, unlike their Nordic neighbors, they are not entirely free to live and work in Denmark. EU/EEA-citizens require a residence permit and need to register their residency upon arrival.