- Jürgen Hofmeister
The various InterNations activities for expats in Copenhagen made me feel welcome immediately.
You already have your mind set on this destination. Now you need to get your plans in motion. How to move to Denmark? Is it easy or hard to move to Denmark? This will depend on several factors. If the language barrier is a concern for you, you will be pleased to know that most Danes speak English well. However, it is advisable for you to at least learn conversational Danish, so you can integrate quicker.
If you find yourself with all sorts of questions on how to relocate to Denmark, you will find practical and up-to-date information in every section of this guide. We show you the benefits of relocating to Denmark, such as free education and healthcare, as well as downsides like heavy taxes.
There are many things to know before moving to Denmark. For instance, you may have difficulty finding accommodation in larger cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus. You should also expect high fees for almost all Danish banks. Luckily, we have done all the research for you and show you how to avoid some of the most common setbacks expats may experience.
What do you need to move to Denmark? If you are not an EU citizen, you will need to apply for a visa. If you are an EU citizen, on the other hand, you won’t need a visa to enter the country. Nordic citizens (Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, or Finnish) relocating to Denmark have it even easier.
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All You Need to Know About Relocating Your Household Goods and Pets
If you are looking for current and well-organized information on the process of moving to Denmark, you are in the right place. There are several ways you can ship your household goods to Denmark. The choice you make will depend on your budget and urgency. The cheapest way is to ship your household goods is by sea, but your items will take longer to arrive. If you are in a hurry and money is not an issue, shipping by plane is your best bet. However, you will certainly save money if you have them shipped by land (this will be possible depending on your country of origin). Be aware that you must be in the country and properly registered as a resident at the time your shipment arrives.
You should not have a problem when storing any household goods in Denmark. There are plenty of storage companies in the country.
If you are moving to Denmark with pets, have a look at the list of animals that are allowed in the country. You may not be able to bring your dog with you to the country if it is considered a dangerous breed. If your furry friend is approved to go to Denmark, make sure to have its vaccinations in order. Other requirements include a pet passport and a microchip.
As for your own vaccinations, the ones required in Denmark are the same as the routine immunizations you should have received as a child in most countries.
The Guide to Visa Types and Work Permit Requirements
How do you get a Danish visa and work permit? Different rules apply depending on where you come from. EU and EEA citizens do not need a visa, and nationals of other Nordic countries have it even easier.
If you do need a visa, expect to carry out the application process for a Danish visa entirely online through thelocal immigration platform. There you will find a comprehensive list of all the Danish visa requirements. Typically, the first step will be to find a job because most visa types in Denmark require a work contract (or a promise of one). After submitting your visa application, you should not have to wait too long for a response. In fact, some visa types can be processed and approved in a matter of two weeks.
Most Danish visas cost around 3,000 DKK (480 USD), which includes a residence permit. In fact, when applying for a visa, you are applying for a work permit and a residence permit in one. The only thing you need to do after getting your visa is to register to obtain your Danish tax number.
Everything You Need to Know About Finding a New Home
Finding accommodation in Denmark is not easiest of tasks. Whether you are looking to buy or rent, be aware that prices are high. To get the best deal, you will need to understand the local housing market. In this section, we show you exactly how to rent a home in Denmark and cover all types of houses you will find in the country.
If you want to know how to buy a house in Denmark as a foreigner, a word of caution—the market may not be as fair to expats as it is to native Danes. For instance, you may have a harder time finding a reasonable mortgage rate.
You should expect to spend quite a bit on housing in Denmark. The average rent is around 8,800 DKK (1,400 USD) in city centers, and even higher in Copenhagen at 16,600 DKK (2,600 USD) a month. Utilities in Denmark will add roughly 880 DKK (140 USD) to your monthly expenses.
As for average house prices, the cheapest houses range between 1 and 3 million DKK (160,000 to 500,000 USD). The houses in this price bracket are sought-after and sell fast, whether they are a good deal or not. This means you have little to no bargaining power if you are looking to become a homeowner. For reference, a 140 square meter apartment costs 2,000,000 DKK (320,000 USD) on average.
Health Insurance and the Healthcare System of Denmark Explained
The healthcare system and health insurance in Denmark should cover all your medical needs. This will be free of charge if you opt for public healthcare. The standard of the Danish healthcare system is high. The doctors and staff are trained and qualified. Their efficient data storage system ensures your medical information is accessed by medical professionals across the country, giving you more accurate treatment no matter where you are.
As is common in most other countries, there are waiting lists for elective surgeries and procedures in the public system. However, you are able to take out private health insurance in Denmark, which will reduce waiting times to see doctors. This section of our guide will explain how to find a doctor in the country. Keep in mind that you will need referrals from your family doctor to see any specialist, whether that is in the public or private sector.
If you are worried about the process of giving birth in Denmark, you have nothing to worry about. You are in good hands when using a doctor and midwife from the public healthcare system, and you will find everything you need in the hospital for a comfortable stay.
Read our complete guide on insurance & healthcare in Denmark
Connect with like-minded expatriates
Discover our welcoming community of expats! You’ll find many ways to network, socialize, and make new friends. Attend online and in-person events that bring global minds together.
See all upcoming events for expats in Denmark
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- Jürgen Hofmeister
The various InterNations activities for expats in Copenhagen made me feel welcome immediately.
- Sarah Porter
InterNations expats let me see that there's much more to Copenhagen than clichés like The Little Mermaid and Tivoli...
