A Comprehensive Guide on Moving to Denmark

Jump right in:

• A guide to cost of living and daily life in Denmark
• Visa Types and Work Permit Requirements
• A guide on jobs and finding work in Denmark
• Finding housing in Denmark
• Relocating your household goods and pets
• A guide to opening a bank account and tax system in Denmark
• Health Insurance and the Healthcare System in Denmark
• Education and International Schools in Denmark

When relocating, the cost of living in another country is always important to consider, and this is especially true when talking about Denmark. Copenhagen is among the most expensive cities in the world, however, you will likely receive a high salary.  Wondering how is public transportation in Denmark? Most public transportation networks in Denmark are extensive and reliable. You will find buses and trains in major cities, a metro in Copenhagen, and a number of ferries connecting the country’s main islands. In bigger cities, one ticket for public transportation often works for several modes of transportation, like buses, trains, or the metro.   Driving in Denmark requires having a Danish or European driver’s license. If you have neither, you may be able to exchange your foreign license for a recognized one. Driving in the city centers will likely not outweigh the costs.
Find more information about danish culture and social etiquette as well as exact numbers for cost of living in our full guide about life in Denmark

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 the local 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.

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.

For more in depth information read our complete guide on visas & work permits in Denmark

To work in Denmark as a foreigner, you may need a visa and a work permit. EU citizens do not need either; they are free to enter the country and start a job right away. However, they should be properly registered in the country (for a CPR number, a health card, etc.) if they are staying for longer than three months.  Citizens of other countries will need a visa and work permit in Denmark. The first thing you will need to be eligible for a visa is a job contract.  If you struggle with English, this will work against you when looking for a job. In addition, if you want to build a solid career in Denmark, you will need to study Danish as well. In this guide we give you all the insights you need on how to find a job, how to apply, whether your style of CV if suitable for Denmark, some interviews and networking tips to land you the right job. The safest way to secure a job in Denmark is to have a look at the shortage occupation list, known as the Positive List. We also cover minimum and average salaries in Denmark, information on self-employment, social security and benefits, maternity leave and the Danish business culture. For more information read our full guide on working in Denmark.

You can open a bank account in Denmark if you are a resident in the country. In general, you cannot open an account if you are not registered in the country first. The only exception would be if you have an account with an international bank which has branches in Denmark, but check with your bank if they allow so. No matter how many bank accounts you set up in Denmark, at least one has to be designated as your Nem Konto. This type of account is linked to your CPR number, and it is through it that you receive government payments such as tax refunds, benefits, prescription subsidies, pensions, etc. There are two types of taxes in Denmark: direct and indirect taxes. Direct taxes are income taxes, social security contributions, and AM-tax which is explained further in this section. Indirect taxes correspond to VAT and duties on goods and services and property tax.

There are three types of taxes on personal income:

• AM-tax
• taxes
• Municipal taxes

For more in-depth information, read our full guide on banking and managing your taxes in Denmark.

Whether you are looking to buy or rent, be aware that prices are high. In this guide, we show you exactly how to rent a home in Denmark and cover all types of houses you will find in the country.

Good news for those considering renting in Denmark - there is a maximum rent price per square meter allowed by law. This means that you will not be paying more than needed, as landlords cannot make up their own rent prices exceeding the limit.

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.

Keep in mind that you need to have lived in Denmark for at least 5 years if you wish to buy property. On top of this, expats who are not from the EU/EEA need permission from the Danish Ministry of Justice to buy property, a process which is usually carried out by a lawyer.

For more information about recent prices and process read our complete guide on housing in Denmark

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.

For more in depth information and the relocation process and steps read our complete guide on relocating to Denmark

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 will be 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

This overview outlines the key facts—from how the school system works to what options are available for expat families, and university students. Education is compulsory from age 6 to 16, with public, private, and international schools to choose from.

Public schools are free and offer a high standard of education, with a strong focus on student well-being and critical thinking. Most instruction is in Danish, but some schools offer international or bilingual programs. International schools are mainly found in larger cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, they follow foreign curricula and teach in English or other languages, but usually charge tuition fees. Danish universities are highly regarded in Europe, with many programs available in English, which are free to all european students.

Read our complete guide on education & international schools in Denmark