Vibrant cities, stunning nature and high quality of life make living in Denmark an enticing choice. From its cosmopolitan cities, low crime rate, and plenty of outstanding areas of natural beauty, it is no surprise that this Scandinavian nation is a popular place for expats to move to.
Quick Facts
Total Population: 5.81 million
Capital: Copenhagen
Currency: Danish Krone (kr)
Official Language: Danish
Biggest Cities: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg
Work permit
Citizens of the Nordic countries are free to live and work in Denmark. Nationals of the EU and EEA countries, including Switzerland, may essentially do the same, but you will need to apply for a residence document within the first three months of your stay. You can apply for the residence document online at the new to Denmark website – New in Denmark (nyidanmark.dk) and if it is your first time you apply, you need to attend an appointment at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration‘s branch offices in Copenhagen, Odense, Aarhus, Aalborg or Aabenraa.
If you are a citizen from a country outside of the EU/EEA and Switzerland, or any of the Nordic countries, you will need a residence permit and/or a work visa. You are able to apply online for the residence permit at the New to Denmark website and a work visa at the Visa Application Center (VFS). You can visit the New to Danmark website to check if you need a work visa, find available information on how to apply and all the necessary documents required.
Taxes in Denmark
Many expats are surprised by Denmark’s high taxes, but with this you get free access to health and education services. The exact amount of tax you pay will depend on earnings and the tax deductions and allowances that you are entitled to and are consequently taxed with different rates. This also means that the value of a deduction differs depending on in which income the deduction can be made. Individuals are subject to national income tax, municipal tax, regional tax, labour market tax, and church tax.
Health Insurance in Denmark
Denmark has some of the highest quality healthcare services in the world. Denmark operates through a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens have access to it. Once you register in Denmark and receive an CPR (Civil Registration) number, as well as your yellow health insurance card, you are automatically granted access to public health services, hospital treatment and medical help
The health insurance card gives you the right to healthcare services on the same terms as other citizens in Denmark. You are required to choose a GP that is located within a 15 kilometer radius of your registered Danish address. The card will be posted to your Danish address. You can find more information about the national health insurance card and how to choose your GP at Healthcare (borger.dk)
Living in Denmark
One of the main reasons expats move to Denmark is the high standard of living that is the envy of nations around the world. There is a strong emphasis on culture, education and social programs, with all these factors contributing to a very high standard of living.
Many expats moving to Denmark notice that the work culture is different to most English speaking countries, with more of an emphasis on a healthy work life balance. Another benefit of working in Denmark is that employers and the government work together towards what is termed ‘flexicurity’.This model is widely admired for its ability to reflect the needs of employers while, at the same time, safeguarding the welfare of employees, e.g, support people who lose their livelihood due to illness, divorce or unemployment. Employees in Denmark also rank among the most productive and hard working in Europe.
Culture and language in Denmark
Many people find it easy and accessible to learn Danish online. Duolingo and Babbel are the most popular platforms. You can also use the more personalised platform – SpeakDanish. In person, you can explore courses at higher education institutions and adult learning centres. Programmes are often offered by the local council (the kommune) or certain high schools in the region where you live.
How TCP Solutions (People2.0) can help?
TCP Solutions is part of the People 2.0 group, the leading provider of contingent workforce engagement solutions globally, operating in 40+ countries. With all of the above differences in mind, understanding rules about working in Denmark can be quite a challenge. We have solutions for this.
Are you a freelancer, agency operating in the Denmark market, or an employee or employer? Through, for example, payrolling, contract management and our legal service, we guarantee that you comply with all specific national and provincial laws and regulations. That is very important, because many people who work abroad are not aware of the fact that their labour issues are not well organised. It can be very difficult because there are many different rules that you have to meet and if you do not comply, you and your employer will receive a hefty fine.
Whether you are self-employed or just want to get started at a company, TCP Solutions can help you, either in Denmark or any of the other many countries we operate. We are an international HR specialist. Do you want to know more? Feel free to contact us. Call us on +44 (0) 208 5800 800 or send a message via our contact page. Find out more about our services in Denmark here.
