Living in :
Denmark
Once in Denmark, there are more things you need to do. These include:
Registering your arrival
As an EU national you do not need a work permit to work in Denmark. However it is always best to be prepared, and have employment set up before you go. You are able to enter the country as a tourist and to look for a job once you arrive.
As an EU Citizen, you are entitled to stay freely in Denmark for 3 months or if searching for work, 6. If you plan on staying longer than this, you must apply for a residence certificate. Although you don't officially have to register for residency or with the National Registration Office immediately on arrival, it is highly recommended that you do. Many aspects of day to day living will become impossible without your CPR number which will be issued there.
Work in Denmark - Arrival
Work in Denmark - Residence for EU/EEA citizens
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Tax registration with the authorities
If planning on staying/working/buying a house or car, you must obtain a CPR number. This number identifies you to the Danish authorities and is required when dealing with any official body. Details regarding how to obtain one of these can be found in the links below.
Work in Denmark - Arrival
Work in Denmark - CPR
It is your responsibility to register with the tax man. You must also find out what tax system you fall into and apply for a tax card from the local tax authority.
Work in Denmark - Tax authorities
Work in Denmark - Tax system
Work in Denmark - Tax Card
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Registering children with daycare/school/universities
Daycare spaces are very limited so apply in plenty of time. Your local commune can help find daycare places. Information regarding general childcare for pre-school children can be found here:
Work in Denmark - Childcare
The rules for compulsory schooling are simple. Children are expected to start school at the age of 6. One of the biggest decisions you need to make will be "Do I want my children educated in English, at an International school, or in a Danish school?" These sites may help you with this decision.
Work in Denmark - Education
Work in Denmark - Foreigners
Independent Schools
Esl Base - Language Schools in Denmark
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Signing up with a Dr or Dentist etc
Most Doctors and Dentists are English speaking. Depending on your insurance class, you may have a free choice of general practitioner, paediatrician and several specialists within your area, providing your choice does not bring the doctor's/dentist's list above the maximum patients permitted. For a really good English speaking Doctor, ask around - other Brits in the neighbourhood can help as well as many of the locals.
More infomation can be found here:
Work in Denmark - Choosing a Doctor
Work in Denmark - Dental Care
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Set up a bank account
Opening a bank account can be a challenge! Most banking is done online in Denmark and via direct debit so it's vital that you have an account. To open an account you'll need proof of residency and your CPR number. Many banks now offer an English interface and English correspondence, it's well worth investigating this. Danske Bank has notoriously been the leader in this field, however research is certainly the key when it comes to opening a bank account!
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Convert your driving license?
The first thing you need to be aware of is if you move abroad, you cannot have your new international address added to your British driving licence.
Directgov - Driving Abroad on a GB Licence
You can apply for an International Driving Permit as a temporary solution although the Danish authorities will accept your UK licence so this is not necessary. Information about this can be found here:
Driving Permit - International Driving Permit
Work in Denmark - Car in Denmark
Alternatively, you have two other choices. Either leave it with your last address in the UK, or submit it to the Danish authorities and have it replaced with a Danish Licence.
The traffic laws are outlined here:
Work in Denmark - Need to know
Europa - Getting there
Note that Cyclists in Denmark always have priority.
It is also worth mentioning that only those people who hold a Danish driving licence can actually be subject to "points". Those people with a British Licence can only be fined. However don't take this "only" as an easy way out! Road fines are potentially huge and can total hundreds and in some cases, thousands of pounds!
And finally, please remember that although in the UK you can take and pass your driving test at the age of 17, in Denmark, your licence is not valid until your 18th birthday! Other general differences can be found here:
ViaMichelin - Driving in Europe - Similarities and Differences
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Registering or buying a car
Deciding whether to take your car or not is something you will need to think about. What is "right" varies from person to person. For example, for my first move, I took my UK car with me for the first 6 months only. This gave me the security blanket when I wasn't sure if I would stay. Had I returned to the UK, I wouldn't have then had to look for a new car. Having decided to stay, I returned my UK car to the UK, and bought a local one. Just make sure that if you decide to take your own car, your insurance covers you properly with a "permanent green card"!
Don't forget you must also notify the DVLA if you plan to take your car out of the UK either temporarily or permanetly.
Direct Gov - Taking your car abroad
Work in Denmark - Bringing your car
Be aware that although you can bring your car into Denmark without paying customs fees or taxes, the actual registration process is VERY expensive. Usually between 60% and 65% of the commercial value of the car. By UK standards this may not seem a lot, but new cars in Denmark cost around the same as in the UK, but then you pay approx 180% registration fee on top. This increases the market value of all registered cars in Denmark substantially. Danes joke that when you buy a car, you pay for 3! Unfortunatley, there is no cheap way around this and in reality, it's no joking matter!
Work in Denmark - Buying a car
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Search for a job
There are a number of websites which focus on job searchs in Spain. The following are a few, however we can not take liability for any of their content or claims. It is also worth actually going into agencies on the street with your up to date CV.
Work in Denmark - Job seeking
4ICJ
Europa - Finding a job in Denmark
Jobs Abroad
Job Centre Plus
Executives on the Web
Tip Top Jobs
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Register for language courses
Us Brits are terrible when it comes to learning languages! It's awful to walk around the shops and feel illiterate. Seeing the letters but not understanding the words. It can leave you feeling very isolated. Learning the language has many benefits. Firstly, it teaches you the essentials you will need to get by. Secondly, it helps you meet people - often people in a similar situation to yourself. And thirdly, it makes people take you more seriously on a daily basis.
Work in Denmark - Danish Courses
Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on language courses.
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Recycling
Each area has its own recycling rules. Make sure you speak with neighbours or the local council to find out the rules for your area.
Work in Denmark - Waste and recycling
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If a student, check out the local student life
Once you know where you will be studying, contact your campus to find out about the local social life. Find out the "in" places to go and the local club scene. Most students work hard, but play harder!
Study in Denmark - Student life
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Marrying in Denmark
When living in a foreign country, it is not unthinkable that you might meet and later want to marry someone in Denmark.
Foreign Office - Marriage Formalities in Denmark
Work in Denmark - Marriage
About - Marriage in Denmark
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British Nationals dying in Denmark
While in Denmark, although none of us wants to think about it, it is possible that you could be left to deal with the death of a loved one. There are many decisions to be made and the following website by the British Embassy in Copenhagen will be of help.
Foreign Office - Deaths involving British Nationals in Denmark
Foreign Office - Help if someone dies
The British Foreign Office have put together a booklet (PDF) which you can download.
Foreign Office - Death Overseas
Please also visit our Repatriation page where we go into this in more detail.
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Protect your pension
As a UK citizen you are entitled to a UK pension when you retire. This can and will be paid into your bank account anywhere in the world. However, whether you get a full or part pension at retirement age depends on your contributions.
Be aware that you are able to pay into a private pension for 5 years after you leave the UK, however advisers also suggest that you consider paying voluntary NI contributions to preserve your state pension entitlements.
You can find out how much to pay by calling the HMRC International Services Helpline on +44 (0) 845 9154811 giving them your UK NI Number. There are many ways to pay, the link below will be of use.
HM Revenue & Customs - Paying NI from abroad
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Keep an eye out for your work / residence permit / insurances / passport lapsing...
This may seem obvious but make sure you know exactly when each of your documents are due to expire! In the first while you may not be able to read the correspondence these companies are sending you. This makes renewal notices very difficult to understand. The last thing you want is to find out that part of your life is no longer legal... Whether it's your right to live in the country or your car insurance have those dates marked clearly somewhere that you check regularly and if it spans more than one year... make sure you copy it over to the following year!
If your passport is due to expire you will need this website:
Foreign Office - Passports
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Emergencies
Emergency Services can be reached by dialing 112, however if you want to get hold of a specific service you can call the following numbers.
Police - 114
Ambulance - 112
Fire Bregade - 112
If anything else goes seriously wrong, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office offers the following help:
Foreign Office - When things go wrong
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