• Denmark
• Moving to
• Living in
• Leaving
• Resources
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• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
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• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
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• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
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• Slovenia
• Spain
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• United Kingdom

Moving to : Denmark

There are a number of things you will need to research or do before moving to Denmark, these include:

• Local Culture 
• Residence Permits/Visa Requirements/Fees 
• How to search for work if you do not already have a job 
• The importance of your Contract of Employment 
• Self Employed? Starting a new business 
• Studying in Denmark 
• School/Childcare - admissions, childcare, registration 
• Retiring to Denmark 
• Accommodation, property search 
• Removal Companies and Personal Effects 
• Public Healthcare 
• Registering with a Doctor/Dentist 
• Medication 
• Private Medical Insurance, Healthcare and Hospitals 
• Banking 
• Setting up TV, Telephone and Internet 
• Registering for a mobile phone 
• Taking your car 
• Moving your pets 
• Make sure your passport is valid 
• Tickets for your move, hotel bookings and car rental 
• UK Voter Registration 
• Final Checklists 
• Final Notifications 

Danish culture is defined in many ways. From their Viking ancestory, Hans Christian Anderson and the Little Mermaid, to their amazing hospitality and Danish Pastries (although don't expect them to be like the ones you buy in the UK)!  Clicking on the links below will help you understand the country and its unique appeal.

House of relocation - Introduction to Denmark
Wikipedia - Culture of Denmark 
Kwintessential - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette
Denmark.dk - The Danish Model

Each area of Denmark will also have its own history and culture. Don't forget to run a search specifically on the area of Denmark you are looking at moving to. We recommend Google for all searches and the easiest way of searching for local culture is to put "culture" + the area of Denmark you are investigating.

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.

Nyidanmark - Residence for EU/EEA citizens

More information can be found on this in our "living in..." Registering your arrival in the Country.

There are a number of websites which focus on job searches in Denmark.  The following are a few, however we can not take personal liability for any of their content or claims.

Work in Denmark - Job seeking 
4ICJ
Europa - Finding a job in Denmark
Jobs Abroad
Job Centre Plus
Executives on the Web
Tip Top Jobs

The normal work week in Denmark is between 35 and 40 hours. Before signing your contract, make sure you understand it fully. If it is in Danish, ask if it can be translated into English so that there is no question in your mind about what you are signing. If they can't do this, then spend the money and take it to a translator. Always better to be safe than sorry. Check things like disciplinary procedures (it is VERY easy to get fired in Denmark!), performance indicators, how they intend to pay you and how often and that they will take care of your tax and social security payments.

Your contract is essential when applying for residency. It is proof that you will be able to support yourself. You will need to show them a copy when making the application.

If you do not have an employment contract you will be working illegally and could be sent home. In order to work you will need an "CPR" (civil registry number).

You need to apply for a CPR number before you arrive permanently in Denmark.  You need to do this at the National Registration Office.  You can apply for this at the same time as your residency.

More information can be found about this on our "living in..." Tax registration with the authorities).

If you are planning on going to Denmark and starting your own business, this site may be of use to you: Doing Business

If you're going to study in Denmark, you will need information regarding courses.

Study in Denmark
Prospects - Postgraduate study
Open University - Business School in Denmark

For an idea of what it's like to study in Denmark:

Studying in Denmark - Testimonials

As an EU national, you are allowed to work unlimited hours while studying in Denmark.  If you want to work to suppliment your income while studying, the rules are here:

Studying in Denmark - working while studying

Daycare spaces are very limited so apply in plenty of time.  Your local commune can help find daycare places.  Information regarding general childcare for preschool 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 7, however most children start pre-school at the age of 6; Compulsory education is at least nine yars, however most people continue beyond that.

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.

New to Denmark - School and Education
Independent Schools
Esl Base - Language Schools in Denmark

If you are considering retiring to Denmark, then the following sites should be useful:

Direct Gov - Preparing to move or retire abroad 
Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Moving Abroad

The decision regarding whether to purchase or rent a property in Denmark can be difficult. If you are looking to buy, then these links will help.

Real Estate EU - Denmark
Your House Abroad - Denmark
Right Move - Property Website

Rental can be harder as most real estate agencies focus on short term/holiday rentals, however it is not impossible. You will usually be expected to pay a deposit and a months' rent in advance and property search for rentals is usually easier in autumn and winter as during the summer months the shorter lease periods are more appealing to landlords.

Work in Denmark - Renting a property 

If you can get by in Danish, the following sites are pretty good in pointing you in the right direction.

For houses and appartments for sale through the largest estate agencies in Denmark:

Boligsiden   

For rental properties, this website is the better one:

Lejebolig

When shipping your personal (household) effects within the EU, they are not subject to normal customs formalities or restrictions.

Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on English speaking removal companies.

The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Danish nationals.

For longer term general health care, you will need a CPR number and a health card.  This must be provided to your doctor at every visit.

Work in Denmark - Public health Service
NHS Guide  
Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Travel Insurance

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

Before taking any medication into Denmark make sure that you check that it is legal to do so. Interestingly 63% of Britons didn’t know that some medication in the UK e.g. alcohol based prescription drugs and painkillers such as codeine are illegal in some countries. In Japan for instance, the Vicks inhaler and Sudafed are illegal!

Work in Denmark - Medicine

Private medical insurance is a personal choice. Although not necessary as the public healthcare in Denmark is exceptionally good, it can act as a security blanket if something goes seriously wrong.

Work in Denmark - Private health insurance

Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on additional medical insurance, general private heathcare and private hospitals.

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!

Many companies take a while to set these up, so once you know where you will be living, you might want to contact these companies in advance, so you are able to have connection from the day you move in.

TDC and Tele2 are the biggest, offering packages for Cable TV, Telephone and Internet.
ViaSat is one of the biggest satelite providers however their website is in Danish.

Working your way around these websites can be a challenge since they are in Danish.  If you don't read Danish, try to have someone with you who does.

With most cable and satelite companies, as in the UK, you can select TV "packages" which will determine which channels you get.  Foreign TV shows are never dubbed (unless aimed specifically at children) so most of the Danish channels will have English speaking tv/films on with Danish subtitles. 

As with anything, research your options first.  Talk to neighbours/colleagues and other locals and see who they use etc. Ensure that regardless of who you go with, purchase a TV licence! The following site is where you sign up for it, but be aware you must have a CPR number to do it and if you don't read Danish, you'll need a Dane with you to help too since the site is in Danish.

DR - Licence

Please check our Resources section to see if there are any alternatives.

These sites may help you decide which carrier is best for you and how the system works. You will need both proof of residency and your CPR to get a mobile phone contract.

Easy Expat - Mobile Phone

As for your UK mobile. Our guess is that you will be returning to the UK from time to time and may want a low cost way for people to contact you when you are there. So why not cancel your contract, but switch to a "Pay as you go"? This is a number that most of your friends/family will already have, so record your voicemail explaining that this phone is now only on when you are in the UK, and tell them how to contact you when you're not. Be careful when choosing your PAYG plan as some expect you to use your phone every few weeks to keep it active.

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 permanently. 

Direct Gov - Taking your car abroad

Work in Denmark  - Bringing your car

Be aware that although you can take 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!  Unfortunately, there is no cheap way around this and in reality, it's no joking matter! 

No one wants to leave their other family members behind, so take them with you! Also, please don't forget to consider they may need their own Residency permits once in Denmark.

Work in Denmark - Importing Pets  
DEFRA - Qualifying Countries for the PETS Scheme
DEFRA - Preparing your pet for travel (cats, dogs & ferrets)
DEFRA - Preparing your pet for travel (rabits and rodents)

Make sure you have a valid passport. You do not need a minimum period of validity; however it must remain valid for the duration of your stay.

UK Passport Office - UK Passport Information

When moving you need to set a date to do so. Once you have this date, you need to consider your flights or travel arrangements. Investigate cheap flights or travel. There is no need to spend a fortune getting there when there are many cheap options available. The following site details the list of low cost airlines flying to Denmark:

Attitude Travel - Guide to Cheap Airline Carriers

If you have not arranged somewhere to live, make sure you have accommodation until you do. Book yourself a hotel. In addition, you may be going to sign contracts for your accommodation. This does not mean you can stay there on the first night! This may not be possible. So make sure you know exactly what your plans are and make arrangements that take these into consideration.

Where car hire is concerned do your research. Different companies offer different deals at different times.

Please check our Resources section to see if there more information on car hire and deals.

Don't Lose Your Vote!

If you are 18 and over, and were previously registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years, you can apply to register again as an overseas voter.

Overseas Voting