How To Move To Denmark: Steps To A Great Life
Denmark is a cool country that delights not only Europeans who want to live a better life, but it’s also the southernmost state of Scandinavia: the legacy of the Vikings, stunning beaches, the freshness of dense forests and awesome architecture…
Yeah, no doubt Denmark is one of the most beautiful European countries with a developed infrastructure and a decent standard of living.
Maybe you want to move to Denmark because of its well-thought-out social policy of equality and human rights, progressive norms and ideals, subtle aesthetics and sophisticated design in almost all areas. In the Kingdom of Denmark, you will certainly find everything from cozy bakeries with the smell of fragrant pastries to universities of the highest skill level. You can find anything you need!
Well, it’s not enough just to buy a train or plane ticket to move to this beautiful country. So we offer step-by-step instructions for moving to Denmark, which will help you quickly adapt to a new country and its culture. You’ll find out which visas and health insurance you will need and also all about bank accounts and job search.
First, find out the basic information before moving to Denmark.
Profile of the Kingdom of Denmark
The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen, the largest Danish city on the island of Zealand; the population is about 5.73 million people; Danish krone is used as the national currency, which equals 0.15 dollars at the current rate; official language in the country is Danish; largest cities in Denmark, besides the capital of Copenhagen, are Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense.
In Denmark, there are enough expats, people who temporarily or permanently live in another country without its citizenship. In total, there are about 476 thousand expats in the Danish state, 10 thousand of them live in the United States and a little less come from Australia, most expats are from the UK ‒ it’s about 17 thousand.
Now let’s talk about the key points. Well, what creates a mood for most people? The weather! Denmark is a model of stability and tranquility, so the climate here is just as temperate. Sudden weather changes almost never happen here. The mild temperate climate is the result of the influence of the warm Gulf Stream. The average temperature in February is about 0°C, and in July ‒ about 17°C. It’s very difficult to meet dry seasons, it’s always quite humid here.
One of the key issues is the financial one. I want to tell you how things are going on here with the Danes.
As Denmark is a land of extremely equal rights, here is just no huge difference between the highest paying and lowest paying jobs! In this democratic state, power tries to equalize even the most complicated problem for regulation in other countries. I’m talking about earnings. So, the average Dane gets paid about 20272 krones per month.
Okay, let’s continue to explore this beautiful country and find out how to move to Denmark!
In the information below, we will talk about the tasks and steps that must be completed to make you moving to Denmark a reality.
Task #1. The Legal Basis for Moving to Denmark
If you are outside the European Union, immigrating to Denmark will be more difficult. Check your chances for a visa, and for that, you need your civil passport just to enter the country. Since you are not a Danish citizen, you’ll not be able to stay in the country without a visa for longer than three months.
The Top Nationalities Immigrating to Denmark
Look through the requirements put forward by Danish authorities for expats from different countries.
Australia
Australians immigrating to Denmark need a visa to stay in Denmark for a long time. To obtain a permanent residence card before, living in the country requires about eight years or four years to work with a clearly defined income level. Despite these rules, the Danish authorities have enough other cool offers for expats emigrating to Denmark. One of them is marginal pay ‒ the emigrant’s salary must be no less than 400000 kroons to stay in the country.
Europe
For Europeans who are immigrating to Denmark, the rules are more loyal than for residents of Australia. So, citizens of the countries of Northern Europe ‒ Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Finland ‒ have the opportunity to work anywhere and live in the country freely. The lucky ones! This rule even applies to the rest of Europe. But non-Europeans seekers of happiness need to apply for registration since emigrating to Denmark within 90 days.
The USA
For Americans immigrating to Denmark, the requirements for moving are just the same as for Australians. The easiest option for US citizens is to move to study as a student, as an employee, spouse or partner of a Danish citizen.
Great Britain
With the British, everything is much simpler… They are lucky to have the same rights as the rest of the citizens of European countries!
How can Student Move to Denmark?
If you’re a student from Europe and Switzerland who want to study in Denmark, just choose and take a course. Everyone who lives outside the European continent is advised to apply for a student visa, and if the application is approved, the visa will be valid during the study year.
Task #2. The Cost of Living in Denmark and your Financial Capabilities
Denmark is quite expensive in terms of living standards compared to other countries in Western Europe.
Here is a guideline for the Danish krone:
€ 1 = 7.5 krones
£ 1 = 8.3 krones
1 US dollar = 6.29 krones
Tip: How to Plan a Budget in Denmark
Since you are moving to Denmark for a long time, you should consider your budget to the smallest detail.
For example, you should know that renting a one-room apartment in the outline of the city will cost you about 5 thousand krones. If you want to live in the center, it will cost more, about 7 thousand krones plus of DKK 1220 per month for utility bills.
One pint of beer will cost 45 DKK. A dinner for two in the city with a glass of wine will cost approximately 600 DKK. A bottle of milk in a store costs about 25 krones, and a piece of bread on average is 14 krones. You can buy jeans for 685 krones.
To use public transport, you need to buy a ticket for 23 krones. A monthly pass will cost 378 DKK.
And if you prefer a healthy lifestyle, a visit to the fitness club will cost 235 krones per month.
Task #3. Financial Issue
If the currency in your country is not euros, you will need to open your bank account. Everything is very simple here. After all, this country is a bright “emigration center”. Opening bank accounts is not difficult in Denmark. For a standard bank account, you only need your passport with a photo, proof of residence, work or a student ticket in the case of study.
One of the most important things is the CPR number which you get along with a residence permit. Without the CPR number, you can’t open an account in Denmark. If you already have an international account, then perhaps it will work in Denmark. If this is the case, since emigrating to Denmark you can conduct transactions online.
You can also transfer money from your country upon arrival in Denmark. To save on transactions, we recommend using TransferWise. In fact, the disadvantage of all these banking operations is the low rate and hidden payments. But TransferWise will help save your money and manage finances in different currencies.
Task #4. The Process of Seeking and Finding Job
One of the main requirements for employment in Denmark is knowledge of the Danish language. Each public office involves the mandatory use of a national language.
Well, if you are fluent in English, this will be a plus, but it’s nothing compared to fluency in Danish. Indeed, almost every Dane knows English and this stops to be something unique. The only job in which it is not necessary to know the Danish language is a technical or engineering specialty. Sometimes it’s enough of your competence as a specialist but English is always a great privilege.
Task #5. Accommodation in Denmark
To fully settle in the country, you should find comfortable accommodation. One of the main problems is its expensive price. If you are ready to buy a house, it’s recommended that you rent it before you buy it for some time. The most popular areas for a living are in all major cities of the Danish state. Living in the north of the capital will be much more expensive than in the south. With a residence permit, finding housing in Denmark will be much easier.
Raekkehus is one of the most sought-after rental properties in Denmark. Often they are more than ordinary rented apartments, they are more like houses with beautiful decorative gardens. For rent, you will need to pay a deposit for three months in advance using a bank transfer. Basically, such leases are concluded for a year.
Task #6. Medical Insurance
Denmark is known as a country with excellent health care. Medical facilities cover most medical services for the population. In Denmark, absolutely all citizens have access to the healthcare system.
One of the good news is that anyone can get medical help at the hospital. Europeans can also get free health insurance if they provide evidence of a European insurance card. Also, you can order paid services.
You can find your doctor at the National Registration Office. You can also ask your neighbors or colleagues for recommendations.
Task #7. The Danish Language is your Superpower!
Learn the Danish language. Learn it on online platforms. Duolingo and Babbel are some of the most accessible and popular sites. Take a class at your institution of higher education or at adult education centers. Also, consider the option of private lessons. Often, the administration provides a free Danish class to anyone with a visa.
If the cause of your moving to Denmark is marriage, you will need to pass an exam on knowledge of Danish 6 months after immigrating to Denmark.
Task #8. Don’t Be Alone
Communication is one of the best ways to spend time and cultural exchange. Well, guy, communicate with the locals, improve your Danish and get closer to the cultural characteristics of these people. Just don’t be afraid and everything will be fine. Soon you’ll see it! 🙂
Task #9. Remember Emergency Numbers
Be prepared for different situations in life because you never know what could happen. And foresight here is the best solution.
Here is a list of structures where you can turn for help:
Dial 112 ‒ Ambulance, police and fire service
Dial 14 ‒ Non-emergency Police
Anything you need in Denmark, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Australian Embassy, Canadian Embassy, US Embassy or British Embassy is at your service!
So, life in Denmark is calm and great but moving to Denmark requires considerable effort and carefully thought out steps. But preparing for the moving will meet all your expectations!
