A Guide to Moving to Denmark as a Worker: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Written by: Angelika Benesova, September 2024

Are you thinking of moving to Denmark or have you already arrived? Perhaps you may have many questions about life in Denmark. Whether you are planning your big move or adjusting to life in Denmark, this guide will help you navigate the process from start to finish.?

Here’s a practical approach to making your transition as smooth as possible.

Before You Move to Denmark

What steps should you take before moving, and what options are available to you? It's important to prepare thoroughly in advance and explore your choices to ensure a smooth transition.?

1. Choose a location: When moving to Denmark, choosing the right location is key to your overall experience. The capital region, including Copenhagen, offers vibrant city life, diverse job opportunities, and a bustling cultural scene. However, living in Copenhagen can be more expensive, with higher rental prices and a fast-paced lifestyle. On the other hand, other regions of Denmark, like Aarhus, Odense, or Aalborg, provide a more relaxed atmosphere, often with lower living costs and easy access to nature. Consider your lifestyle preferences, job market, and budget when deciding where to settle, as each area has its own unique benefits and character.

2. Find a Job: Searching for a job, particularly in a foreign country, can be difficult. However, this step is crucial as it can impact your visa and residence permit requirements. To find job opportunities in Denmark, you can utilize the following platforms:? LinkedIn, Workindenmark.dk, Jobindex.dk, Moment.dk, and Jobbank.dk. In Denmark, the standards for CVs and cover letters are somewhat different from those in other countries. Therefore, make sure to follow simple rules:

CV (Curriculum Vitae)

• Length and Format: Keep your CV concise, ideally 1-2 pages. Use a clean, professional format with clear headings and bullet points.
• Personal Information: Include your full name, contact details (phone number and email), smiling photos of you, and address.?
• Professional Experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements and responsibilities relevant to the job you are applying for.
• Education: Include your educational background, also in reverse chronological order. Mention any certifications or additional training.
• Skills and Competencies: Highlight relevant skills, including language proficiency (especially Danish, if applicable), technical skills, and any other competencies pertinent to the job.
• References: It’s common to provide references upon request, so you can mention that references are available.

Cover Letter

• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for. Mention how you found the job listing.
• Motivation: Explain why you are interested in this particular role and how it aligns with your career goals. Show enthusiasm for the company and the position.
• Relevant Experience: Highlight key achievements and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the job. Connect your skills and experiences directly to the job requirements.
• Conclusion: Conclude with a strong closing statement expressing your interest in an interview and your availability for further discussion. Thank the reader for considering your application.

3. Check Visa and Work Permit Requirements: Before relocating to Denmark and starting your new job, you need to determine whether you require a residence and work permit. The requirements for obtaining a permit depend on the purpose of your stay. If your plan is to work in Denmark, it's crucial to apply for both a residence and work permit before you begin employment. Therefore, make sure to check the specific requirements and apply in advance.

4. Learn About Danish Culture: The trust is a corestone of Danish culture, together with hygge and sm?rrebr?d. Understanding Danish traditions and social etiquette can help you adjust more easily. Therefore, familiarize yourself with Danish customs, culture, and social norms. Embracing these aspects will not only enhance your integration but also enrich your overall experience in Denmark. Engaging with Danish practices and showing respect for cultural values will help you build meaningful connections and feel more at home.

5. Plan for Your Family: If your spouse, cohabiting partner, child, or other family members are joining you in Denmark, they can apply for a residence permit as accompanying family members. Note that if you are an EU citizen, specific EU regulations will apply to your family's application. Additionally, if your family members are Nordic citizens, they have the right to enter, live, study, and work in Denmark without needing a residence permit. If you're moving with family, research how to bring them along, including any visa requirements or permits they might need.

6. Find Housing: Rental prices in Denmark can vary significantly based on factors such as location, size, and the overall condition of the property. Options include renting a room, an apartment, or a single-family home. Therefore, consider whether you want to rent or buy and start your search early to find the best fit. For this step, you can utilize Google search or Facebook groups.

7. Research Schools: In Denmark, every child is guaranteed a place in childcare, with options including day nurseries (0-3 years), daycare (3-6 years), and after-school centers (6-10 years). There are also local childcare options in private homes. Afterwards, education starts at the age of 6 and includes a 1-year pre-school class, 9 years of primary and lower secondary education, and an optional 10th year. Most children attend free municipal schools.

Upon Arrival in Denmark

You’ve arrived in Denmark—what steps should you take to get settled and what options do you have? Regardless of whether you’re coming from a Nordic country, an EU member state, or a non-EU country, there are several key tasks and considerations to address.

1. Obtain an EU Residence Document: If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can obtain an EU residence document. This also applies if you are a family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who already has or is applying for the document. Nordic citizens do not need an EU residence document and can freely live, study, and work in Denmark.? This is crucial for establishing your legal status in Denmark.
2. Secure Permanent Housing: Please note that you can only apply for a CPR number once you have secured a residence and are living there. The required minimum period for establishing a permanent address varies by municipality, usually between 1 and 3 months. This is necessary for registration and other official processes.
3. Register and Get Your CPR Number: Register as a resident and obtain a CPR number (Central Person Register number). This is essential for accessing various services and benefits such as salaries, money transfers, healthcare, and more. If you plan to stay for 3 months or more (or 6 months if coming from an EU/EEA or Nordic country), you must notify the Civil Registration Office.
4. Choose a General Practitioner: After registering in the Civil Registration System (CPR), you can select a family doctor (GP) to consult if you become ill. Your GP will also manage prescriptions, vaccinations, and other healthcare needs. Visiting your GP is free of charge; however, usually you need to book an appointment beforehand.
5. Get Your MitID: Obtain a MitID, which is used for digital identification and accessing various online services in Denmark. To get MitID, you need to have a Danish CPR number, be at least 15 years old, and meet the identification requirements.
6. Apply for a Yellow Health Insurance Card: This card ensures you have access to the Danish healthcare system. The health insurance card confirms your eligibility for services under Denmark’s national health insurance scheme. You will receive this card after registering for a CPR number with Citizen Service in your municipality or at an International Citizen Service center. Approximately 2 to 3 weeks after your CPR registration, your health insurance card will be mailed to your Danish address.
7. Get a Tax Card: When you move to Denmark for work, you must apply for a tax card, known as 'skattekort' in Danish. This card allows your employer to determine the correct amount of tax to withhold from your salary. You can create your tax card yourself through the website skat.dk/tastselv.
8. Enroll Your Child in Daycare: If needed, sign up your child for daycare or preschool. You can use Digital Pladsanvisning to manage municipal childcare for your child, including signing up for and withdrawing from childcare services.
9. Open a Bank Account: You’ll need to get in touch with a bank of your choice. In Denmark, banks are required to provide a basic bank account to all consumers with legal residence in an EU country or a country with a financial agreement with the EU. Documentation requirements may vary by bank but typically include: proof of identity (such as a passport, driver’s license, or health insurance card), employment contract or invitation letter, tax card (optional), and for US citizens only: American Social Security card.

While Living in Denmark

1. Import Your Car: If you plan to bring your car, make sure to follow the regulations for importing it into Denmark. You can bring your car when relocating to Denmark, but you may need to get Danish license plates. If you move to Denmark with a car that has foreign plates, you must register the vehicle in Denmark within 30 days of your arrival.
2. Update Your Driving License: You may need to exchange your foreign driving license for a Danish one.
3. Find a Dentist: Register with a local dentist for dental care. In Denmark, dental care involves partial out-of-pocket expenses. You are responsible for paying for check-ups and treatments, but a portion of the costs is covered by the government and is automatically deducted from your bill. You can choose any dentist you prefer. However, dental treatment is free for children and young people under 18 years of age.
4. Understand Your Rights: Get familiar with your rights as a parent, employee, and citizen to ensure you're well-informed about your entitlements. Additionally, familiarize yourself with consumer protection laws, which safeguard your rights when making purchases or contracts. Knowing these rights will help you navigate daily life in Denmark more confidently and effectively.
5. Read Your Digital Post: Stay updated by regularly checking your Digital Post, which is the official way to receive communications from the Danish government and public authorities. This means that most of your correspondence with public institutions will be delivered digitally rather than by traditional mail. You can access your digital post through several platforms: lifeindenmark.dk, the digital post app, e-Boks, and/or mit.dk
6. Learn Danish: Consider learning Danish to better integrate into your community and enhance your daily life. Language courses for newly arrived adult foreign nationals are available at various language centers across Denmark. These courses offer instruction in Danish language and culture, designed to help newcomers integrate into Danish workplaces and society effectively.
7. Explore? Commuting: Denmark has developed a great infrastructure that caters efficiently to cars, bicycles, and commuters. For planning your travel by train, bus, or metro,? the Rejseplanen (Journey Planner) will be a useful tool for you. It integrates information from all regional and local transport services across the country, helping you navigate your journey smoothly.
8. Join Clubs or Associations: Get involved in local clubs or associations to meet people and build a network. Denmark offers a wide variety of clubs and associations that cater to diverse interests, including sports, politics, religion, hobbies, and more. Anyone living in Denmark can join these clubs or associations, and around two-thirds of Danes are members of at least one. By actively participating, you can meet new people, build friendships, and expand your social and professional network. Further, keep an eye on events relevant to you.
9. Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community and meet others while meaningfully spending your time.?

Moving to Denmark can be an exciting but at the same time challenging adventure. Therefore, be careful while planning your big move and make the most of your experience. By following these steps before, during, and after your move, you can ensure a smoother transition and a more enjoyable stay in your desired destination in Denmark.

For more information or if you have any questions about life in Denmark, reach out to the International House North Denmark at [email protected] or call +45 9931 1530. You can also visit their website at www.ihnd.dk.

Written by: Angelika Benesova, September 2024