Living and working in Denmark
Denmark is widely known for vikings, the little mermaid, the concept of “hygge”, and being one of the happiest countries in the world. But what else? And what would it be like to actually live there?
Here we will try to give you a better impression of what it’s like to settle down in this cool Scandinavian country.
Latest available jobs in Denmark
Currency
Denmark uses the Danish crown/krone (DKK, kr) as their official currency
Famous people
Some famous Danes are H.C. Andersen, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Wozniacki, and Lukas Forchhammer (Lukas Graham)
Population
Denmark has ~5.8 million, residents, many living in Copenhagen
Typical food
Smørrebrød (open sandwich), stegt flæsk med persillesov (fried pork belly with parsley sauce), romkugle (truffles/rum balls)
Avg. working week
Denmark has an average of 37 hour work week,7- 8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
Denmark is located in northern Europe and borders Germany. It is part of the Scandinavian countries
Languages
The official language is Danish and they use the Latin script/alphabet
Healthcare
Danish healthcare is ranked very high, and the public healthcare is free for its citizens and residents. Dental care and physiotherapy is not included.
What you need to know about living and working in Denmark
Denmark is a highly ranked place to work because of the work-life balance. It’s part of their culture to have a meaningful balance in order to enjoy life, which means that they take the human side into consideration. Here are some reasons why Denmark is the perfect place to work abroad:
- The salaries are higher in Denmark compared to a lot of EU countries. According to the Danish law you also get a minimum of 25 days of vacation and in some companies it can be up to 30 days plus national bank holidays.
- Not to forget the famous Friday bar – something that Danes worship. Friday bar is the opportunity to connect with your colleagues and relax after the “long” week and slide into the weekend.
- Family is very important to Danes and therefore balancing work and domestic life is not too complex. As the family life of employees is generally respected by Danish employers, it is not uncommon for many Danish workplaces to give you the opportunity to adjust your working hours based on your family’s needs.
Depending on the city you’re working in the minimum salary is around DKK 17.000 (EUR 2.280) and DKK 21.280 (EUR 2.861).
Taxes in Denmark
Taxes in Denmark are considerably higher than the rest of Europe, but it’s also the country with the highest acceptance rate to tax increases since the citizens believe they see the results of their contributions in their day-to-day life.
The percentage of income taxes in Denmark can go as high as 52.06% (55.89% including AM tax, which is also income tax for DTT purposes). However, you won’t end up paying this much since a number of deductions are applicable; therefore the rate is lower.
What you need to fix when you start living in Denmark
There are certain things you have to make sure you fix before you can relax and enjoy life in Denmark. We list the most important ones:
- Get a CPR-number; this Central Person Register number is everything in Denmark, it’s like a social security number, which you need for banking, taxes, healthcare, and more
- Healthcare; once you have your CPR you’ll receive a yellow health insurance card. After this you can choose a doctor
- Open a Danish bank account; needed for salary payments
- Set Up MitID; this is your digital identity. You need it for online banking and government services
- Register with tax authorities; you need a tax card before getting paid
- Register your address; you have to officially register where you live
- Get a Danish phone number
Popular cities in Denmark
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Denmark
With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, excellent healthcare, and high-quality education, Denmark provides a nurturing environment for personal growth and well-being. The concept “hygge” is like a warm hug. It’s all about cosiness, comfort, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Imagine gathering with friends for a candlelit dinner, savouring mouth watering Danish pastries or snuggling up with a good book at home or in a cozy cafe. Denmark truly knows how to create a hygge-filled sanctuary, and the cold winters are perfect for living through this concept.
5 fun facts about Denmark
- It has the oldest flag in the world: With more than 800 years, it is the oldest flag still used by an independent nation.
- Denmark has the two oldest amusement parks in the world: Bakken and Tivoli Bakken is 20 minutes outside of Copenhagen and Tivoli is right next to the central station. So it’s the perfect place to have a really fun weekend.
- LEGO was invented by a Dane: Ole Kirk Christiansen founded LEGO in 1949 and you can visit the original LEGOLAND here.
- The harbour water is so clean you can swim in it: Not only the Copenhagen harbour has clean water but also other big cities like Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg.
- LGBT friendly: Denmark was the first country to legalise same-sex unions in 1989 and same sex marriage since 2012.
The "cosy" culture in Denmark
Denmark is worldwide known for its values, being cosmopolitan, well educated and open-minded. It’s often been said to be the happiest country in the world and equality is very important here:
Almost all families belong to the middle class and the poverty percentage is low.
Danes love to cycle in all weather conditions. That keeps them in shape, healthy and looking good and also saves them money on unnecessary transport.
Furthermore, thare beautiful landscapes and forests and it’s almost impossible not to see the sea.
Danes really care about their homes and decor so everything needs to be according to hygge rules – pretty, cosy, welcoming, and nice.
Danish people have a mindset about equity which means no one is better than the other, which is reflected in many aspects of their life. Especially in jobs, which means that it’s rare to find a cocky boss in Denmark or a haughty attitude towards others.
The level of English is excellent which makes it easier for expats to find a place to work and live. In fact, Denmark is one of the firsts countries ranked in the Working Abroad Index and has been more than 4 years continuously in the first position of relatives index.
Danish cuisine
Danish food is diverse and has a wide range of fresh products, cereals and meats:
- Traditionally they use a lot of pork meat, boiled potatoes, and gravy, although younger generations opt for a lighter and more internationally inspired diet.
- Even though Danes still consume a lot of meat it has become more and more normal for Danish families to have “meat-free-meals” every week for climate concerns.
- Danish lunch is a traditional open-face sandwich called smørrebrød.
- Breakfast is an important meal for most Danes. Many people eat rye bread or oatmeal – and of course drink coffee.
- Danish food often includes a lot of potatoes, so if you’re looking for tasty balanced food then Denmark may be the best suit for you.
Finding accommodation in Denmark
Finding accommodation in Denmark is quite difficult if you’re planning on living in the big cities like Copenhagen or Aarhus. You may find different options between furnished and unfurnished apartments but we recommend you to be open to share flats since it’s more possible to happen.
Expect something like this when it comes to rent prices in Denmark:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,000-€1,600 a month
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €800-€1,200 a month
- Room in a shared apartment: €500-€1,000 a month
Cost of living in Denmark
Many expats choose Denmark because of the work-life balance and benefits, and you can see this yourself by looking at their cost of living and comparing them to their wages. You can expect this for the costs of living in Denmark:
- Groceries: €270-€500 a month
- Basic meal in a restaurant: €20-€25
- Coffee in a café: €4,50-€7
- 0.5L beer in a bar: €6,50-€11
- Gym membership: €25-€50 a month
- Cinema ticket: €13-€16
Still not sure about Denmark?
Denmark is a great destination for those who seek balance, comfort, and organisation but also having the opportunity to explore different cultures between regions:
- Copenhagen, the capital city, is vibrant and culturally rich, with a diverse range of amenities and job opportunities.
- Aarhus, the second-largest city, combines a youthful atmosphere with a thriving arts scene and a strong focus on education.
- Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, is a charming city with historical sites, a vibrant city centre, and a strong sense of community.
- Aalborg, situated in Northern Jutland, is a charming harbour city that hosts the annual Aalborg Karneval (carnival) which is the largest in Northern Europe!
Denmark’s design scene is world-renowned, making it a haven for creative souls. From sleek Scandinavian furniture to cutting-edge architecture, artistic inspiration is around every corner. Immerse yourself in the innovative atmosphere and join the thriving art and design community.
Nature lovers will be in awe of Denmark’s “natural designs” and landscapes, that indeed are very flat but hold gems. From the stunning cliffs of Møns Klint to the pristine beaches of Skagen, outdoor adventures await at every turn. Explore the picturesque countryside, hop on a sailboat along the coast, or simply enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks throughout the country.
FAQ
No, citizens from Nordic countries, EU/EEA and Switzerland do not need residence and work permits. Citizens from other countries must apply. You can read more about getting your work permit here.
You can attend both online/virtual language courses as well as classes. And there are also apps like Duolingo available. In general, Danish people are considered to have a high level of English and most places you will go it will be no problem to speak in English with the locals.
The Danish climate is temperate. The summers are mild with temperatures averaging between 20 °C and 26 °C, but it is not unusual to also have 16 °C and rainy periods during summer. The winters are cold with a mean temperature of 0 °C and with longer periods of snow and temperatures below freezing.
Denmark is known for its bicycle-friendly culture, and cycling is a common mode of transportation for commuting to work. Many cities and towns in Denmark have well-developed cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and paths. Besides this there are extensive networks of buses, trains and metro system in e.g. Copenhagen.
- Yes, Denmark has a great healthcare system known for its high quality of care. The healthcare system is publicly funded and accessible to all Danish residents. It provides comprehensive coverage for essential medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications. The country also invests in medical research and has a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare. Overall, Denmark’s healthcare system is considered to be among the best in the world. It is paid for through taxes and therefore citizens never have to pay when going to doctor’s appointments or in case of emergency.
Denmark has a high cost of living compared to many other countries. Monthly expenses for a single person, including rent, utilities, and groceries, can range from €1,500 to €2,500, depending on the location and lifestyle. Dining out can be relatively expensive, with an average meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around €15 to €25, while a basic lunch can cost around €10 to €15.