Denmark is a small Scandinavian country located in the northern part of Europe. This country is soaked up in natural beauty. It is blessed with stunning landscapes, creative architecture, and grand castles.
This destination usually gets overlooked by other famous European countries like France and Italy but it has its own strong identity and history that spans centuries.
One will be glad to know that Denmark has a large cultural emphasis on equality. In fact, there is no word for please in this country.
This stands at the #2 position in the UN’s World Happiness Report from the last three decades. Moreover, its capital city Copenhagen is ranked #5 in the Well-Being Ranking of major global cities.
This Scandinavian country offers a variety of experiences and thus attracts people from far and wide. Denmark is one of the flattest countries in the world with a difference of just 178 meters between the highest and the lowest point.
Danish history spans back further than a lot of other historic European countries. It is the best place to live in for those who love digging the past.
However, moving to Denmark isn’t just buying a plane ticket. You will have to keep plenty of things into account to get your plans in motion.
Is the relocation to this Scandinavian country easy or hard? What about the language barrier? How about the tax system? There are lots of questions to be answered before actually executing the final move.
But, there is no need to worry about it as we have come up with a detailed relocation guide that will make your relocation process easier. Scroll down the page and take a virtual walk of this beautiful country to avoid some of the most common setbacks expats may experience.
Let the tour begins!!
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Moving to Denmark From US
The relocation process raises many questions in mind like how to move to Denmark, what is currency difference is, how you are going to settle down in a new country, and so on.
Knowing the ins and outs of the destination country is essential to make the upcoming move. It not just makes the relocation simpler but also avoids any further inconveniences.
Therefore, we have come up with a comprehensive guide that provides you with insider information such as Visa requirements, the Healthcare system, Education facts, Taxation, and many other things that you are looking for.
Wait no more and keep on reading the guide to jump-start your move.
Visa
Types of Visas
| Type of visa | Description |
| Tourist Visa | It is also known as Single Entry Visa and allows the holder to stay for a period of 90 days within the validity period of 6 months. |
| Working Visa | This visa is required if you want to live in Denmark for work purposes. This country has a variety of work visas but three among them are most common – Fast-Track Scheme, Pay Limit Scheme, and the Positive List. |
| Student Visa | This visa is required for continuing higher studies in Denmark. One must be admitted to the higher education study program which is either approved by a state authority or offered by a publicly accredited education institution. |
Denmark Visa Requirements For US Citizen
No visa is required if a person is moving to Denmark from US.
One must have a valid US passport for staying in this Scandinavian country for up to 3 months. However, an American visitor must have to present the following documents while entering Denmark:
- American Passport (Valid three months beyond intended stay)
- A return airline ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
Denmark Visa Processing Time
The processing time for Denmark Visa is about 15 days in the normal situation. However, it can take up to 60 days, and, therefore, you are advised to apply for the same up to 6 months before traveling to Denmark.
How much is Denmark Visa Fee?
A standard visa fee for Denmark is about EUR 80 ($90) and must be paid at the time of submitting the visa application. The children between 6 to 12 years of age will have to pay a standard visa fee of EUR 40 ($45).
Is Denmark Visa Easy To Get?
Yes, getting a visa for Denmark is quick and easy as compared to other countries. However, visitors need to meet a long list of requirements while applying for a Denmark visa which might increase the visa processing time.
Citizenship
Becoming a citizen of Denmark
Living in Denmark as a permanent citizen is not as easy as it sounds. Danish requirements for naturalization are already some of the toughest in the world and the government keeps on pushing the forward by adding new rules.
According to a report from the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the number of people who get citizenship in this country is now the lowest in 40 years.
Denmark offers two types of citizenship. These are:
- Citizenship by Birth
- Dual Citizenship
Denmark Citizenship Requirements
Check out the citizenship requirements here before moving to Denmark.
- One must be a resident in Denmark for an uninterrupted period of at least 2 years.
- You must not be charged or have been punished for a criminal offense.
- A person must not have an overdue debt to the state.
- One must document the Danish Language skills at the level of passing the DU3 exam.
- You must sign a declaration of loyalty to Denmark.
- Once the application is submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment mail and a confirmation from the Ministry of Immigration and Integration.
How to Apply?
Carry out the following procedure to apply for Denmark citizenship.
- Submit the application and enclose the necessary documents like indefinite residence permit, proof of citizenship, language test, etc.
- Pay the application fee of DKK 3,800.
- Sign your application by using NemID as a final step.
Is it easy to get citizenship in Denmark?
No, not at all. One must have to undertake both language and citizenship tests to apply for Danish Citizenship. Also, permanent residency requirements are constantly being changed which might keep expats from becoming permanent citizens of this country.
How long does it take to become a citizen of Denmark?
Since Denmark has tightened rules for citizenship, it might take up to 16 years (on average) to become a citizen of Denmark.
Taxes in Denmark
Taxes in Denmark are classified into two categories – Direct Tax and Indirect Tax.
Check out the different types of taxes paid by Danish citizens in the table mentioned below.
Direct Tax
| Type of tax | Description |
|---|---|
| A-Tax (tax deducted from income at source) | It is a kind of income tax that is deducted directly from your income. |
| B-Tax (tax not deducted from income at source) | Such income tax is not deducted from the income directly and is applied to the business profit and interests. |
| Municipal tax | The tax is calculated as a percentage of the income and is decided by the municipality. |
| State tax | This is calculated as a progressive tax and is divided into two categories – bottom-bracketed and top-bracketed. |
| Church Tax | This tax covers the running and maintenance of the churches in the municipality. |
| Labor Market Contributions | All working citizens in Denmark have to pay the labor market contribution. This will be deducted from the gross pay and from a self-employed person’s income. |
| ATP contribution | Every working citizen will have to make an ATP contribution. An employer needs to pay two-third of his income and an employee has to pay one-third of the income. |
| Land Tax | The property tax is applied to all residents who own a house, plot, apartment, or any kind of property in Denmark. |
Indirect Tax
| Type of Tax | Description |
|---|---|
| VAT | This tax is applied to all goods and services in Denmark. |
| Green tax | This tax is based on your consumption of the society’s resources and is levied on petrol, oil, electricity, water, etc. |
| Excise Duty | Excise Duty is applied to the manufacture, sale, and import of certain goods such as wine and beer, chocolate, soft drinks, etc. |
| Custom Duty | This is applicable to the goods you have brought to Denmark from non-EU countries. |
Taxes in Denmark vs US
Before moving to Denmark from America, let’s just compare the tax rates between these two countries.
| Tax | Denmark | US |
|---|---|---|
| The personal income tax rate | 55.90% | 37% |
| Corporate Tax Rate | 22% | 21% |
| VAT | 25% | Not applicable |
| Sales Tax | 25% | Not applicable |
How much tax do you pay in Denmark?
According to the tax scheme, an individual in Denmark will be taxed by up to 52.06% (55.89% including the AM tax). However, several deductions are available that eventually lowers the overall tax rate.
Is Denmark tax-free?
No, not at all. Danish residents are subject to full-tax liability and they will be taxed on their worldwide incomes.
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The job market in Denmark
It is important to know about the job opportunities before actually moving to Denmark. The Scandinavian country boasts a progressive job market with endless employment options. The Danish labor market is dominated by the service sector followed by the unemployment rate is low at just 5.66%.
Employees in Denmark are facilitated with excellent working conditions. The labor market in this country works on the system of flexicurity which means that employers can hire and fire the workers at any time to adjust the needs of the market.
Denmark jobs in demand
Certain job sectors that are in huge demand in Denmark are:
- Medical consultants
- Building and mechanical engineers
- Energy and electrical engineers
- Pharmacists, dentists, and hospital doctors
- Radiographers
- Primary school teachers
- IT consultants
- Psychologist
- Hospitality jobs
The Jobs in Denmark for US Citizens
If a person is immigrating to Denmark from US, then he can apply to jobs where English-speaking is required as a necessary skill such as an embassy, hospitality sector, or as a translator.
US citizens can apply for all other jobs as well if they meet the eligibility criteria and speak Danish fluently.
Is it easy to get a job in Denmark?
No. Getting a job in Denmark is really hard and challenging. You must have to be better than the Danish citizen to fetch a job in this country.
What is the average salary in Denmark?
The average salary of an individual working in Denmark is around 40,600 DKK per month.
How can an American get a job in Denmark?
To get a job in Denmark as an American, you need to apply for a visa and work permit visa and learn the Danish language.
Denmark Health care System
Denmark has one of the leading healthcare systems in the world. According to the International survey, more than 90% of Danish citizens are totally satisfied with the country’s health care facilities.
It boasts state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and uses the most advanced healthcare equipment available anywhere. The health care expenditure of the Danish Government is about 10.4% of the GDP. All citizens in this Scandinavian country enjoy equal, universal, and complementary healthcare services.
Denmark Health Insurance (Public vs Private)
Denmark healthcare is further classified into two health insurance schemes – Public and Private.
Public Health Insurance
The entire public healthcare insurance system in Denmark is tax-funded and is readily available to the citizens. This is regulated by the Central government and covers all medical assistance and hospital stays. You need to submit your CPR number If moving to Denmark from US to access the public healthcare system.
Private Health Insurance
Choosing private healthcare insurance is a good idea if you find yourself on the long waiting list and are looking for faster treatment. There are different private insurance coverage levels in Denmark to choose from.
Denmark Health care wait times
Denmark’s healthcare wait times depend on the type of treatment you are looking for. The average waiting time for hip replacement is 35 days and for cataract treatment is 36 days.
Is healthcare free in Denmark?
Yes. The healthcare facility is free in Denmark and is provided by the local government of five regions. However, it doesn’t include dental care, medication, and cosmetic surgeries.
What does Denmark rank in healthcare?
According to the World Health Organization, Denmark healthcare is ranked at #34 in the world. It is known for its excellent standards and free universal treatment.
Denmark Education System
Denmark’s Education System is divided into four levels – Pre-School, Primary Education, Secondary Education, and Higher Education. The schools in the country use a seven-point grading system with -3 as unacceptable and 12 as excellent.
The country boasts both public and private schools following an international curriculum. Moreover, Denmark offers several financial benefits to the students that you won’t find in any other country. It takes pride in having an excellent education system and top-ranked education institutions in Europe such as the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Technical University of Denmark, etc.
Denmark Education System Facts
Check out some interesting education facts here before moving to Denmark.
- It comprises both public and private schools.
- The public education system in Denmark is free from primary to higher education.
- About 15% of the students in the country attend private schools.
- Education in Denmark is compulsory for up to 16 years of age.
- Public expenditure on education corresponds to around 7% of the country’s GDP.
- Denmark’s literacy rate stands at 99% for both men and women.
Denmark Education System Ranking
According to the US News, the education system in Denmark is ranked 12th in the world. This country is the #3rd best place to study in Europe.
Is Education Free in Denmark?
Yes. Denmark offers free education to students from EU/EEA and Switzerland. Education in this country is also free if you either hold a permanent residence permit or participate in an exchange program.
How much does it cost to study in Denmark?
The cost of education in Denmark universities depends on the type of course, the level at which you are studying, and an educational institution. One expects to pay between DKK 45,000 and DKK120,000 per year on average.
Living in Denmark
Denmark is counted amongst the wealthiest, happiest, and most expensive countries in the world to reside in. However, you will likely earn a high salary while living here to lead a happy and peaceful life.
Free education and modern healthcare are an added plus. Denmark is one of the safest countries to live in and ranked first in terms of work-life balance. It is economically strong and offers endless job opportunities to talented and skilled professionals.
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Living in Denmark as an American
Immigrating to Denmark from US and get settled down in this Scandinavian country can be a difficult transition. However, this country enjoys a world-class stand of living and this is what attracts foreigners from all around the world.
Living here is quite expensive than in the US. Americans must learn the Danish language before moving to this country.
Cost of Living in Denmark vs the US
It is advised to compare the cost of living in Denmark and the US to make the final move. Check the comparison table here.
| Metrics | Denmark | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities | $240.70 | $160.08 |
| Real Estate Price (rent per month for a 3-bedroom apartment) | $2007.55 | $1685.98 |
| GDP per capita | $60,170 | $65,297 |
| Cost of Living (Family) excluding rent | $3930 | $3313 |
Is it expensive to live in Denmark?
Yes, absolutely. Living in Denmark is really expensive but the standard of living in this country makes the extra cost worth it. The overall monthly cost of staying in Denmark hovers between $880 to $1050.
Is Denmark friendly to foreigners?
No. This country is no friendly and welcoming for expats and there are several reasons for it like language barrier, unique customs, and challenging citizenship requirements.
Best Places to Live in Denmark
Moving to Denmark? Figure out some of the best places to live in this beautiful Scandinavian country to make the right choice.
1. Copenhagen
The capital and the largest city of Denmark sits peacefully on the islands of Amager and Zealand. It is one of the safest places in the country to live in.
2. Aarhus
This second-largest city of the country is located on the Jutland Peninsula’s east coast, about 115 miles northwest of the capital. It is famous for its centuries-old timbered houses.
3. Odense
Odense is located on the beautiful Funen Island and is the third-largest city in Denmark. It has the best cycling paths in the country and thus attracts cyclists across the world.
4. Aalborg
The young and buzzing city of Aalborg is a cultural hub of Denmark. It is home to the country’s famous theaters and museums like Aalborg Historical Museum, Opera Company, etc.
5. Esbjerg
The seaport town of Esbjerg sits on the west coast of the Jutland Peninsula. It is the fifth-largest city in Denmark and the largest fishing port in the country.
6. Randers
It is the sixth-largest city in the country and is well-known for its long history as a market town. This offers unique experiences in art, culture, and dining.
7. Vejle
The undiscovered gem of Vejle is located in the southeast of the Jutland Peninsula.
It is famous for its contemporary architecture and mouth-watering cuisines.
8. Horsens
Horsens is the eighth-largest city in Denmark and is best known for its cultural and entertainment events.
9. Kolding
This seaport city is situated at the head of Kolding Fjord in Southern Denmark. This small city is a short trip away from the Jelling Stones, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an ideal destination for pizza lovers.
10. Viborg
Viborg is full of nature, culture, history, and events. This beautiful old town boasts a stunning landscape and offers perhaps the most diverse nature experiences.
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Culture & Tradition
Denmark Culture and Traditions
Getting well-versed with the customs and etiquettes is essential before immigrating to Denmark from US. The culture and traditions of this Scandinavian country stem from a long history and an ethnically homogenous people.
It continues to hold its historic customs and values. Danish culture tends to celebrate their long history more often than their religious aspects.
A simple and polite life is the essence of Denmark’s culture. Danish never gives much weight to possessions or high income. Moreover, bragging in this country is considered to be rude.
Women and men are treated equally in Denmark and receive equal pay and promotions. Introductions in this country are often done on a first-name basis with a handshake.
Danes usually don’t like such people who sit beside the stranger on the bus or initiate a conversation with the locals. Danish views this as being somewhat disrespectful.
Denmark Cultural Facts
- Danish folk music comes with a unique sound that is pleasing to the ear.
- The people in Denmark stand on the chair just before New Year’s Eve and jump down into the New Year as the clock strikes 12.
- The traditional folk costume in Denmark dates back to the 1700s and 1800s.
- The Danish alphabet has three additional letters – Æ, Ø, and Å.
- Their language has no word for “Please”.
- Danish has a different word to express that cozy feeling of togetherness – Hygge.
What are some traditions in Denmark?
Denmark is home to a variety of exciting and weird traditions that only make sense to Danes. Some of them are:
- Hitting the cat out of a barrel at Fastelavn
- Burns a witch on Saint John’s Eve
- The Christmas season in Denmark begins on J-Dag day which falls on the first Friday of November at 8:59 pm.
- Danish celebrates Saint Martin’s Eve on the 10th of November by treating themselves to a scrumptious dinner of roast goose, potatoes, and gravy.
- As Easter draws near, Danish traditionally send gaekkebrev or the fool’s letter to someone they know and the receiver has to guess the sender.
What Denmark is famous for?
Denmark is famous for its superior architecture and designs. It is also best-known for simplicity, politeness, and equality. This is one of the happiest countries in the world and respects its long history more than anything.
Moving To Denmark FAQs
Can US Citizens move to Denmark?
Yes, of course. There is no need to apply for a visa if you are moving to Denmark from US. An American citizen can easily stay in this Scandinavian country for up to 90 days with a valid passport.
If you are looking for a longer stay, you need to apply for a temporary residency prior to arriving in the country. This temporary permit allows you to stay in Denmark for up to 5 years.
What jobs are in demand in Denmark?
Denmark hosts a progressive job market and offers endless work opportunities to the citizens. A majority of sectors in Denmark are looking for skilled and talented professionals from all over the world.
Jobs in demand include healthcare sectors, IT consultants, construction and buildings, electric engineers, tourism and hospitality sector, education, and pharmaceuticals. One can also opt for other high-paying and in-demand jobs such as lawyers and bank managers in Denmark.
Is it easy to get a job in Denmark?
No, not at all. It’s really hard to get a job in Denmark and there are several reasons for it. Firstly, the language barrier is something that restricts you from fetching a high-paying job in this country.
It is important for you to learn Danish before moving to Denmark. Secondly, people in this country are not much friendly with expats and this is what makes it difficult for a foreigner to get a job.
What is the average salary in Denmark?
According to the study of Swiss Bank UBS, Danish citizens are among the highest-paid in the world. The average salary a Danish employee earn is about 40,600 DKK (around $6420 USD) per month.
The salary mainly ranges from 10,300 DKK per month (lowest average) to 181,000 DKK (highest average) per month. As of 2021, the minimum wages in the country hover around 110 DKK (roughly $17.39) per hour.
Is Denmark friendly to foreigners?
Not completely. Expats living in Denmark found that Danish citizens are not much friendly with foreigners. This is because of the language barrier, different cultures and traditions, and their living style.
It is quite difficult for a newcomer to understand all their customs and etiquettes. Moreover, the country’s citizenship procedure and requirements are also time-consuming which makes Denmark not friendly to expats. More than 50% of foreigners found that Denmark is not a welcoming country and immigrating here is really challenging.
Conclusion
This is all about the important things that you keep in mind before moving to Denmark from America. We hope this guide would ease the immigration process and help you move abroad easily.
A majority of expats get tempted with the dream of living in this beautiful Scandinavian country for many good reasons, be it their progressive society, stunning landscape, top-ranked universities, or state-of-the-art healthcare.
Denmark is counted amongst the happiest countries in the world to live in but this peace and happiness come at a great price.
Heavy taxes and sky-high property rates might hinder your plans of living in Denmark. Keep in mind that finding accommodation in this country is an intimidating task and you should get ready for the same beforehand.
Denmark is best known for its stable and strong economy. This is a perfect destination to enjoy the snowy landscape and below-zero temperatures.
This country has a relaxed and enjoyable pace of life. Here, life runs in a different rhythm. Danish believes in living life peacefully and doesn’t give much importance to possessions and money.
Denmark is one of the wealthiest nations in the world but the people living here are still deeply attached to their traditional roots. The country has turned happiness into art. Danes love strolling around on their colorful bikes to avoid unnecessary traffic congestion and pollution.
The government of this country takes care of its residents and provides a strong work-life balance. Denmark is ranked amongst the safest countries in the world to reside in, making it an ideal choice for foreigners.
So, you have already set your mind on this destination. Look no further!! Get the temporary residency permit, book your flight tickets, pack your bags, and get settled down in your new country with much ease.
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