Living in Denmark – What You Need to Know Before You Move

Thinking about swapping your current city for a place where bikes outnumber cars and hygge is more than a buzzword? Denmark might be the answer. Before you book that flight, let’s cover the basics you’ll need to feel at home as soon as you step off the plane.

Cost of Living & Housing

Denmark isn’t the cheapest country in Europe, but you’ll see why many locals feel it’s worth it. Rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Copenhagen’s centre runs about 12,000 DKK (≈ €1,600) per month, while a similar place outside the city drops to around 8,000 DKK. If you’re okay with a bit of a commute, suburbs or smaller towns like Aarhus or Odense can save you a solid chunk of cash.

Utility bills (electricity, heating, water) add roughly 1,200 DKK a month for a typical flat. Food costs are moderate – a weekly grocery shop for two people costs about 600‑800 DKK if you stick to local produce and shop at discount chains like Netto. Eating out is pricier; a three‑course meal at a mid‑range restaurant will set you back 250 DKK per person.

Public transport is reliable and relatively affordable. A monthly pass in Copenhagen costs 750 DKK, covering buses, trains, and the metro. Many Danes bike everywhere, so investing in a solid bike can slash your transport costs dramatically.

Work, Visas & Everyday Life

If you’re not an EU/EEA citizen, you’ll need a work permit. The most common route is the Positive List, which lists professions in shortage. Make sure you have a concrete job offer before you apply; the process can take a few weeks. For EU citizens, you just need to register your residence within 90 days.

Once you have a job, expect a work culture that values balance. The standard workweek is 37 hours, and most offices close by 4 pm. Overtime is rare, and taking parental leave is encouraged – Denmark offers up to 52 weeks of leave, split between parents.

Healthcare is tax‑funded, so once you get a CPR number (the Danish personal ID), you’ll have access to free doctor visits and hospital care. Register with a local GP as soon as you move; they’ll guide you through the system.

Talking about taxes, Denmark has one of the highest tax rates in the world, hovering around 45 % for most earners. The upside? Your after‑tax salary still leaves you with a comfortable disposable income, thanks to extensive public services.

When it comes to everyday life, Danes love their coffee culture, cycling, and open‑air swimming even in chilly weather. The “hygge” vibe means you’ll find cozy cafés, night markets, and community events that make it easy to meet people. Learning a bit of Danish helps – most locals speak English fluently, but a few phrases go a long way in building friendships.

In short, moving to Denmark offers a high quality of life, solid work‑life balance, and a safe, clean environment. It does demand a realistic budget and some paperwork, but the payoff is a lifestyle many dream of. Ready to give it a go?