Living in Denmark: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Denmark.
Located in Northern Europe, Denmark is described by expatriates as a safe and peaceful country. Indeed, it offers unparalleled quality living to expatriates, especially thanks to its pleasant environment.
By choosing to live and in Denmark, you will discover the culture of perfection in a sound and relaxed atmosphere. The country also provides quality higher education to international students.
Do you hope to join Denmark’s population of around 5.7 million people as an expat? Here is everything you need to know about the country before you decide to work or study in Denmark.
Denmark's geography
Denmark consists of a large peninsula and a collection of around 406 islands, of which up to 70 are inhabited. Interestingly enough, the number of Danish islands is constantly fluctuating since they appear and disappear regularly.
Neighbours Sweden and Norway are located just across the water, and the country is also bordered by the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Germany. The Danish territory also includes the areas of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which is located between Norway and Iceland.
Although not the flattest country on earth, Denmark is relatively level with a highest natural point of just over 170.86 metres about sea level. This geographical landscape, paired with Denmark’s relatively mild weather, makes it the perfect country for bike riding.
The climate in Denmark
With a temperate climate, Denmark is a great place to stay if you enjoy mild weather with occasional rain. Summers are cool with temperatures hovering between 20 °C and 30 °C, while sub-zero temperatures in winter are possible but not for long periods.
Summer days are long, but because of its northern location, winter days in Denmark are short and dark. The winter solstice sees just seven hours of daylight between sunrise and sunset. Luckily, the Danes have learned how to manage the dark winters by embracing ‘hygge’.
The five regions of Denmark
Denmark is divided into five regions:
Region Hovedstaden (Captial Region of Denmark): Home to the Danish capital Copenhagen, as well as the larger Copenhagen area and Frederiksborg county
Region Midtjylland or Mid Jutland Region (Central Denmark Region): Includes most of Aarhus, northern parts of Vejle and the southern part of Viborg
Region Nordjylland or North Jutland Region (North Denmark Region): Includes the major city Aalborg, northern Viborg and a small piece of Aarhus
Region Sjælland (Region Zealand): Includes 17 municipalities in the southern part of Denmark closest to Copenhagen
Region Syddanmark or South Jutland Region (Region of Southern Denmark): The southern part of Denmark’s larger peninsula where Denmark’s third-largest city Odense and fifth-largest city Esbjerg are located
Demographics and language in Denmark
Danish is the main language of Denmark, while English, German (in the Southern Denmark region), and Faroese are widely recognised as second languages. Most locals speak English proficiently, but it is still important to learn as much Danish as possible if you intend to relocate here for the long-term.
Most of the population in Denmark comprises people of Danish descent and citizenship with at least one Danish parent. Sizeable minority groups of other descent include people from Albania, Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria; EU immigrants from Turkey, Poland, and Germany among others also work and study in Denmark.
The Danish economy
Denmark is part of the European Union, although the Danish krone (DKK) is still the currency being used. The krone is relatively stable and linked to the euro. Denmark’s high standard of living is the result of a modern economy with heavy foreign trade links. Major export areas include industrial machinery, aircraft, pharmaceuticals, and canned food.
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Denmark.
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Denmark.

Visas for Denmark
Figuring out which is the right visa or residence permit for your stay in Denmark can be confusing. ...

The Greencard in Denmark
According to New to Denmark, the greencard scheme is no longer in place:

The Working Holiday Visa for Denmark
Thanks to the Working Holiday Visa program in Denmark, you can discover all that the country has to ...
Work
Dive into the Denmark labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Denmark.

Working in Denmark
Are you thinking about relocating to Denmark for work? Denmark is an open and welcoming country ...

Setting up a business in Denmark
Denmark is one of the easiest countries to set up your own business. The procedures are relatively ...

Jobs in Denmark
Discover professional opportunities in Denmark and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Denmark. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Accommodation in Denmark
Finding accommodation is one of the first steps for expats moving abroad. Denmark has a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and ...
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Denmark.

Studying in Denmark
Danish students are spoiled with a choice of world-class educational institutions, and luckily, international students are also able to study in ...
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Denmark: public and private health system, health insurance...
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Denmark: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Denmark.

The tax system in Denmark
Denmark is renowned for its high standard of living and prosperous economy. However, the good social welfare system comes at the cost of high tax ...
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Denmark.

Getting around Denmark
Expats can rest assured, knowing that Denmark offers an extensive transportation network with reliable and affordable services. Depending on the ...
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Denmark, driver's license exchange and international permits.
Removal
Moving to Denmark? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.

Relocating to Denmark
Have you decided to relocate to Denmark? Here are some guidelines to help you get started with your ...

Relocating to Denmark with your pets
Expats can rest easy knowing that pets such as dogs, cats, and other small animals can easily ...

Free quotes for your move
Get the best offers to easily organize your relocation to Denmark.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Denmark.

Phones and internet in Denmark
Once you arrive in Denmark, you need to get connected. Here are some tips for choosing a mobile phone operator, paying bills, and connecting to ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Denmark.

Things to do in Denmark
Whether you want to exercise in the great outdoors, stroll along a historic cobblestoned street, or cosy up in a ‘hyggeligt' café, ...
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Denmark looks like? Here's a taste.
Articles from the magazine
Donna in Svendborg: "Denmark has this big bike culture"
Donna comes from Melbourne. She settled in Svendborg eight months ago with her Danish husband after spending 10 years traveling around the world. She is currently studying psychology and learning Danish.
Wanderlust
Hi, I'm Melissa. Pianist, traveller and music lover, I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and my family moved to Toronto when I was 2 months old. When I was five we moved out to the suburbs.
10 things you should know about Denmark
Moving to Denmark is likely to be a thrilling experience – especially when you're aware of the basics such as the language, lifestyle, etc.. To help you understand Denmark better, Frederik Drost has compiled some surprising facts about his country.
Why moving to Denmark could be your best decision
Besides being one of the world's safest countries, Denmark is also the least corrupt country according to the latest report by Transparency International – which is perhaps why it's gradually turning into a top expat destination. Job seekers, entrepreneurs, investors and even international students are keen on moving there for hygge. If you haven't made up your mind yet, here are five good reasons why moving to Denmark can be the best decision you have ever taken in your whole life.
Why expats are flocking to Denmark
An Oxford research group looked into what makes Denmark such an amazing country for expats. The happiest country on Earth attracts expats from all over the world. While 50% of them come from European countries, 34% come from Asia, North America, Oceania, etc., and the rest from other Nordic countries. If you've always wanted to discover the legendary “hygge” and are looking to relocate to Denmark after the COVID-19 crisis, here's what you should expect.
Denmark opens doors to foreign talent
Denmark is heavily relying on immigration to counter the acute labor shortage in certain sectors. The Danish government has come up with a special scheme to attract qualified foreign talent and created a list of jobs that are under pressure. So what are the opportunities that are currently available in Denmark for prospective expats?
Czech expat talks about living and being an entrepreneur in Denmark
Eliska is a young expatriate who has been traveling abroad since the age of 18. After staying in London and other countries, she finally moved to Denmark, where she owns a business helping people in their moving abroad plans. She talks to Expat.com about her expat life in this Nordic country.
Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity
Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.