Live and work in Denmark

Basic facts about Denmark

Denmark has a population of around 5.8 million people and the capital is Copenhagen. The currency is the Danish krone. Their climate is temperate with cold winters and slightly warm summers with around 22º degrees. 

The landscape in Denmark is characterised by flat land with low elevation of about 32 metres over the sea level, sandy coasts and big forest.  

5 fun facts about Denmark

1. It has the oldest flag in the world: With more than 800 years, it is the oldest flag still used by an independent nation.
2. 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.
3. LEGO was invented by a Dane: Ole Kirk Christiansen founded LEGO in 1949 and you can visit the original LEGOLAND here.
4. 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.
5. 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. Denmark has no mountains, which makes it a great country for cycling and it’s a popular form of exercise and transport there. 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. So if you’re a lover of a good stretch before work and fancy a breath of fresh air, Denmark is the right place for you. 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. This includes lots of candles, nice furniture, books and social activities such as hanging out together while watching TV, playing board games or just drinking wine and dining. 

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. But 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. Corn products such as wheat, barley and rye have been grown in Denmark for at least 1,000 years. Porridge was eaten in staples in most of Denmark, with bread as a luxury. Barley grits were a common evening meal and eaten with brown sugar or butter. Breakfast is an important meal for most Danes. Many people eat rye bread or oatmeal – and of course drink coffee.

There are two traditions of open-faced sandwiches in Denmark, smørrebrød and koldt bord. Slices of rye bread are covered with cured fish, meat or cheese, or a combination of all three, along with raw onion and pickles. 

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. Spicy food is not part of typical Danish food.

Renting 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. In Denmark, it is common that the tenant pays a security deposit of 1-2 months rent. This deposit is refunded at the end of the lease. It is common practice to put the deposit in the form of a bank guarantee, which is the easiest way to ensure the security deposit is returned.

Tips to find accommodation in Denmark:

1. Get all your documents ready: Your passport and work contract are a must.
2. Network: Try to tell your coworkers about your searching in case they know about some opportunity
3. Explore in Facebook groups: we recommend you consider flatsharing if you choose to live in Copenhagen, and in Facebook you can find several groups of renting and sharing apartments.
4. Visit the website lejebolig: This website is the best one to find accommodation in Denmark in case you weren’t lucky with facebook groups.
5. Register your CPR number: Make sure your landlord allows you to register your CPR number in order to be able to get healthcare insurance

However, the Danish government is very interested in securing a smooth stay in their country, that’s why they launched this website to help all those expats to get used to the lifestyle there.

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. 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). From this, you will subtract the costs of accommodation, leisure, transportation, phone expenses, services, socialising, and food which is around DKK 13.400 (EUR 1.800) and you can see there is a general profit even considering the minimum wage. 

Expats in Denmark

Life in Denmark is a great experience considering so many beneficial aspects that are part of their lifestyle. Living in Denmark as an expat is most of all comforting. If you want to be part of social life you can easily find expat groups on social media, and join groups and meetings. This way you can get all the tips and recommendations people have and also you expand your network, which will be useful to find better opportunities.

Language in Denmark

Learning Danish will allow you to have a better understanding of the country and it’s useful for reunions and social events. However, it is not necessary if you don’t expect to live in Denmark for too long. On the other hand if you plan to stay in Denmark, there are several ways to learn Danish for free with public and private organisations to offer this service around the country. But you can also learn it online at Danish Online studies at IA Sprog, and Vestegnens Sprog & Kompetencecenter. They offer all courses as online, long distance learning.

Still not convinced 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. Working abroad in Denmark will give you the opportunity to gain experience, learning a new language and new customs that will surely forge your personality in a different way than just following the standard life-path of your community.

Denmark offers several attractive places to live, depending on your preferences. 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.