Working in Copenhagen

The most important conditions, when being – or employing – an expat in Denmark regarding: Work and resident permit, taxation, social security, education and the expat community.

- for foreigners who are to work and live in Denmark

Copenhagen offers plenty of opportunities for foreigners who are to work and live in the area.

The major reasons why foreigners find it so attractive to work and live in Denmark and especially in the capital region are:

• a highly developed society with a dynamic and high-tech business sector
• a safe, well-functioning society with no corruption and a high level of public services
• an English-speaking community (75% of the population speak English)
• an easily accessible location with Northern Europe’s largest international airport

Below, you will find an overview of the most important conditions, when being – or employing – an expat in Denmark regarding:

1. Work and resident permit
2. Expat taxation
3. Social security
4. Education
5. The expat community
6. Working culture
7. Useful contacts

1. Work and resident permit

Depending on your citizenship, different rules and procedures apply if you want to obtain a work and residence permit in Denmark.

Once you have registered at the National Register, you will automatically join the National Health Service.

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2. Expat taxation

In principle, all residents are fully liable to pay tax in Denmark. However, Denmark offers a number of favourable conditions for foreign employees.

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You can read more about the Danish taxation system here (at the Danish Ministry of Taxation's website).

3. Social security

In the case of illness, childbirth, childcare, pension and unemployment, coverage is extensive and the level of security is high.

Foreign citizens with residence in Denmark usually enjoy the same social benefits as Danish citizens. However, there are certain fixed waiting periods.

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4. Education

All major activities within the Danish education system are financed through general taxes. There are no tuition fees in Danish schools or universities, unless a private school is chosen.

Expats may choose to enrol their children in an ordinary Danish school or in one of the 11 international schools that are available in the Copenhagen region. Several of them also offer preschool class.

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5. The expat community

More than 40,000 expats from North America, EU countries and the Nordic countries together with approximately 20,000 from the rest of the world live in the greater Copenhagen region.

The presence of this large international community is reflected in social activities, networks, relocation services etc.

A list of international and national expat associations and clubs can be found here.

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6. Working culture

Danish working culture is characterised by open and informal dialogue between employees and management. Teamwork plays an important role in many workplaces, and mutual respect is a key term. Manners between colleagues are informal and relaxed, and a sense of humour plays an important role in everyday life.

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7. Useful contacts

Here, you can find addresses and contact information on a broad range of companies offering assistance before, during and after a location in the Copenhagen region.

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On the website www.workindenmark.dk you will find detailed information for expatriates as well as comprehensive information on Denmark.

The website is run by the National Agency for Enterprise and Housing and developed in co-operation with, among others, Copenhagen Capacity.

Last updated on: 04-10-2007	<< Back   Top