Transferring to Denmark: How a pair traded the U.S. for Denmark

This shifting to Denmark information was written by Derek Hartman, an American who’s been dwelling in Copenhagen since 2017.

Hello Trisha! I’m an American severely contemplating a transfer to Denmark, and Copenhagen looks like the plain selection. However I hold questioning: Is it arduous to immigrate to Copenhagen? And past the paperwork, is Copenhagen a great place to maneuver to for somebody coming from the U.S.? I’d love to listen to what the method appears to be like like and what on a regular basis life appears like when you’re there. Thanks for all the assistance!
- Howard Shire, Oklahoma 

Hello Howard!

I invited Derek, an American expat dwelling in Denmark, to share his private expertise of shifting to Copenhagen. In his piece, he talks candidly concerning the challenges of adjusting to a brand new tradition, the fun of on a regular basis life within the metropolis, and the sensible realities of navigating Danish techniques as an American.

Derek additionally gives considerate tips about housing, transportation, and constructing neighborhood—insights that transcend the everyday guidebook recommendation.

For those who’d prefer to know extra, you may get in contact with him immediately. He’s very beneficiant along with his time and all the time prepared to reply questions on life in Copenhagen.

Thanks a lot, and good luck in your journey to Denmark!

Xx, Trisha

Why we determined to maneuver to Denmark

I’ve been dwelling in Denmark since 2017. It’s been just a little over 3 years, and I simply celebrated my third Denmark Day, the anniversary of my remaining passport stamp as a non-resident. It was surreal reserving that one-way aircraft ticket from Philadelphia to Copenhagen, however dwelling right here has been superb!

I made a decision to maneuver to Denmark together with my companion, Mike. His firm requested him to fly to Copenhagen for an emergency challenge in November of 2016.

They wanted assist after buying a Danish firm and shortly requested him to remain in Copenhagen for a month. I truly flew over to Denmark in the course of the American Thanksgiving vacation that 12 months. I needed to benefit from the company-paid resort and meals on what I believed was simply Mike’s work go to. 

Once I flew house to Philadelphia, Mike was nonetheless spending an extra 10 days in Copenhagen. It went shortly and I used to be excited for him to be again within the States, after which he referred to as me the evening earlier than he was set to fly again throughout the Atlantic.

He informed me that he was provided an expat task at dinner on his final evening and needed to know what I believed. Naturally we’d talk about it in particular person the subsequent day, however we didn’t want lengthy to make the transfer. We mentioned ‘’sure’’ to journey, and that’s what we acquired.

I suppose you could possibly say that Copenhagen selected us, however Mike and I each thought-about alternatives to work overseas earlier in our careers and turned them down.

There was rather a lot to depart behind: proximity to family members, my profession stability, our not too long ago bought house and our whole American lives. We weren’t going to let these issues and the worry of uncertainty hold us from taking this second probability at dwelling overseas.

We’re so grateful that we made the transfer and created a life in Copenhagen. We love dwelling in Denmark and the European life-style. Copenhagen is constantly rated as one of the vital livable cities on the planet. I can vouch for the accuracy of these scores!

🌍 LET ME HELP YOU MOVE ABROAD! 
With 17 years of expertise dwelling throughout a number of international locations, I’ve guided numerous aspiring expats by means of the challenges of relocation. From navigating visas and housing to adjusting to new cultures, I do know the method inside out—and I’ll enable you to keep away from the widespread pitfalls.
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Is Denmark a great place to reside in?

YES, we adore it right here! We reside in Copenhagen, a fantastic metropolis that’s straightforward to navigate with public transportation. It’s a hub for journey by means of Scandinavia and all of Europe.

Nearly 90% of Danes communicate English as a second language and there are government-sponsored Danish classes for overseas residents.

The town is a foodie paradise with essentially the most Michelin stars in Scandinavia and a vibrant road meals scene. Copenhagen can be one in every of Northern Europe’s greatest cities for nightlife – it’s the place the remainder of Scandinavia goes to unwind.

On prime of this, Copenhagen is totally stunning. From the charming cobblestone streets lined with pastel homes to the ribbon of canals and delightful waterfront of Copenhagen Harbor – it’s a stunning place to reside.

There are such a lot of issues to do in Copenhagen, like Tivoli Gardens, scenic Nyhavn Canal and delightful Renaissance castles.

Transferring to Denmark and discovering neighborhood

After we arrived in Copenhagen, we felt like we have been in a fantastic place, though the primary 30 days dwelling overseas will be essentially the most nerve-racking. After all, we needed to get acclimated and construct new social connections.

This was actually necessary as a result of we had a fantastic community of pals in Philadelphia and we have been used to being social. Danes have a repute of being closed off, nevertheless it’s not the case.

Our Danish pals have fashioned deep connections with us, it’s simply one thing that takes time. Culturally, Danish individuals have fewer however deeper connections with pals.

This was positively the case with our Danish neighbors. After we moved in we acquired a cordial ‘’whats up’’ however the different questioning was instantly screening us for what sort of neighbors we’d be.

Our neighbor requested me if we have been college students or had jobs right here and why we moved to Denmark. This appeared just a little unfriendly to me for a primary dialog.

I’ve gotten used to the Danish fashion of direct conversations. It’s not a tradition for small speak and to Danes, People are notoriously long-winded with out actually saying a lot.  

We started making pals within the expat neighborhood, which appeared pure as a result of these have been individuals in related social circumstances. Usually, expats are additionally with out their longtime pals and seeking to make connections. This occurred shortly once we signed up for Danish lessons.

As talked about, they’re freed from cost for expats. We had a fantastic group of recent Danish classmates who organized post-class beers by the second week of lessons. A month later, we have been having group dinners and assembly for bike rides. 

The expat scene in Copenhagen is lively, younger and simply accessible. Now we have had nice luck attending social occasions for expats by means of Internations, a company designed for connecting the expat neighborhood.

Now we have additionally attended occasions by means of language change packages the place overseas residents of Copenhagen meet to converse and apply languages. We made a number of pals by means of these social occasions.

Copenhagen additionally has a well-resourced company for worldwide residents referred to as The Worldwide Home. They provide many varieties of providers from serving to trailing companions start their job search in Denmark to helping with housing and education.

Like most of life’s issues, we additionally discovered precious sources on the web. Particularly, we used Fb teams to assist us with a number of the ‘’beginner conditions’’ we’d discover ourselves in.

There appear to be expat Fb teams in each metropolis, however we used the members of Expats in Copenhagen and American Expats in Denmark to get us by means of a number of the early levels of expat life. 

On-line strangers helped us with all the things from the place to discover a dry cleaner and purchase ricotta cheese to how you can purchase a motorcycle second-hand and mail a bundle again house to the States. The one factor we miss greater than family and friends (oh and naturally Philly cheesesteaks) is the familiarity of life.

It’s unimaginable earlier than you end up dwelling in a brand new nation, however it may be actually powerful to abruptly not know how you can do the straightforward duties in life. You’re taking without any consideration that you just know how you can get by within the tradition and nation you have been raised.

Transferring to Denmark meant greater than studying a brand new language, it meant relearning how you can do all the things. We leaned closely on the expat neighborhood throughout this time. Our pals who have been dwelling in Copenhagen longer than us and those that have Danish spouses have been the largest assist.

Price of dwelling in Denmark (Copenhagen)

One factor we observed straight away is that the price of dwelling in Copenhagen is way increased than it’s in Philadelphia. Even the most costly cities in America, like New York Metropolis, have been cheaper than the Danish capital.

Fortunately, whereas Mike was on an expat contract, he was being paid a price of dwelling adjustment. This can be a issue paid on prime of his regular wage, and for expats it’s the place you’ll be able to earn further cash to make up for the change in surroundings. 

In Copenhagen, a daily espresso store latte will price you about $8 and a draft beer at a bar will probably be between $8-10. Midrange Copenhagen eating places will cost about $25 for a predominant course. With costs like that, it’s widespread for Copenhageners to keep away from eating out apart from particular events.

As an alternative, we take to the parks and waterfronts to picnic and share drinks. Within the winter, we prepare dinner at house and meet for drinks at pal’s residences.

Renting a comfortable 2-bedroom condo will price about $2350 per thirty days and Danish landlords are notoriously troublesome. Most require 3 months of hire as a deposit and three months hire upfront (first month’s hire and the final two month’s hire).

Most renters don’t obtain their deposits again with no struggle. That is the place The Worldwide Home can turn out to be useful for recommendation and authorized assist.

One factor many expats do, particularly after they first arrive, is discover a room to hire. There are additionally Fb teams that may assist in that course of. There are additionally on-line teams the place you’ll find details about landlords and rental corporations earlier than you signal a lease with them. 

The costliest neighborhood to reside in is Copenhagen’s metropolis middle. That is true of most cities, however you pay a premium for entry to the general public transportation hubs, proximity to the downtown eating places and bars in addition to the fantastic thing about historic Copenhagen buildings. 

To avoid wasting just a little cash in your rental funds, expats usually transfer one neighborhood out from the town middle. The Nørrebro neighborhood is standard with foreigner residents and so is the neighborhood of Amagerbro.

Vesterbro can be a pleasant neighborhood and just a little cheaper than dwelling within the metropolis middle. It’s the previous pink gentle district and adjoining to the meatpacking district. This traditionally downtrodden a part of the town has develop into the hip and stylish neighborhood within the final 5 years, so residences there are more and more turning into as costly as the town middle.

Nonetheless, you’ll find a great deal there in the event you look and might afford to be affected person. The beauty of dwelling in Copenhagen is that all the neighborhoods surrounding the town middle are linked by the town ring.

The town ring is a brand new metro line that opened in late 2019 which circles Copenhagen in 24 minutes. This implies you’re by no means greater than 12 minutes from the farthest cease away in Copenhagen.

Denmark visa & residence allow sorts for non‑EU residents

Copenhagen doesn’t make the visa course of straightforward for many who aren’t sponsored to work in Denmark. The reason being that they need to ensure you can assist your self and put into the system whereas dwelling in Denmark.

It’s simpler for EU residents to enter and reside in Denmark, however as a non-EU citizen I used to be granted residency by means of household reunification. Mike was given a fast-track work visa, and we certified as home companions as a result of we’re not married.

Listed here are a number of the visa and residence allow sorts for Denmark, if you’re a non‑EU citizen:

• Brief‑keep visa (Schengen visa): For visits as much as 90 days, together with tourism, enterprise, or household visits.
• Work permits: For employment in Denmark. Classes embrace the Constructive Record (jobs in scarcity), Pay Restrict Scheme (excessive‑wage positions), and different specialised work schemes.
• Research permits: For non‑EU college students admitted to Danish universities or academic establishments.
• Household reunification: For spouses, cohabiting companions, kids, or different shut members of the family of residents in Denmark.
• Au pair residence allow: For younger individuals who need to reside with a Danish household and assist with childcare/family duties.
• Internship or trainee permits: For non‑EU residents coming to Denmark for skilled coaching.
• Particular schemes: Consists of permits for researchers, PhD college students, herdsmen, spiritual employees, and different area of interest classes.
• Everlasting residence allow: For many who have lived in Denmark lengthy sufficient and meet integration necessities.
• Different residence choices: Consists of humanitarian residence, asylum, and permits for displaced individuals below particular acts.

Key Issues

• Software course of: All purposes should be submitted by means of the official portal New to Denmark.
• Documentation: Necessities fluctuate by visa sort (proof of funds, housing, insurance coverage, and so on.).
• Processing occasions: Can vary from a couple of weeks (quick‑keep visas) to a number of months (household reunification or everlasting residence).
• Residency rights: A visa will not be the identical as a residence allow—lengthy‑time period stays require residence permits.

Schooling and healthcare in Denmark: what newcomers ought to know

Denmark is famend for its robust welfare mannequin, and two pillars of this method—training and healthcare—are particularly necessary for newcomers. Schooling in Denmark is free in any respect ranges, from major college by means of college, for residents.

Worldwide college students from non‑EU international locations could must pay tuition, however many packages are taught in English, and scholarships can be found. The Danish strategy emphasizes important pondering, group work, and pupil independence, which might really feel totally different from extra conventional techniques.

Healthcare is equally accessible. Denmark’s common healthcare system is funded by means of taxes, that means residents don’t pay immediately for many medical providers.

As soon as registered with the Civil Registration System (CPR), newcomers obtain a yellow medical insurance card (Sundhedskort), which grants entry to basic practitioners, hospitals, and emergency care. Some providers, like dental care and physiotherapy, could require out‑of‑pocket cost or personal insurance coverage.

For each training and healthcare, the guideline is fairness and inclusion. Newcomers profit from high-quality providers, however needs to be ready for cultural variations—corresponding to a robust emphasis on private accountability and neighborhood belief.

Issues to know earlier than shifting to Denmark

Denmark is usually celebrated for its prime quality of life, however newcomers shortly uncover that on a regular basis dwelling comes with its personal set of cultural quirks.

One of the crucial notable is “hygge”—the Danish idea of coziness and togetherness—which shapes social life and even office tradition. Danes worth privateness and modesty, so small speak with strangers is much less widespread than within the U.S., however friendships, as soon as fashioned, are typically deep and lasting.

Language is one other key consideration. Whereas most Danes communicate glorious English, studying fundamental Danish is important for integration, particularly when coping with authorities places of work or constructing neighborhood outdoors expat circles. Even a couple of phrases can go a good distance in exhibiting respect for native tradition.

On the sensible aspect, registering for a CPR quantity (civil registration) needs to be your first step—it unlocks entry to healthcare, training, banking, and extra. Biking is the dominant mode of transport, so count on to adapt to a biking life-style.

Housing will be aggressive, notably in Copenhagen, so begin your search early and be ready for smaller dwelling areas in comparison with U.S. requirements.

Finally, shifting to Denmark means embracing a society constructed on belief, equality, and ease—values that form each day by day routines and lengthy‑time period belonging.

Step‑by‑step information on shifting to Denmark

Transferring overseas can really feel overwhelming, however breaking the method into clear levels makes it manageable. For those who’re planning to relocate to Denmark, listed below are the important steps you’ll must comply with:

Step 1: Analysis visa choices

As an American, the very first thing I had to determine was which visa utilized to me. Denmark doesn’t let you simply present up and keep indefinitely, so I spent hours on the official immigration web site, nyidanmark.dk, studying about work permits, examine visas, and household reunification.

VISIT NEW TO DENMARK TO KNOW THE RIGHT VISA TYPE FOR YOU →

Step 2: Arriving and registering

Touchdown in Denmark was thrilling, however the true work started with registration. The very first thing I did was apply for a CPR quantity, Denmark’s civil registration system. This quantity is important—it connects you to healthcare, banking, housing, and even cellphone providers.

As soon as registered, I obtained my yellow well being card, which gave me entry to medical doctors and hospitals. Coming from the U.S., it was unimaginable to know healthcare was tax‑funded and accessible. This step made me really feel like I wasn’t simply visiting—I used to be formally a part of Danish society.

Step 3: Discovering housing

Housing was one of many largest challenges. In cities like Copenhagen, residences are aggressive and infrequently require a big deposit. I used portals like BoligZonen and Findboliger, and joined Fb teams for expats.

Danish properties are typically smaller than what I used to be used to within the U.S., however they’re designed for consolation and effectivity. The important thing lesson was to begin early, be versatile, and put together financially. As soon as I settled into my condo, I felt like I had lastly put down roots in Denmark.

Step 4: Adjusting to day by day life

Day by day life in Denmark is formed by cultural quirks. I shortly realized that biking is the principle mode of transport, and investing in a great bike was important. Socially, Danes worth privateness and modesty, so small speak isn’t widespread, however friendships are deep as soon as fashioned.

I embraced “hygge,” the Danish concept of coziness, which influenced all the things from evenings at house to office tradition. Studying fundamental Danish phrases helped me navigate forms and confirmed respect for the tradition.

Adjusting wasn’t about shedding my American identification—it was about mixing right into a society constructed on belief and equality.