Tips for a smooth transition: A guide to moving to Denmark as a worker

Are you thinking of moving to Denmark or have you already arrived?

Perhaps you may have many questions about life in Denmark. Whether you are planning your big move or adjusting to life in Denmark, this guide will help you navigate the process from start to finish. 

Before you move to Denmark

What steps should you take before moving, and what options are available to you? It’s important to prepare thoroughly in advance and explore your choices to ensure a smooth transition. 

1. Find a Job: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Workindenmark.dk, and Jobindex.dk in order to find the right job for you. In Denmark, the standards for CVs and cover letters are somewhat different from those in other countries. Therefore, make you follow the standards.
2. Check Visa Requirements: Before relocating to Denmark and starting your new job, you need to determine whether you require a residence and work permit. The requirements for obtaining a permit depend on the purpose of your stay. 
3. Understand Danish Culture: Understanding Danish traditions and social etiquette can help you adjust more easily. Engaging with Danish practices and showing respect for cultural values will help you build meaningful connections and feel more at home.
4. Plan for Family: If you’re moving with family, research how to bring them along, including any visa requirements or permits they might need. Furthermore, if you are bringing children you are guaranteed a place in childcare. The education is provided by the government and it is free of charge at municipal schools.
5. Find Housing: Start early to secure the right place. Options include buying your own property or renting a room, an apartment, or a single-family home. 

Upon arrival in Denmark

You’ve arrived in Denmark—what steps should you take to get settled and what options do you have? Regardless of whether you’re coming from a Nordic country, an EU member state, or a non-EU country, there are several key tasks and considerations to address.

1. Obtain an EU Residence Document: The EU residence document is essential for your stay in Denmark.
2. Secure Permanent Housing: The permanent address is necessary for CPR registration.
3. Register and Get Your CPR Number: Register as a resident and obtain a CPR number. This is essential for accessing various services such as banking, healthcare, and more.
4. Choose a General Practitioner: After registering in the Civil Registration System (CPR), you can select a family doctor (GP).
5. Get Your MitID: Obtain a MitID, which is used for digital identification and accessing various online services in Denmark.
6. Apply for a Yellow Health Insurance Card: This card ensures you have access to the Danish healthcare system. The health insurance card confirms your eligibility for services under Denmark’s national health insurance scheme. 
7. Get a Tax Card: Known as a ‘skattekort’. This card allows your employer to determine the correct amount of tax to withhold from your salary. You can create your tax card yourself through the website skat.dk/tastselv.
8. Enroll Your Child in Daycare: If needed, sign up your child for daycare or preschool. You can use Digital Pladsanvisning to manage municipal childcare for your child,
9. Open a Bank Account: Choose a bank and provide required documentation.

While living in Denmark

Settling into daily life in Denmark involves navigating practical matters. Here are key steps to help you adapt and make the most of your experience.

1. Import Your Car and Update Your Driving License: Register your vehicle in Denmark within 30 days. Also, you may need to exchange your foreign driving license for a Danish one.
2. Find a Dentist: Register for dental care, which has partial out-of-pocket costs. However, dental treatment is free for children and young people under 18 years of age.
3. Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as an employee, consumer, and citizen.
4. Read Your Digital Post: Stay updated by regularly checking your Digital Post, which is the official way to receive communications from the Danish government and public authorities.
5. Learn Danish: Consider learning Danish to better integrate into your community and enhance your daily life. Language courses for newly arrived adult foreign nationals are available at various language centers across Denmark.
6. Explore Commuting: For planning your travel by train, bus, or metro,  the Rejseplanen (Journey Planner) will be a useful tool for you.
7. Join Clubs or Associations: Get involved in local clubs or associations to meet people and build a network. Denmark offers a wide variety of clubs and associations that cater to diverse interests, including sports, politics, religion, hobbies, and more.
8. Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community and meet others while meaningfully spending your time. 

Moving to Denmark can be an exciting but at the same time challenging adventure. Therefore, be careful while planning your big move and make the most of your experience. By following these steps before, during, and after your move, you can ensure a smoother transition and a more enjoyable stay in your desired destination in Denmark.

For more information or if you have any questions about life in Denmark, reach out to the International House North Denmark at info@ihnd.dk or call +45 9931 1530. You can also visit their website at www.ihnd.dk.