What you need to know when you move to Denmark for work
Everything you need to know to get your work permit
Not a citizen of EU/EEA
If you are a citizen of a country outside the Nordic countries or the EU/EEA, it is necessary for you to hold a residence and work permit to reside and work in Denmark.
Whether you can obtain a residence and work permit depends on different factors like nationality, professional qualifications and what kind of permit you’re seeking. It is therefore recommended to consult the official Danish immigration authorities for accurate guidance in your specific situation.
A number of guides have been designed to make it easier for highly qualified professionals to get a residence and work permit in Denmark.
You can read about the different specialized guides on New to Denmark.dk - the official portal for foreigners.
Special Act on displaced persons from Ukraine in Denmark
If you’ve been displaced by the war in Ukraine and have arrived here in Denmark due to it, you may be eligible for a temporary residence permit under Danish law.
The new bill apply for Ukrainian citizens who have left Ukraine on 24 February 2022 or later, have refugee status, or have resided in Denmark or had an existing Danish residence permit on 24 February 2022. To learn more, visit nyidanmark, the official website of the Danish Immigration Service (Available in Ukrainian, English and Danish).
Is Your Education Recognised in Denmark?
If you want to use your qualifications to work or study in Denmark, it's important to know whether your education is officially recognised.
The Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science can help you:
- Understand how your education compares to Danish qualifications.
- Get an official assessment you can use when applying for jobs or study programmes.
- Explore your options for further education or training in Denmark
Visit the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Sciences' website to get guidance and find answers to your questions.
What can you expect from the Danish labour market?
The Danish job market is generally flexible and secure for employees. This is largely due to the impact of the Danish Model. You can learn more about the organisation of the Danish labour market and what it means for employees right here:
Guide: The Danish labour market
Many Danish companies have a flat organisational structure, an informal management style, and a non-hierarchial relation between colleagues and teams. You can read more about work culture in Denmark right here:
Working in Denmark? Here's what you need to know about the Danish tax system
If you are living and working in Denmark, you’ll most likely need to pay Danish taxes. However, expats covered by Danish income liability do, in some cases, qualify for a special expat tax scheme, which offers a lower tax rate under certain conditions.
To get a clear overview of the tax rules for international professionals in Denmark, check out IDAs video FAQ on MitIDA (available to members only).
Please note
IDA, a trade union, does not offer counselling on tax issues and social security.
For official guidance, including how to register, file taxes, and explore potential deductions or schemes, visit the Danish Tax Agency’s website at skat.dk