Living in Denmark

"Expats considering retiring in Denmark should be aware that the cost of living is relatively high, and that the climate can be cold and wet. It is important to research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in the area. Expats should also be aware of the language barrier, as Danish is the official language of the country. Additionally, it is important to research the tax system and the regulations for pensioners in Denmark. Finally, expats should be aware of the cultural differences between their home country and Denmark, and be prepared to adapt to the local customs," said one expat who made the move to Denmark.

"Copenhagen is a small city but is a gateway to many parts of Europe, make travel a priority to keep things interesting. At the end of the day, it's still a European country and shares many characteristics with its counterparts, although personally I think for expats it's better than the US or UK if you are English speaking for example, although Denmark speaks excellent English and there is hardly a need to learn the local language (at least for a short term stay) However, of course being from the US, I would not rate it as the best expat destination due to its small population and sometimes lack of activities. That being said, it is a great opportunity for immersion in a new culture and to get to know both the country and the Scandinavian culture better. My advice: Denmark is a place where especially if you are from outside Europe or a place where the cost of living is much lower, will be a big change in terms of lifestyle, there are some sacrifices to be made. If you are willing to sacrifice a little, I view it as a great short-term destination, and if you want to stay a little longer, I wouldn’t blame you- Denmark has many appealing factors," explained one expat living in Copenhagen , Denmark.

"Expats in Denmark often join clubs and activities such as language classes, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals alike," wrote a member in Denmark.

"Try Facebook groups- there are some expat in Copenhagen groups. Unfortunately, compared to other countries, Denmark lacks in terms of organizations to help meet other people, as many require Danish proficiency. My best advice- if you have a child, get involved with your child's international school, you are sure to meet tons of expat families and local Danish ones, and is a great way to meet new people," commented one expat who made the move to Copenhagen .

"Lives revolve around family, if you are from the US for comparison, life here is significantly LESS stressful in terms of work. The working hours here are shorter, and most jobs require around 37.5 hours a week. Lots of vacation too and amazing maternity leave benefits. All of these contribute to more family time, and in general Danes tend to prioritize family time or meet friends usually in a small social circle. Of course, some expats want to meet a lot of people (myself included), and there are opportunities to meet through expat groups (see above). Additionally, there are sports clubs although check beforehand as most of not all speak Danish :( However, DON’T be discouraged from exercise, there might not be groups but many Danes and expats alike like to spend time outside with their family. Many residents of Copenhagen are extremely active, and a large population bike or walk to work/school, go to the gym, run, etc. For group sports for kids, check with your child’s school, many offer programs. For adults, your options may be more limited but try social media to find groups, or if not create a group with fellow locals and expats :)," said one expat who made the move to Copenhagen .

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Denmark is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent infrastructure, a strong economy, and a welcoming culture. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the country's vibrant cities, stunning countryside, and a wide range of activities and attractions. Denmark is also a great place to work, with a strong job market and plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs. The cost of living is relatively high, but the quality of life is worth it. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from Denmark's excellent healthcare system and generous social security benefits," explained one expat living in Denmark.

"Denmark generally has a low crime rate compared to other countries. Violent crime is rare, and property crime is generally low. Denmark has a strong focus on prevention and rehabilitation, which has helped to keep crime rates low," remarked one expat who made the move to Denmark.

"Denmark is a diverse country with a population that is made up of people from many different backgrounds. People in Denmark are generally accepting of differences and strive to create an inclusive society. The government has implemented a number of initiatives to promote diversity and acceptance, such as the National Action Plan for Integration and Diversity, which aims to ensure that all people in Denmark are treated equally and with respect," remarked one expat who made the move to Denmark.

"Depends on where you are from whether you will think it is more or less diverse. If you are from a place like the US, Canada, the U.K., Singapore, the UAE, or countries similar where there are many cultures, you will be surprised at how ethnically homogeneous Denmark is. One local told me it is a tribe almost, nearly everyone is ethnically Danish and there is little cultural diversity. However, if you are from a place such as Norway, Sweden, etc. where society is largely one race, you won't be in for much of a shock. Of course, larger cities here are more multicultural than urban areas. Danes are very accepting of culture generally, although many have mixed experiences. While I, as a person of color, have generally had good experiences, many of my friends have not, although a large majority have. I think overall though, Denmark is extremely accepting, and is fortunate to have legislation that guarantees personal rights and liberties upon everyone. Denmark is very much centered around equality. However, often minorities of any form will experience some form of ignorance, although many locals describe it as just ignorance and not malicious intent- being an ethnically homogeneous place, many Danes have not experienced multiculturalism the way other countries in Europe and America/Canada have for example, although in my opinion it is still no excuse for any hateful comments. Opinions vary, the best advice I have (which is general I apologize), is to talk to as many people you can including locals and experts to gain your own perspective on this issue, which is not so clear cut here in Denmark, although it is safe to say it is a Western country and is tolerant and accepting, so don't worry :)," explained one expat living in Copenhagen , Denmark.

"When you take a first lokk at the school, you would the facilities are not good enough. But everyone, who gives it a chance changes their minds very fast. The way the school integrates learning, good behavior, and caring both between the students but also among the teachers, parents and students makes this a wonderful school," wrote an expat with kids at HIS, Hoersholm International School in Copenhagen.

"The cost of living in Denmark is generally considered to be high, with prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation being significantly higher than in many other countries. Denmark also has a high rate of taxation, which can add to the overall cost of living. However, the high cost of living is offset by the high quality of life in Denmark, with excellent public services, a strong economy, and a high standard of living," said one expat in Denmark.

"The cost of living in Denmark is generally high compared to other countries. The capital city of Copenhagen is one of the most expensive places to live in Denmark, with prices for goods and services being higher than in other parts of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Denmark is around $1,500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $2,000 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Denmark can cost around $20 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Denmark.

"In Denmark, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and forests. There are also many sports facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and football fields. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as kayaking and sailing opportunities. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theatres. Denmark also has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants," said one expat.

"Denmark has a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature in summer is around 18°C and in winter it is around 0°C. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the wettest months being October and November. Snowfall is common in winter, especially in the northern parts of the country," remarked one expat living in Denmark.

"One of Denmark's most popular restaurants is Noma, located in Copenhagen. Founded by chef René Redzepi, Noma has been named the world's best restaurant four times by Restaurant Magazine. The restaurant specializes in Nordic cuisine, using local ingredients to create unique dishes. Another popular restaurant in Denmark is Geranium, located in Copenhagen. Geranium is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern Nordic cuisine. The restaurant has a focus on sustainability, using local and seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both creative and delicious. Kadeau is a restaurant located in Copenhagen and Bornholm. The restaurant specializes in modern Nordic cuisine, using local ingredients to create unique dishes. Kadeau has been awarded a Michelin star and is known for its creative and innovative dishes. Finally, Restaurant AOC is located in Copenhagen. The restaurant is known for its modern Danish cuisine, using local ingredients to create unique dishes. Restaurant AOC has been awarded two Michelin stars and is a popular destination for food lovers," remarked one expat living in Denmark.

"People living in Denmark typically buy groceries from supermarkets, convenience stores, and farmers' markets. Other shopping can be done at department stores, specialty shops, and online retailers," commented one expat living in Denmark.

"In order to visit Denmark, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, providing a valid passport, and providing proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Additionally, applicants may be required to provide proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and a valid health insurance policy. In order to obtain residency in Denmark, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting an application form, providing a valid passport, and providing proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Additionally, applicants may be required to provide proof of accommodation, a valid health insurance policy, and evidence of employment or study in Denmark," remarked one expat in Denmark.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Denmark are generally considered to be quite expensive. The cost of healthcare is covered by the Danish government, but citizens are required to pay a portion of the cost through taxes. Health insurance is also required for all citizens, and the cost of this insurance is based on income. In addition, there are additional fees for certain services, such as hospital stays and specialist visits. Despite the cost, the quality of healthcare in Denmark is generally considered to be very high," said an expat in Denmark.