International Removal Guide
Moving to Denmark
When you mention Demark, many people instantly think of Lego figures and toys, but Denmark is so much more than just the spiritual home of Lego. Not only is it one of the happiest places to live in the entire world, it offers excellent work-life balance and is backed by a strong economy.
So, whether you’re moving to Denmark for work, family or just studying, follow our international removals guide below to ensure you have all the correct information before moving to your new life abroad! Got a Question? Drop us an Email!
1. Why Move to Denmark?
Quality of Life
Consistently ranked among the top countries for quality of life, Denmark scores highly on income, health, environmental quality and is known for it’s excellent work-life balance. It’s also world-renowned for it’s social security system, providing free healthcare and education for all of the population.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
With employment rates averaging around 2.5% a few years ago, Denmark has a strong and robust economy. With a large job market in sectors like IT, engineering, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy, Denmark boasts not only low un-employment rates, it also offers some of the highest salaries in Europe, with the average monthly salary hovering around the 3000 Euro mark!
Ease of Integration
Although Denmark is highly welcoming to expats, with many communities operating in English, unless you speak the language you will fail to integrate into any local community. With a high level of national pride and civic duty, you must be prepared to learn the language if you want to fully integrate into the Danish way of living. Fortunately, the Danish government offer free language classes for newcomers to the country.
2. Key Facts and Figures
Here are some of the key facts and figures about Denmark as a country:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 5.9 million |
| Official Language | Danish |
| Currency | Krone |
| Time Zone | GMT+1 |
| Major Cities | Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg and Esjberg |
3. Visa and Immigration Requirements
Before considering a move to Denmark, you need to carefully examine all the options for visas and residency before you you plan your move.
For EU citizens, moving to Denmark is relatively straight forward, as although they don’t need a visa, they must still register with the Danish Civil Registration System (CPR). If you’re not an EU citizen, (unlucky for us Brits!) then you must apply for a residence permit which can take between one and three months to process.
4. Preparing for Your Move
A. Choosing the Right Removal Company
During your research for a trustworthy International Removal Company, be sure to check if they are members of an internationally accredited association, such as Euromovers or IAM. Also check to see if they have specific case studies that relate to you desired destination. If they’ve not previously shipped goods to your chosen country, we’d advise choosing another removal company.
The services you would typically expect from your chosen International Removal Company should include:
- Packing and Unpacking Assistance
- Secure Transportation of Goods
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Storage Solutions (if required)
B. Shipping Options
With the North Sea on either side, shipping your goods to Denmark is the most cost-effective option. Although much quicker, air-freight is a lot more expensive. You could also go down the road-train route, that will take the longest time, but will more than likely be the cheapest option too.
- Sea Freight: Cost Effective for larger shipments; transit times range from 5-7 days.
- Air Freight: More expensive than sea freight, but significantly quicker, making ideal for time-sensitive goods.
- Road Train: The cheapest and longest way to get your goods to their new home in Denmark.
*BONUS* – why not check out our article all about Air Freight vs Sea Freight?
C. Customs Regulations
Be aware of Danish customs policies. At the very least you need to be able to provide the following:
- Detailed Inventory List
- Passport
- Copy of visas
- Work permit or Residency Documents
In Denmark, and most other countries, certain items like alcohol, tobacco and electronics may attract higher duty payments, or may even require special permits! Vehicles can be imported, but require registration and a roadworthiness test.
D. Decluttering and Packing
Here at Euromovers we’re firm believers in using the three R’s when it comes to decluttering before you pack:
- Reduce: Decrease the amount your taking by removing old clothes and items you no longer need.
- Re-Use: Those boxes you’re about to throw away? They can be re-used for moving!
- Recycle: If you’ve not got a use for it, maybe someone else will? Recycle any old clothes and put them into a donation box for you local clothes bank
5. Estimated Costs
At Euromovers, our calculated cost of moving abroad is based upon 3 main factors: The shipment size (ft³), destination and customs duty! Here’s a further breakdown of these costs:
- Shipping Costs: Sea Freight for a 20ft container can be anywhere from £1000 to £2,500. While air freight can be upwards of £3,000.
- Custom Duties: These will vary depending on the value you have put on your goods. It can range from 8% to 28% of the value of your goods, and will depend on the classification of goods. Typically though, Denmark charges a 25% value added tax unless the value is less than £130, in which case there is no customs duty. For example, your laptop is worth £200. You would pay a total of £50 to import it into Denmark. Confused? Why not use this handy import calculator to figure out how much VAT and duty you would be due on your current inventory of goods.
- Insurance: At Euromovers we offer varying levels of cover including marine transport insurance. On average, insurance costs are between 1-3% of the shipment value.
- Temporary Accommodation: You may need to factor in the costs of staying short-term if awaiting a visa or a room to become available. Put aside approximately £80-£100 per night for a comfortable night of sleep in Copenhagen. Whereas a night’s stay in a more urban location will cost less, at between £60 and £80 per night.
6. Settling In: Housing, Schools, and Healthcare
A. Housing
There is an exceptionally high demand for housing in the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, with rental prices among the highest in Europe and Scandinavia.
- One Bed Apartment in Copenhagen: €1,200 – €1,800
- Three Bed Apartment in Copenhagen: €2,500 – €3,500
- Outside Copenhagen: prices drop by 20-40%.
B. Education
Although Denmark offers free public and further education through ranked universities, it’s not an option for non-native residents. Expatriates typically choose international schools for their children as they offer globally recognised cirricula (e.g. IB, IGCSE). However, these international schools are expensive, and can cost between €10,000 – €20,000 per year.
The top three schools or universities in Denmark are:
C. Healthcare
Home to one of the best public healthcare systems in the world, Denmark does a great job at keeping it’s population healthy. Thanks to a predominately seafood diet combined with lots of cycling, the Danish are on a par with the Dutch when it comes to healthy living. EU citizens can use the EHIC card to begin with, with non-EU residents needing to register privately to get healthcare.
7. Denmark and other European Destinations
Cost of Living Comparison
| Expense | Denmark (€) | Germany (€) | Sweden (€) | UK (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 bed, city centre) | 1,500 | 1,100 | 1,100 | 1,800 |
| Utilities | 200 | 180 | 150 | 250 |
| Public Transport | 60 | 80 | 70 | 90 |
| Groceries | 300 | 250 | 270 | 320 |
Pros of Moving to Denmark Over Popular Expat Destinations:
- High Quality of Life: Ranked among the best in the world.
- Strong Job Market: Particularly in IT, engineering, and healthcare.
- Excellent Public Services: Free education and healthcare.
- Sustainability Focus: Green energy and clean cities
Cons Compared to Other Destinations:
- High Taxes: Income tax can reach up to 55%
- Expensive Housing: Particularly in the capital, Copenhagen.
- Weather: Long and dark winters can be challenging and you often have to supplement your diet with Vitamin D tablets.
- Language Barrier: While many Danes do speak English, being able to speak Danish is essential for full integration.
8. Settling Down
Exploring Your New Home in Denmark
Depending on what your interests are, you may wish to choose a location that will suit your needs and desires. So if you’re looking for something specific when moving to Denmark, we’d suggest the following locations to explore in your new Danish home.
- Urban Life: Explore the architectural wonder of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, visit the National Gallery of Denmark (SMK), or step back in time at Rosenborg Castle.
- Beach Life: Relax and unwind on the white sands of Skagen’s beaches, enjoy the dunes of Romo, or base yourself on the island of Bornholm for those stunning coastal views
- Like Food and Wine?: If you like cultural food, try smorrebrod (open faced sandwiches), fresh Danish seafood, or try the New Nordic cusine at world famous restaurants like Noma.
- Festivals: Experience Roskilde Festival, one of Europe’s largest music events. Or celebrate the Viking heritage at the Ribe Viking Festival, but don’t miss the magic of the Tivoli Gardens’ Christmas market!
9. FAQs About Moving to Denmark
Q: How long does it take to ship household goods to Denmark?
Sea freight using 20ft or 40ft shipping containers usually takes between 5-7 days, whereas air freight can be as little as 3 days.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to Denmark?
Yes, the majority of European pets such as cats and dogs can be brought into Denmark. However, they must meet specific import regulations, including vaccines, quarantine and micro-chipping if they've not been tagged already. You'll also never see a cat or dog wandering about the streets as the Danish culture dictates that pets must be kept indoors unless on a walk.
Q: What are the Living Costs like in Denmark?
Compared to the United Kingdom, the cost of living in Denmark is slightly cheaper, but not as cheap as moving to Spain. Monthly expenses range from £1250 to £2000 per month for a single person. However, a family may need upwards of £2500 to live comfortably.
10. Conclusion: Moving to Denmark
As of 2024, Aarhus, Denmark ranked as the happiest city to live in the entire world! So it’s no surprise that moving to Denmark will be a step-up from where you lived previously. With a high level of social responsibility, you cannot just sit back and expect to be taken care of. You must contribute to the Danish society, and if not, you’ll soon be the talk of the town. So, if you’re keen to do your part, and don’t mind helping your neighbours out, Denmark would be the ideal location to move to. However, you really need have the desire and capability to learn the Danish language, as English isn’t the main tongue, and many won’t engage with you if you don’t make the effort (a bit like the French!).
All of these points considered, when you look at everything that’s on offer like free education for your children, a safety net should you fail disastrously, and more equality than anywhere else on the planet, then moving to Denmark would be the ideal location to move to. If you like content happiness with little to no stress, then take the next step and figure out how much it’s going to cost with a moving quote!
Choose Euromovers as your trusted international removal company, and get a Quote Today!
