If you think that the claim that moving to Denmark from the US will increase your happiness levels is unbelievable, think again. Studies show that this nation ranks second, just after Finland on the World Happiness Report. It integrates many things, such as average salary and overall quality of life.
Before moving abroad and investing in an international moving service, we usually want to learn everything about our destination and answer the questions such as “Is it hard to move to Denmark?” As you get ready and prepare for moving overseas to the Kingdom of Denmark and wondering can foreigners move to Denmark, you should keep in mind that around 8% of residents are foreign. It means there are probably many expat communities you can become a part of for easier settling in. And wherever you choose to reside in this nation, you’ll be no more than 32 miles away from the sea.
#1 Get the Right Type of Visa Required for Moving From the US to Denmark
Can US citizens move to Denmark? Although meeting the requirements for a Danish Visa is as lengthy a process as with any other country and consists of gathering all the documents you need to travel abroad, the application process itself is a speedy one. This nation also has visa types that allow a business to recruit foreign employees, and it’s a perfect opportunity to get a job in Europe as an American. Visas for immigrating to Denmark are similar to those in other countries. They include work (work holiday, au pair, religious work or internship,) family reunification for those who plan to move to another country for love, study, and asylum. They also have residence visas for Greenland or the Faroe Islands.
The Danish krone (DKK) is the official currency in this Scandinavian nation. A Danish visa will cost you around 3,025 DKK (445 USD) and that amount includes the residence permit. New to Denmark offers a complete list of visas and requirements and the Corona pandemic safety guidelines for entering Denmark’s borders.
Interested in Permanent Residency and Citizenship After Moving From US to Denmark? Here Is Some Basic Information
As with most other countries, when relocating to Denmark, you can get a short-term visa which allows you to live abroad in this Scandinavian nation for 90 days. The initial permit you apply for is a temporary one, and it’s the same process as for a visa. You gain both from the same application. It is possible to extend your stay primarily for work-based permits, but you should do so in the last three months of the permit expiring.
You are eligible for a permanent residency if you have continuously lived overseas within Danish borders for five years. You will become a tax resident if you have a home available within the country’s borders or if you stay in it for a consecutive period that exceeds six months. After acquiring permanent residence status and having nine years of continuous residence, you can apply to become a citizen.
#2 You’ll Love the Cities of This Nordic Nation
The cities of this nation are beautiful and historical and worth visiting all year round. Actually, they are among the best places to reside in Europe. Like most European countries, this nation offers what is considered to be among the best places to live abroad:
- The city of Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital. If you are looking to move overseas to reside in a city that is a blend of modern things such as cozy cafes and restaurants with beautiful architecture and historical landmarks, it’s a perfect spot for you. Øresund is the waterway that is 10-mile-wide and which separates this nation from Sweden. The city’s long harbor faces it, and the view itself makes the city a beautiful destination. You can tour the King’s Garden at beautiful Rosenborg Castle or visit free events such as the Copenhagen Pride Festival. This city also has the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue displayed on a rock by the waterside, and it’s the country’s famous landmark.
- Esbjerg is a seaport and the largest city in the region. It provides beautiful views but also entertainment options, plenty of shopping opportunities, and, of course, museums. You can take a ferry ride from it to Fanø. It’s a North Sea island, which offers a natural paradise in the form of sandy beaches and large dunes.
- Aarhus is Denmark’s principal seaport. Although small in size, it has a big heart and all the attractions you may be interested in are within walking distance. Its primary attractions include rich nightlife, charming cafes, and architecture beaming with cultural history.
- Roskilde offers several historical sites, where you can see Viking vessels dating from the 11th century and a boatyard next to the harbor. If you’re in for a unique experience, head somewhat to the west of Roskilde and visit the Land of Legends attraction. It’s an interactive open-air museum where actors recreate people’s life from the Stone Age and the Viking era.
Whether you’re an enthusiast who enjoys a bit of history or you are a fan of the breathtaking outdoors, you may get your satisfaction in any of these places. Each of these cities has large pedestrian areas located in their center, and it makes shopping and enjoying the atmosphere a really pleasurable task. The following 4k video shows drone footage of the country’s beautiful capital.
#3 Getting a Job Will Make It Easier to Cover the Cost of Living
Before relocating across the world, you should know that, on average, the cost of living in this Nordic country’s around 23% higher than in the US, while the rent is lower by about 18%. But as much as the costs here are high, the quality of life is certain. In fact, it has been named the world’s second-best country to reside in by CEOWorld magazine, and its average salary is above $6,000, so you can expect to have more than enough money to cover the expenses, especially if you move for a business position. But let’s see how the expenses compare from city to city.
| Location | Rent | Apartment prices | Utilities | Transportation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen | $1,260 | $530 | $185 | $92 |
| Esbjerg | $518 | $160 | $203 | $60 |
| Arhus | $756 | $365 | $208 | $60 |
| Roskilde | $750 | $303 | $230 | $155 |
#4 There Are a Lot of Conveniences for Both Residents and Citizens, Starting With Healthcare
When it comes to healthcare, this is one of the best European countries to reside in. Both residents and citizens have access to free healthcare, regulated by the government, while the services are provided by local governments of the five regions. You can also choose to invest in private health insurance because it covers a variety of expenses that are not fully covered by public healthcare funding.
The Education System Is Among the Best
The education system in this nation is of high quality. It includes public and private schools, as well as international ones. Known as Folkeskole, it’s compulsory up to the age of sixteen, although more than 80% of students take further education. But, “Can I move to Denmark without a job,” you must be wondering. If you wish to reside in another country such as this Scandinavian nation to study, you should know that Danish universities are free for their students and those from the EU. International students who come to learn a language abroad or enroll in any other studies, such as exchange programs, have different scholarships and grants available.
Get To Know the Danish Transportation Options
Although you’ll probably want to invest in vehicle shipping, you should know that public transportation in this nation is inexpensive and easy to use. While in Copenhagen, you can purchase a card that gives you unlimited public transport access and free entry to over 80 museums and attractions. Its price ranges from $65 to $160 for adults, and it can be valid for a 24, 48, 72, and 120 hour period. The forms of transportation include buses, trains, and ferries. But the primary form of transportation is the healthiest one out there – cycling.
#5 Learn What Hygge Is and Enjoy Variety of Things to Do Here (And You Can Even See the Vikings)
Hygge, pronounced “hoo-gah,” comes from old Norwegian, meaning something close to “well-being.” Danes do different things that fall under hygge – and it means doing anything that illuminates the soul. Your relocating abroad checklist should consist of visiting and enjoying anything that is hygge, from the Tivoli amusement park to participating in various free events like the Midsummer’s Eve celebrations. The Danes celebrate it with maypole dancing and seafood buffets, while bonfires are also the common site. Also, June and July are the months when the Roskilde Festival happens. People from all over the world visit it to experience eight days of music, art, activism, and various events, which feature over 180 acts, plenty of entertainment, and delicious cuisine.
Prepare for the Weather and Pack Some Heavyweight Clothes
The country borders the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, so its weather often changes. And although summers tend to get warmer, they are often cloudy, and that’s why packing a raincoat and a jacket would be wise if you plan to call this nation your home. The spring and the fall are also distinct as seasons, and winter temperatures fall just above freezing. With this in mind, when investing in packing service, you should remember to place some warmer clothes among other things you’re going to pack when relocating abroad.
Danes Speak English, but You Should Learn to Speak Their Native Language to Blend In
The official language of this nation is Danish, so you’ll need some tips for learning a new language to be able to break the language barrier. The other languages spoken here by minorities include Faroese, German, and Greenlandic. Most Danes (above 80%) also speak English as their second language, and almost 50% speak German.
The Whole Scandinavia Is Famous for Its Metal Bands, so Which Hail From Denmark?
Everyone knows that relocating stress is best relieved with some music, but what genres do the Danes offer? Danes have a reputation of providing the world with distinguished jazz musicians, and the Jazz Festival maintained in Copenhagen has acquired an international reputation. But the first Danish musician that is an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the famous Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich.
Although the country’s modern pop and rock scene have given the world a few notable names, we shall turn to the metal scene and the prominent bands this country’s given. D-A-D (Disneyland After Dark) unleashed their hit single Sleeping My Day Away in the early 1990s, and it was among the first to be listened to outside the Nordic country. Other notable acts include King Diamond and Mercyful Fate, Pretty Maids, Volbeat, Myrkur, and many others.
Is Moving to Denmark the Right Decision for an Expat?
Knowing how to move to Denmark will help you be better organized and decide whether you’ll need storage service and other relocation solutions such as overseas shipping from an international moving company. But realizing this is one of the best countries to live in the world will help you decide to contact professionals to relocate. Moving internationally to one of the best places to live abroad with family, such as this nation, will be one of the wisest choices in your life. Whether you move for a business position or you simply want to enjoy Scandinavia, you’ll make no mistake by making a home here.
