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Moving to Denmark is likely to be a big culture shock so it’s a good idea to research as much as you can about the country before you arrive. This guide to removals to Denmark will give you valuable information about your removal and help you decide how to prepare before you leave.
Denmark lies further to the south of all the Scandinavian countries and is bordered by Sweden and Germany. Unlike many other mainland European countries, Denmark has a main peninsula plus more than 400 islands making up an archipelago. The capital, Copenhagen, is located on one of the largest of these.
The country is relatively small with a population of just four million; half a million residents live in the capital, leaving the rest well spread out over the country.
Like the UK, Denmark has a temperate climate but with far less rain. However, the weather can be very unpredictable. If you’re moving to Denmark. be prepared for all four seasons in one day!
Denmark still uses its currency, the krone.
Having a green lifestyle and being eco-friendly is essential in this country, and you’ll be well advised to adopt this approach if you’re moving to Denmark. The nation has been at the forefront of environmental changes for more than four decades and remains very committed to the cause.
The culture in Denmark is typically Scandinavian. If you haven’t lived in one of these nations before, it can come as a bit of a shock! Here are some interesting info and tips about Denmark that will be useful after you arrive:
The Danes like their summer and try to schedule important business outside these months
The typical Dane temperament is modest but forthright so don’t be surprised to receive direct and honest opinions – even if not requested!
Equality is a regular part of society, and there’s very little hierarchy in the workplace; expect your manager to ask opinions rather than give out orders
Stick to the rules, especially when using the roads; Danes like everything to be orderly and for systems to be adequately followed!
Family life is hugely important, and many Danes will cut short lunch breaks to get home earlier in the evening
Moving to Denmark means organising your removal to a country with a progressive attitude, including towards owning property. Denmark has many cooperative housing schemes that form part of a broader residential community. They’re a cross between homeownership and rental. You pay a monthly fee (like a service charge) into the community. It enables you to buy, for example, a two-bedroom apartment right in the centre of Copenhagen for £150,000. This property will be yours to repair and develop and potentially increase its value. To understand how it works and what it means to own an affordable home especially in Copenhagen click here.
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In Denmark, the national language is Danish but German, Greenlandic and Faroese are also recognised. Most people will speak English, certainly in the cities, but it’s helpful to learn Danish when you move.
If you are an EU national, you won’t need a visa to live and work in Denmark; You can move there without any permits for the first three months. However, if you plan on staying for longer, you will need to apply for a Residency Permit. You must do so within three months of entering the country. You will need a CPR (personal ID number facilitating proper integration between all Danish systems). Fitting in, working, socialising and living in Denmark begin with having accommodation. It entitles you to this CPR, and you’ll need a registration certificate if an EU resident – or a permit if non-EU.
Non-EU nationals will require a permit if they are moving to Denmark for work.
Individuals who arrive in the country must register their arrival with the civil registration office. This generates a registration number which is necessary to open a bank account. This will also enter you into the National Health Insurance system in Denmark.
The healthcare system is dominated by the public sector with democratically elected assemblies at all levels.
The state is responsible for the legal framework for health and coordinates the delivery of services. Hospitals belong to the regions, and they also operate them. You’re moving to excellent healthcare service. Standards are some of the highest in Europe, although there are private health hospitals if required. Moving to Denmark will not compromise your healthcare if you come from the UK.
Healthcare is free to Expats if EU citizens.
Non-EU citizens should consider International health insurance, although once naturalised as a Danish citizen and in receipt of a CPR and health insurance card, access to healthcare is free regardless. Your Danish employer may provide you with health insurance enabling you to gain access to private health. Waiting times will be shorter.
Moving around in Denmark is remarkably easy despite the layout of the country. Copenhagen airport is the busiest in Europe, but only approximately 10% of flights are domestic.
Cycling is a favourite way to travel in Denmark, especially in large cities such as Copenhagen. If you want to fit in with the locals, purchase a large black cape for cycling; it looks cool and also keeps you protected while on the move.
Taxis are easy to find in cities and accept credit cards as payment, but you’ll probably want to use these sparingly as it’s not the cheapest way to travel.
There is also an excellent public transport system in Denmark. What’s available depends on the area you’re moving to but typically includes underground trains, mainline trains and buses. On the latter, children under the age of 11 usually travel free when accompanied by an adult.
Moving to Denmark means different road networks and weather conditions. Navigating abroad can be challenging, and the last thing you want is a delay in receiving your removal.
Europeans deciding on relocating to Denmark have a relatively easy removal to look out for as Denmark is part of the EU. A European moving firm will be experienced in Danish customs and their requirements and will be ideally placed to give you any advice you need as you prepare to leave. For Example, because of the risk to native flora, removals must obtain permission for plants, and can only bring in dry or canned foods (securely contained within the shipment). Antiques and art require paperwork to be exempt from duty but may be subject to a VAT charge of up to 25% of their value.
If your removal comes from further afield, there are some customs restrictions to be aware of, but in general, these aren’t as strict as many other countries. Medicines must be for personal use and approved by the Danish Health Authority, plus there are alcohol and tobacco limits too before duty applies.
At the time of booking your removal company, also schedule-in a rental housing agency. It will help find accommodation, especially if your Danish language skills are weak.
Whether you choose our Load & Go or our EasyMoves solution, European Moving can help you with your removal. We shall be able to help you with the full list of restrictions that apply to removals to Austria and also provide advice on a whole range of removal issues you may not have encountered before.