Embassy of the United States

Living in Denmark

Introduction to Denmark

Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands constitute the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark covers an area of 43,000 sq km and consists of the peninsula Jutland and 406 islands. The Islands of Zealand (Sjælland with the capital Copenhagen) and Funen (Fyn with the city of Odense) are the largest.

The population is slightly more than 5 million with 25 per cent living in the metropolitan area of the capital, Copenhagen.

Greenland covers an icefree area of 341,700 sq. km and has a population of 53,000. The principal city is Nuuk.

The Faroe Islands cover an area of 1,399 sq. km and has a population of about 45,000. The principal city is Thorshavn.

Below you will find information on the following topics:

• Residence and Work Permits
• Language
• Currency and Exchange
• Telephone
• Electricity
• Cost of Living
• Bringing a Pet
• Emergency Service
• The Political System
• Sources of Information

Comprehensive information on living and working in Denmark is available from the official Danish Government website: http://www.denmark.dk

Residence and Work Permits

U.S. citizens who plan to visit Denmark for purposes other than tourism, or who wish to remain in Denmark for more than three month, must obtain a work and/or residence permit prior to their arrival in Denmark. Applications for these permits must be submitted through a Danish Embassy or Consulate. If you are already in Denmark and wish to obtain information about Danish work/residence permits please contact the Danish Immigration Service (Udlaendingestyrelsen), Rysgade 53, 2100 Copenhagen, Tel: +45 35 36 66 00, via E-mail: udlst@udlst.dk or visit their website.

Language

In language, as well as in culture, Denmark is closely related to the other Nordic countries. The Nordic countries have formed the Nordic Council, the purpose of which is to promote free exchange of labor. Danish is a difficult language for foreigners to learn quickly unless they have a particular facility with languages. If you plan to work or study in Denmark, you should bear in mind that basic speaking ability in Danish is usually required.

A number of Danish language courses are available to foreigners holding a residence/work permit and a Danish Social Security number (CPR-number).

The two largest Danish language schools in Copenhagen are

"Studieskolen,"
http://www.studieskolen.dk
Borgergade 12, 1300 Copenhagen K
TEL: 3318 7999

"K.I.S.S. Danish Language School"
http://www.kiss.dk
Nørrebrogade 32, 2200 Copenhagen N
TEL: 3311 4477
FAX: 3520 1409
E-mail: info@kiss.dk

Adult education study programs are available throughout Denmark during the winter season (usually September through April) and "Danish for Foreigners" is always a part of these programs. More information on Danish language classes for foreigners may be found in the Yellow Pages http://www.degulesider.dk write ‘Sprogundervisning."

Most Danes understand and speak some English. Many speak English fluently.

Currency and Exchange

Dollars may be exchanged for Danish Kroner freely at banks, hotels, and various exchange facilities. The rate of exchange fluctuates from day to day, and is generally less favorable at hotels than at banks.

Personal checks drawn on a U.S. bank cannot be cashed unless you have a checking account in Denmark.

Travelers checks and all international credit cards are accepted throughout Denmark.

ATMs are placed throughout the country and always outside banks.

Banking Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Check for special hours before holidays. Exchanging currency outside regular banking hours may be done – 7 days a week – at "Danske Bank" at Copenhagen (Kastrup) Airport 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and at the Copenhagen Main Railway Station from 8:00AM. – 8:00PM.

Telephone

In Denmark telephone numbers consist of eight digits. If you are calling from outside Denmark, the eight digit number must be preceded by the country code 45, often written as +45 followed by the eight digit telephone number.

In Greenland and Faroe Islands, the telephone numbers consist of six digits.

Greenland has country code 299

The Faroe Islands country code 298.

Electricity

Electric current is 220V, AC, single phase, however, 380V, 3 phase is available and must be used for automatic dryers and electric stoves.

Cost of Living

Due to a strong trade union movement, wages in Denmark are generally higher than in the United States. Negotiated minimum wage is approximately $12/hour.

Income tax in Denmark, however, is high by international standards, and ranges from 45% to a high 64%.

The flat-rate VAT in Denmark is 25%. Major exemptions from VAT are rents, medicine and newspapers.

The cost of living in Denmark is considerably higher than in the United States. Copenhagen is among the five most expensive cities in the world.

Bringing a Pet

For rules on bringing you pet to Denmark click here

Emergency Service

Fire – Ambulance – Police: Dial: 112, identify yourself, give your address or location and ask for the type of assistance you need.

The Political System

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy; the present monarch is Queen Margrethe II. The Danish Parliament (Folketing) has one chamber with 179 members including two members from Greenland and two members from the Faroe Islands. Both Greenland and the Faroe Islands have extensive home rule with local governments and parliaments responsible for local legislation.

Denmark has been a member of the European Union (EU) since 1973.

Sources of Information

General information about Denmark and answers to specific questions regarding customs, taxation, Danish immigration regulations, education, and health may be obtained from the official Danish government website. Tourist information may be obtained from:

The Danish Tourist Board
655 Third Avenue, 18th floor
New York, NY 10017
TEL: (212)-885-9700
FAX: (212)-885-9726
Homepage: http://www.dt.dk