You've just moved to Denmark. A new home. A new language. A new life. But what now? Moving to Denmark is an exciting journey - but also a big change. As a newcomer in the country, it can be difficult to navigate the system and understand how daily life works.
Therefore, we have put together this guide to help you better understand Danish society and the opportunities available to you as a citizen in Denmark.
A society with high quality of life
Denmark is known for being a safe and well-functioning country with a high quality of life. Many find it to be a great place to live - as a family, a student, or a newcomer.
There is an emphasis on equality, freedom, and respect, and it's important for many Danes to have time for both work and family. This means that many companies in Denmark maintain a good work-life balance.
Welfare and Your Rights
One of the major benefits of living in Denmark is the public welfare system. Here, you have access to free healthcare, public schooling, and support if you, for example, become ill or lose your job. You need a CPR number to utilize these services. Once you have it, you can, for instance, visit the doctor, use the library, and receive child benefits if you have children.
The Danish society is built on trust and community, meaning that as a citizen, you have both rights and responsibilities. You can find more information about your rights at borger.dk.
Find a place to stay
Finding housing in Denmark can take time, especially in larger cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus where rents are high and many people want to live centrally. In smaller towns and rural areas, there are more options and often lower prices. You can rent a property through housing portals, housing associations, or private landlords.
Many choose to start with temporary accommodation and then look for a more permanent place to live. It's a good idea to have a broad search and be open to various solutions initially.
Transport: Flexible and Reliable
Getting around in Denmark is easy. You can use buses and trains in most cities and areas, as well as the metro and light rail in larger cities. The transport system is punctual and well-developed.
You can purchase tickets through apps or at the stations, and you can register on the Rejsekort app, which makes it cheaper and easier to travel around all of Denmark.
Many Danes also choose to cycle. There are bike paths almost everywhere, making it an affordable, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get around. Denmark is known as a cycling country, and biking can be a great way to familiarize yourself with your new city.
Advantages and Challenges
It's important to know both the good and the difficult aspects of life in Denmark.
Advantages:
- Safety and stability - crime rates are low, and the society is generally secure.
- High quality of life - health, education, and leisure are highly prioritized
- Opportunity to learn Danish for free - including at A2B
- Respect for freedom of speech and rights
Challenges:
- High prices - groceries, café visits, and housing are more expensive than in many other countries.
- Culture and language - it can take time to understand Danish norms and learn the language.