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🇩🇰 Denmark

Moving Guide

Moving to Denmark is a well-structured process once you understand the sequence. The core priorities are: secure your visa/permit before arrival (non-EU), arrange temporary housing, complete CPR registration within the first week, set up MitID and a bank account, and register with a GP.

Data verified August 13, 2026

Same day – 2 weeks

CPR Registration Time

At Borgerservice; essential gateway to all other services

One-stop service

International House (CPH)

CPR, MitID, tax card, and NemKonto in one visit

1–3 weeks

Bank Account

Requires CPR number; use Revolut/Wise as bridge

2–3 weeks post-CPR

Health Card Arrival

Sundhedskort sent by post after CPR registration

DKK 80,000–150,000

Cost to Move to Denmark

Estimate: deposit, first month rent, furniture, fees, reserves

Within 3 months

EU Work Registration

EU citizens must register residence with SIRI after 3 months

Overview

Moving to Denmark is a well-structured process once you understand the sequence. The core priorities are: secure your visa/permit before arrival (non-EU), arrange temporary housing, complete CPR registration within the first week, set up MitID and a bank account, and register with a GP. The whole process can be completed in 2–4 weeks if you are systematic. Copenhagen's International House (Internationalt Hus) provides a one-stop service for new arrivals and simplifies the administrative process enormously.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-EU expats: confirm your work and residence permit is fully granted before travelling - do not travel on the assumption that it will come through shortly
  • Day 1–3: Confirm your Danish address (even a temporary one is sufficient for CPR registration); book your Borgerservice appointment immediately - slots fill quickly
  • EU-to-Denmark moves: no customs duties or restrictions on personal effects; standard removal company shipment is sufficient
  • Housing: begin your permanent housing search immediately; use BoligPortal, Lejebolig, and Facebook groups; act on listings the same day they appear
1

Before You Arrive in Denmark

Preparation before boarding the plane reduces stress and delays significantly. Non-EU expats must have their permit secured; EU citizens should plan their registration sequence; everyone should have temporary housing arranged.

  • Non-EU expats: confirm your work and residence permit is fully granted before travelling - do not travel on the assumption that it will come through shortly
  • Arrange short-term housing for the first 2–4 weeks (Airbnb, serviced apartment, or employer-arranged) while you search for a long-term rental
  • Open a Revolut, Wise, or N26 account before departure - this bridges the gap before you have a Danish bank account
  • Get a comprehensive international health insurance policy valid from the day you arrive, covering you until your CPR health card arrives
  • Research the Danish NemID/MitID and CPR registration process so you know exactly what documents to bring
  • EU citizens: download the SIRI registration guide from siri.dk and prepare: passport, evidence of employment or self-sufficiency, and proof of Danish address
  • Notify your home country tax authority of your departure - this triggers any applicable exit tax obligations and formally ends your tax residency there
2

Your First Two Weeks in Denmark - The Priority Checklist

The first two weeks are admin-heavy but essential. Complete these steps in order and most other things follow logically.

  • Day 1–3: Confirm your Danish address (even a temporary one is sufficient for CPR registration); book your Borgerservice appointment immediately - slots fill quickly
  • Week 1: Visit Borgerservice (or International House Copenhagen for employed workers) with passport, proof of address, employment contract, and residence permit - receive CPR number
  • Week 1: Set up MitID at the Borgerservice visit - requires CPR number and passport; you will need the MitID app on your smartphone
  • Week 1: Register for E-Boks / Digital Post at borger.dk - all official correspondence goes here from day one
  • Week 1–2: Open a Danish bank account; Nordea and Arbejdernes Landsbank are most accessible for new arrivals
  • Week 1–2: Register your NemKonto (your bank account as the official account for government payments) at skat.dk
  • Week 2: Choose your GP at sundhed.dk - your yellow health card will arrive by post within 2–3 weeks
  • Week 2: Get a Danish SIM card (Telmore, YouSee, or CBB Mobil are good value); needed for MobilePay and MitID
3

Shipping Your Belongings and Customs

Denmark has a straightforward process for importing personal effects when moving from abroad. EU citizens moving within the EU have no customs restrictions. Non-EU movers can import personal belongings duty-free under specific conditions.

  • EU-to-Denmark moves: no customs duties or restrictions on personal effects; standard removal company shipment is sufficient
  • Non-EU moves: personal effects (furniture, electronics, clothing) imported within 12 months of taking up Danish residence are duty-free under the Removal Goods scheme
  • Required documentation for non-EU shipments: proof of previous residence abroad (minimum 12 months), proof of Danish residence, inventory list, and copies of relevant residence permits
  • Prohibited items: the same restrictions as any EU country apply - certain food products, plant material, and restricted items cannot be imported freely
  • Removal companies: AGS, Crown Relocations, and Santa Fe are the main international movers with Danish operations; get 3 quotes
  • Shipping a car to Denmark: EU cars are generally straightforward; non-EU vehicles face import duties and Danish MOT (syn) requirements - often not economically worthwhile
  • Pet relocation: EU pets need an EU pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination; non-EU pets require additional documentation from Fødevarestyrelsen (Danish Veterinary and Food Administration)
4

Settling In - Months 1 to 6

After the initial administration, the focus shifts to building a life: finding permanent housing, establishing social connections, understanding Danish workplace culture, and starting Danish language learning.

  • Housing: begin your permanent housing search immediately; use BoligPortal, Lejebolig, and Facebook groups; act on listings the same day they appear
  • Danish language: register for a free Danish course (Danskuddannelse) at your municipality - all residents are entitled to free Danish language instruction; even basic Danish transforms social integration
  • Tax registration: SKAT will automatically register you for tax based on your CPR; review your forskudsopgørelse (preliminary tax assessment) at skat.dk and ensure your income is accurately entered
  • Expat communities: International House Copenhagen, InterNations CPH, Copenhagen Expats Facebook group, and company-specific expat networks provide fast social entry points
  • Driving: EU driving licences are valid indefinitely in Denmark; non-EU licences are valid for 90 days - apply for a Danish licence conversion at Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed
  • Children's schooling: enrol children in the relevant folkeskole (public school) through your municipality or begin the international school admission process (waiting lists exist at popular schools)
FAQs

Common Questions - Moving Guide in Denmark

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