Denmark regularly ranks among the happiest countries in the world. Working weeks are short, flexible working is normal, parental leave is generous and healthcare and education are free. In return, Danes pay some of the highest taxes in the world, and Copenhagen housing is expensive.

Work permits

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work freely and register for a CPR number. Others usually need a work permit from SIRI, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration:

  • Pay Limit Scheme: for any job paying above a set annual salary, which is adjusted every year. There is no requirement that the job is on a shortage list.
  • Positive List: for jobs on Denmark's official lists of skilled occupations in short supply, at the usual Danish salary level.
  • Fast-track scheme: faster processing for employees of companies certified by SIRI.
  • Researcher and start-up routes: for researchers, PhD candidates and founders approved by the Start-up Denmark panel.

Family members can usually join permit holders and work.

How much does it cost to live in Denmark?

Our Denmark data puts an average one-bedroom at about $1,300 a month and a three-bedroom at about $2,200. Copenhagen is the most expensive and competitive market, and many newcomers spend weeks finding housing; Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg are cheaper. Groceries cost about $380 a month, and eating out is expensive, with 25% VAT on almost everything.

Most people cycle: Copenhagen has more bikes than cars, and cycling is the fastest way around the city.

How Danish tax works

Danish employees pay an 8% labour market contribution on gross pay, then municipal tax (around 25% on average), a state bottom tax and, for higher earners, further state taxes. Most middle earners face a marginal rate of around 37% to 42%, rising to about 52% for higher earners. From 2026 a new "top-top tax" of 5% applies on income above about DKK 2.59 million, according to SKAT.

Denmark's researcher tax scheme (forskerskatteordningen) lets qualifying foreign researchers and highly paid employees pay a flat 27% plus the labour market contribution, about 32.8% in total, for up to seven years. In 2026 the salary requirement fell to DKK 65,400 a month, making many more professionals eligible. You must not have been liable to Danish tax in the previous ten years. Model your salary with our tax calculator.

Healthcare

Once registered with a CPR number, you are assigned a GP and can use the public health system free of charge. Adult dental care and some prescriptions involve co-payments.

Daily life

Danish culture values trust, equality and modesty, summed up in the unwritten "Law of Jante" that discourages boasting. Workplaces are flat, everyone uses first names, and meetings end on time so people can collect children. English is spoken almost universally, but Danish matters for social life and long-term residence. Winters are dark, which is why candles and "hygge" are so important.

Is Denmark a good place to move?

Denmark suits skilled professionals, researchers and families who value balance and public services, and who can live with high taxes and expensive housing. Comparing Scandinavian options? Read our Denmark vs Norway comparison.