Digital Nomad Life in Denmark
Summary: Aarhus, Denmark is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, excellent quality of life, and affordable cost of living. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, lively nightlife, and numerous parks and green spaces. The best neighborhood to live in Aarhus is Vesterbro, which is known for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. The approximate population of Aarhus is 330,000. The weather in Aarhus, Denmark is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit in the winter and the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit in the summer. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Aarhus is approximately $1,500 USD, including rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The cost of renting a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Aarhus is approximately $1,000 USD per month.
How do I meet people in Denmark?
When we asked people living in Denmark about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Denmark often join clubs and activities such as language classes, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals alike," said one person in Denmark.
"Try Facebook groups- there are some expat in Copenhagen groups. Unfortunately, compared to other countries, Denmark lacks in terms of organizations to help meet other people, as many require Danish proficiency. My best advice- if you have a child, get involved with your child's international school, you are sure to meet tons of expat families and local Danish ones, and is a great way to meet new people," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Copenhagen .
What is life like in Denmark?
When we asked people living in Denmark what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Denmark is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent infrastructure, a strong economy, and a welcoming culture. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the country's vibrant cities, stunning countryside, and a wide range of activities and attractions. Denmark is also a great place to work, with a strong job market and plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs. The cost of living is relatively high, but the quality of life is worth it. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from Denmark's excellent healthcare system and generous social security benefits," explained one person living in Denmark.
"Lives revolve around family, if you are from the US for comparison, life here is significantly LESS stressful in terms of work. The working hours here are shorter, and most jobs require around 37.5 hours a week. Lots of vacation too and amazing maternity leave benefits. All of these contribute to more family time, and in general Danes tend to prioritize family time or meet friends usually in a small social circle. Of course, some expats want to meet a lot of people (myself included), and there are opportunities to meet through expat groups (see above). Additionally, there are sports clubs although check beforehand as most of not all speak Danish :( However, DON’T be discouraged from exercise, there might not be groups but many Danes and expats alike like to spend time outside with their family. Many residents of Copenhagen are extremely active, and a large population bike or walk to work/school, go to the gym, run, etc. For group sports for kids, check with your child’s school, many offer programs. For adults, your options may be more limited but try social media to find groups, or if not create a group with fellow locals and expats :)," said one expat in Copenhagen .
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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Where should I live in Denmark?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"We needed to rent a furnished apartment or home. That narrowed down our search to only one decently sized townhouse (rakehaus). In hindsight I wished that we had just sucked it up and purchased Ikea furniture to open up our choices. The townhouse was ok but I kicked myself for not listening to my gut instinct that one main bathroom for a family of four just wouldn't work for us. It didn't. And it was a supreme source of frustration because that one bathroom had a shower leak that the owner refused to fix until we moved out and charged us for the repair and cleaning of all the lime buildup. That's common in Denmark -- the owners of rentals will charge you for fixing things they should have fixed while you lived there," explained one person living in Copenhagen, Denmark.
"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Denmark is to use online resources such as BoligPortal, which is a Danish website that allows you to search for rental properties in Denmark. Additionally, you can also use websites such as Lejebolig, which is a Danish rental property website, or Danskeboliger, which is a Danish real estate website. You can also use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to search for rental properties in Denmark. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents or property management companies to help you find a place to live in Denmark," said one expat in Denmark.
What do I need to know before moving to Denmark?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Denmark, they said:
"Copenhagen is a small city but is a gateway to many parts of Europe, make travel a priority to keep things interesting. At the end of the day, it's still a European country and shares many characteristics with its counterparts, although personally I think for expats it's better than the US or UK if you are English speaking for example, although Denmark speaks excellent English and there is hardly a need to learn the local language (at least for a short term stay) However, of course being from the US, I would not rate it as the best expat destination due to its small population and sometimes lack of activities. That being said, it is a great opportunity for immersion in a new culture and to get to know both the country and the Scandinavian culture better. My advice: Denmark is a place where especially if you are from outside Europe or a place where the cost of living is much lower, will be a big change in terms of lifestyle, there are some sacrifices to be made. If you are willing to sacrifice a little, I view it as a great short-term destination, and if you want to stay a little longer, I wouldn’t blame you- Denmark has many appealing factors," said one person in Copenhagen .
"Expats considering retiring in Denmark should be aware that the cost of living is relatively high, and that the climate can be cold and wet. It is important to research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in the area. Expats should also be aware of the language barrier, as Danish is the official language of the country. Additionally, it is important to research the tax system and the regulations for pensioners in Denmark. Finally, expats should be aware of the cultural differences between their home country and Denmark, and be prepared to adapt to the local customs," said one expat who made the move to Denmark.
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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Denmark?
"Expatriates in Denmark appreciate the country's strong sense of community and the emphasis on quality of life. They also enjoy the country's commitment to sustainability and its focus on environmental protection. Expats also appreciate the country's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around. Additionally, expats enjoy the country's vibrant cultural scene, with its many festivals, museums, and galleries. Finally, expats appreciate the country's strong commitment to gender equality and its progressive social policies," said one expat in Denmark.
"Now, after some time, I can appreciate the orderly aspect of Danish culture. However, my in-laws and husband's friends understand me better and I speak Danish pretty well which is a huge help," remarked one member in Aarhus.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Denmark?
"The language. The politeness of Danes which can sometimes be mistaken for them wanting to be friends with you. Don't assume that. A girl friend told me she had a lovely dinner with a group of people when she arrived, hit it off with one girl there and when the night ended, asked this Danish girl if she'd like to get together for coffee sometime. The Dane actually responded something to the effect of "you're being a bit needy and I have enough friends". It took everything for my girl friend not to burst into tears. Danish men are great. Danish women put up HUGE walls. Don't expect ANYONE to speak in English at a dinner party. They have never been taught that it is amazingly rude to speak in Danish and cut off a guest for hours and hours. I have spent many a night out in silence because unless you keep talking, they'll flip right back to Danish. I know many others who've experience this. I finally told my husband (who did try to get English going) that unless he did something, I wasn't going to these dinners (sometimes 8 hours at a table!) anymore," explained one person living in Aarhus, Denmark.
"Expats in Denmark often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as Danish is the official language and English is not widely spoken. Additionally, the Danish culture is known for its emphasis on personal space and privacy, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to. Furthermore, the Danish work culture is quite different from other countries, with a focus on work-life balance and a strong emphasis on punctuality. Finally, the cost of living in Denmark is quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local lifestyle," said one expat in Denmark.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Denmark for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Denmark for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a different type of residence permit. For example, if you are coming to Denmark to work, you will need to apply for a work permit. If you are coming to Denmark to study, you will need to apply for a student residence permit. You may also need to apply for a visa if you are coming from a country outside the European Union," explained one person living in Denmark.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Denmark?
We asked people in Denmark if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"Yes. I kept telling my mother-in-law for probably 4 years that I was going to the "støvsuger" (vacuum cleaner) to watch television instead of "stuen" (living room)! Of course they knew what I meant (they don't speak English) but were too polite to ever correct me!!!," said one expat who made the move to Aarhus.
"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Denmark. It is considered rude to be late for appointments, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to be aware of personal space and not to stand too close to someone when speaking. It is also important to be aware of the Danish concept of 'Janteloven', which is a set of unwritten rules that promote humility and discourage individualism. It is also important to be aware of the Danish concept of 'Hygge', which is a feeling of comfort and contentment. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Danish language and to try to use it when possible," explained one foreigner living in Denmark.
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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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What are healthcare services like in Denmark?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Denmark, they replied:
"Denmark offers a comprehensive healthcare system that is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The public healthcare system in Denmark is of high quality and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. All Danish citizens and foreign residents are eligible to receive healthcare services through the public system, and expats in Denmark can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local doctor and paying a small fee. Expats can also purchase private health insurance to cover additional services not provided by the public system," said one digital nomad in Denmark.
Connect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
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What are the pros and cons of living in Denmark?
"Denmark is the kingdom of fairy tales, cradle to grave welfare.The local people are very happy, they don't need to struggle for money, they make money for fun.The scenery is amazing, the life is convenient and the cost is not high.It's a great place to visit, but also a great place to live," said one digital nomad in Copenhagen.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Denmark, with its excellent public transportation, low crime rate, and strong social safety net. They also enjoy the country's vibrant culture, with its many festivals, museums, and galleries. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Denmark to be quite high, and the language barrier can be a challenge. Additionally, the weather in Denmark can be quite cold and dark in the winter months, which can be difficult to adjust to," commented a person living in Denmark.
Connect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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