Digital Nomad Life in Copenhagen, Denmark

"Expats in Copenhagen often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, 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 in the area," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Copenhagen.

"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," explained one person living in Copenhagen , 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 :)," remarked one member in Copenhagen .

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Copenhagen is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its high quality of life, with excellent public transportation, a vibrant cultural scene, and plenty of green spaces. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and other places to work and socialize. The city is also home to a large international community, making it easy to make friends and find support. The cost of living is relatively high, but the quality of life is worth it," explained one expat living in Copenhagen, Denmark.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Copenhagen is to use online resources such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and other rental websites. Additionally, you can search for rental listings on local classifieds websites such as DBA and BoligPortal.dk. You can also contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in the area. Additionally, you can look for postings on bulletin boards in local cafes, libraries, and other public places. Finally, you can also ask friends and family who live in the area for recommendations," explained one person living in Copenhagen, Denmark.

"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," said one expat in Copenhagen.

"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 expat who made the move to Copenhagen .

"Before retiring in Copenhagen, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other countries. They should also research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Danish, as it is the official language of the country. It is also important to research the visa and residency requirements for expats, as well as the tax system. Finally, expats should consider the climate in Copenhagen, which is generally mild but can be quite cold in the winter months," explained one foreigner living in Copenhagen, Denmark.

"I appreciate for one the Danish fitness aspect, the culture here is very much that which encourages a healthy lifestyle, as many residents of the city walk and bike frequently, as well as engage in other forms of exercise. Diet and nutrition are also important and many focus on incorporating healthy food groups into the diet. Danish culture is also very straightforward, which is good and cuts to the point. And of course: language, for an English native/fluent speaker, this is a safe haven, as Denmark is very good for an English speaker as almost all of the population speaks grade A English," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Copenhagen.

"Expats in Copenhagen appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is characterized by its strong sense of community and its commitment to sustainability. They also enjoy the city's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's commitment to the arts, with its many galleries, museums, and theaters. Finally, expats enjoy the city's relaxed atmosphere, which makes it easy to make friends and enjoy the city's many outdoor activities," explained one person living in Copenhagen, Denmark.

"Expats in Copenhagen often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Danish is the official language of Denmark, and while many Danes are able to speak English, it can be difficult for expats to fully integrate into the culture without a good understanding of the language. Additionally, the cost of living in Copenhagen is quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy. Finally, the Danish culture is known for its reserved and formal nature, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to, especially those coming from more outgoing cultures," said one person in Copenhagen.

"Rules that have been put in place to limit and frustrate foreigners irrespective of what kind --- i.e. even if you are hosted by Denmark at their invitation they treat you as if you should be grateful and tax you mercilessly so you leave quickly. Worse, the beaurocrats don't take questions or queries -- however polite you are," said one expat who made the move to Copenhagen.

"If you plan to stay in Copenhagen for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa before you can apply for a residence permit. You will need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and proof of accommodation," remarked one member in Copenhagen.

"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting Copenhagen. It is considered rude to be late for appointments, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as dressing too casually or too formally can be seen as disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the Danish concept of 'Jante Law', which is a set of social rules that emphasize humility and discourage boasting. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Danish concept of 'hygge', which is a feeling of coziness and contentment, and to be respectful of the Danish people's desire for privacy and personal space," said one expat who made the move to Copenhagen.

"Healthcare services in Copenhagen, are characterized by a comprehensive and universal public healthcare system that provides high-quality medical care to all residents. The Danish healthcare system is primarily funded through taxes, ensuring that all citizens have equal access to healthcare services, regardless of their income or social status. In Copenhagen, healthcare services are provided through a combination of public hospitals, private clinics, and general practitioners. The city is home to several renowned hospitals, including Rigshospitalet, which is the largest hospital in Denmark and serves as a leading center for medical research and education. Primary healthcare services in Copenhagen are mainly provided by general practitioners, who serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care. These doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating common illnesses, as well as referring patients to specialists when necessary. Specialist healthcare services in Copenhagen cover a wide range of medical fields, including cardiology, oncology, and psychiatry. Patients typically require a referral from their general practitioner to access these specialized services. In addition to public healthcare services, Copenhagen also has a thriving private healthcare sector, which offers a range of medical services, including dental care, physiotherapy, and cosmetic surgery. Private healthcare providers often have shorter waiting times and more personalized care, but these services come at a higher cost compared to public healthcare. Emergency medical services in Copenhagen are available 24/7 and can be accessed by calling the emergency number, 112. Ambulance services, as well as emergency departments in hospitals, are well-equipped to handle urgent medical situations. Overall, healthcare services in Copenhagen are known for their high quality, accessibility, and efficiency, ensuring that residents have access to the medical care they need," said a member in Copenhagen.

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the high quality of life, excellent public transportation, and extensive cycling infrastructure in Copenhagen. They appreciate the city's cleanliness, safety, and the overall friendliness of the locals. The work-life balance is also a significant draw, as Denmark is known for its flexible working hours and generous vacation policies. The city's vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and events, is another attractive feature. On the other hand, the high cost of living, particularly for housing, can be a significant challenge for expats and digital nomads. The weather can also be a downside, as Copenhagen experiences long, cold, and dark winters, which may not be appealing to everyone. Additionally, the language barrier can be an issue, as while most Danes speak English, it can still be difficult to fully integrate into Danish society without learning Danish. Finally, the bureaucracy and strict immigration policies can make it challenging for non-EU citizens to obtain visas and work permits," remarked one member in Copenhagen.

"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," explained one expat living in Copenhagen, Denmark.