WELCOME TO DENMARK 1 WELCOME TO DENMARK USEFUL INFORMATION WHICH WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU TO SETTLE INTO YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PRIVATE LIFE IN DENMARK 2 WELCOME TO DENMARK We are pleased that you have chosen to settle in Denmark. Denmark has a lot to offer – a good work-life balance, excellent working conditions based on team- work and consensus in a flat management structure and free welfare. People living in Denmark are said to be the happiest people in the world. Moving to a new country is automatically associated with surprises – both good and bad. Many questions arise – do I need a work permit, how does my partner find a job, what about social security, registration, bank account, tax + many more questions. The purpose of this welcome brochure is to answer some of these questions and to help you get started on your new life in Denmark. If you have questions – do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you. Once again, Welcome – we hope you will enjoy living in Denmark. Workindenmark THE EUROPEAN UNION The European Social Fund Investing in your future Welcome to Denmark is published by Workindenmark – part of Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment, Ministry of Employment, July 2020 Editor: Kirstine Lindved, Workindenmark Graphic design: Creative United Photos: Getty Images, Workindenmark, Danløn and Skattestyrelsen Print: Rosendahls A/S Welcome to Denmark 3 CONTENTS Denmark Life in Denmark Welcome to Denmark 2 Social Security and Sickness Benefits 40 Denmark – Country and People 6 Health Insurance and Sickness Benefits 40 Facts about Denmark 7 Pensions 41 Children in Denmark 42 Child Benefits 44 First steps in Denmark The Danish School System 46 Checklist – Moving to Denmark 9 Learning the Danish Language 50 Register as a citizen in Denmark 12 Life-long Learning 50 If you work in Denmark for less than 3 months 13 Living Expenses 51 If you work in Denmark for more than 3 months 15 Consumer Price Index 52 Cross Border Workers 18 Purchasing Power 53 Posted Workers 21 Private Insurance 54 Job seekers in Denmark 22 Housing 56 International Citizen Service 24 Moving 57 Radio and Television Fees 58 Telephone and Internet 58 Working in Denmark Bringing your Private Vehicle to Denmark 58 Working conditions in Denmark 26 Driving License 61 Tax 28 Domestic Transportation 62 Payslip 31 Legal Assistance 63 Unemployment Insurance 32 Money 63 If you lose your job 33 Traffic Regulations 63 Unemployment benefits 33 Diplomatic Representations 63 Unions 34 Passport 63 Banks and Bank Account 35 Election and Voting Rights 64 NemID / e-boks / Digital Post 36 Local Libraries 65 Recognition of Foreign Qualifications 37 Public Holidays, Celebrations and Cultural Events 66 Criminal background Certificate 38 Job search in Denmark Workindenmark services for jobseekers 68 Websites 69 Voluntary work 69 Start your own business in Denmark 69 Graduates 69 Leaving Denmark Checklist – What should I do when I leave Denmark 71 Important Telephone Numbers and addresses Important Telephone Numbers and addresses 74 Workindenmark – services to Danish Employers Find your next employee abroad 87 4 Contents Contents 5 DENMARK COUNTRY AND PEOPLE Denmark is a country with many employment regulations, a broad net addressed informally on a first-name islands. The Kingdom of Denmark of social security and a pro-active basis. It is also common to address encompasses the peninsula of Jut- labour market policy are all combined superiors by their first names. The in- land and more than 400 islands. No under the watchword of “flexicuri- formal tone is also valid in educational place in this country is more than 50 ty”. As a result, the labour market in settings, where pupils address their kilometres from the sea coast. These Denmark is described as deregulated. teachers on a first-name basis. geographic realities present a real The unemployed receive a relatively challenge, especially for engineers. high level of unemployment benefits, Two basic elements of education in Bridges are part of the Kingdom’s as well as comprehensive retraining Denmark are discussion and debate, image, as are contemporary design, for new jobs. The employment rate in whether in public, in family relations or kilometres of sandy beaches and Denmark is one of the highest in the at work. Danish companies place high successful economic policies. People in European Union (EU). demands on their employees, as they Denmark enjoy a high standard of liv- expect their staff to develop, propose ing. Probably not least for this reason, and implement ideas themselves. Informal social interaction Organisation for Economic Co-opera- There is no need to fear making mis- and democracy tion and Development (OECD) studies takes here, because companies value have concluded that Danes are very Most Danes place a high value on their employees highly. They place contented people. equal rights and democracy. Compared high priority on skills development, with other countries, social interaction and most companies in Denmark offer The Danish labour market serves as a and the tone of voice are informal. continued training for their employees. role model for many countries. Liberal Friends, family and also colleagues are Teamwork is also appreciated highly 6 Denmark - Country and people in Denmark. Studies repeatedly show friends with Danes outside the work diately try to find out what common that teamwork leads to better use place. acquaintances they may have. of the knowledge pool and promotes creativity. It is probably for all these The Danish people spend a large part Homogeneous society reasons that so many Danes are effi- of their free time with their families – – the clan-based society cient at work. They are motivated and the spouse, children and other close committed employees. family members. They generally spend In many respects, the Danes are a birthdays, Christmas, public holidays very homogeneous society: incomes and vacations in close family company. are about the same (net), they dress Getting to know people similarly, they all have more or less and making friends The social behaviour of Danes can best the same values, they travel to the Most Danes have a high level of edu- be described by the term “bonding”. same holiday destinations, celebrate cation, and they take interest in their One distinguishes in general between the same holidays and above all: social circles and local communities as those who build bridges to other almost all of them have the same well as happenings around the country. people and those, who work to bond nationality. Foreigners are a rela- Danes are said to be informal, unas- with others and intensify existing tively new phenomenon in Denmark; suming, humorous, cheerful and jovial bonds – family ties, friendship bonds, compared with other countries, folks always likely to say, “Things will etc. Bridge builders establish contact there are relatively few non-natives work out”, but also to be a short-sight- quickly, but “bonders” like the Danes in Denmark. Anyone whose speech, ed, impulsive, individualistic, undisci- are slow to do so. traditions, attitudes or values are plined, anarchic people with a lack of unlike those of the homogeneous earnest and little respect for tradition. Being a small population, the Danes “clan-based society” will initially be Danes are also perceived to be relaxed, are used to having some kind of perceived by Danes as “different”. happy and easy going. All the same, shared history with almost everyone Many Danes feel that to be “properly” many foreigners find it difficult at in the country. When they meet some- Danish, a person must above all mas- first to become acquainted and make one for the first time, they will imme- ter the Danish language. FACTS ABOUT DENMARK Monarchy – Queen Margrethe II • Representative democracy • 5,7 million inhabitants • 43.000 square kilometres – more than 400 islands, 7.300 kilometres (km) coastline • Official language – Danish • Currency: Danish Krone (DKK) 1 Krone = 100 øre 1 € = 7,45 DKK • 98 municipalities and 5 regions • 78% of all 16 to 64 years old Danes have a job • 75% of all women and 81% of all men work • 72% of all employees are member of an union or an unemployment insurance fund • 83% of all children continue education after elementary school • More women than men have an academic education • 90% of all Danish citizens are member of at least one association Denmark - Country and people 7 TIPS ABOUT THE DANES All of this makes it a challenge to get social events where international • At Open University events (Danish: to know Danes and to find Danish families can meet and learn more Folkeuniversitet) where they friends. Here are a few tips: about Denmark and Danish culture. participate in lectures and similar • Be active and invite people over, • Be open minded. What is normal • At sports clubs, associations, rather than waiting for an invitation and accepted in your home country literary circles, senior citizens’ from the Danish side. Danes want may not apply to Denmark. Even clubs, stamp collecting to get to know people, but they find if you find the Danish traditions associations, volunteer work etc. it difficult to take the first step. and ways of behaviour strange • At the fitness center • Join an association – Denmark do not be prejudiced. Remember • At the theatre is a country full of associations there are more similarities than • At the swimming baths, indoor and clubs. On average, each differences between the culture swimming pools, beaches Dane is a member of no less you are used to from your home than five associations. country and the culture and Your local library, town hall/Borger- • Learn Danish. Even though tradition you meet in Denmark. service and municipality website are you might find it difficult to good places to find out what asso- begin with, it really pays of.