Can I work in Copenhagen as an expat?

If you want to work in Copenhagen, you should know what the city expects from you and what it offers in return. This guide will help you understand the main requirements and benefits of applying for a job in the Danish capital.

We also break down where the biggest opportunities are for international workers, the best places to look for jobs, and what kind of salaries you can realistically expect based on your background. Let’s dive in!

Advantages of working in Copenhagen

Copenhagen offers a range of benefits for workers, no matter the field you work in. Here’s a closer look at the main ones:

1. Language advantage: English is widely spoken in Copenhagen, which makes it much easier to adapt to the local job market. In fact, some companies even operate mainly in English.
2. High level of trust in employees: Employers place a lot of trust in their employees’ independence and tend to measure performance based on results rather than time spent in the office.
3. Respect for time off: Work schedules in the Danish capital are known for being flexible, giving people plenty of time to spend with family and friends.
4. Safety and stability: Overall, the country has a low crime rate, creating a safe environment that fosters the personal growth of workers.
5. Short workweek: Most companies in Copenhagen operate on a five-day workweek, with a maximum of 37 hours.
6. Generous vacation time: Employees are entitled to 5 weeks of paid vacation per year.
7. Competitive salaries: The average annual salary for an employee in Copenhagen is approximately $55,000 (€47,000) net.

Requirements for working in Copenhagen

Before choosing a job in Copenhagen, you need to meet some basic requirements to work there legally. Here are the main ones, and some may vary depending on where you’re from.

For citizens of the EU:

• A valid ID card or passport in good condition
• Proof of residence registration if your employment contract is for more than 3 months
• Signed employment contract
• Confirmed housing arrangements
• Translated academic transcripts and work experience documents

For citizens from outside the EU:

• Residence and work permit for Denmark, which can be any of the following three options:
  • Salary cap scheme: You must have a job offer with a minimum annual salary.
  • Positive List: This program is intended for foreign professionals to address labor shortages in certain fields.
  • Working Holiday Visa: Specifically designed for young people who wish to experience a cultural exchange and have the opportunity to work in the country.
• A valid passport in good condition
• A signed employment contract
• Confirmed housing arrangements
• Translated and apostilled academic credentials

Recommendations

Once you arrive, you’ll need to apply for your Danish ID at the International House Copenhagen. With it, you’ll be able to do things like open a bank account and receive your monthly salary.

You’ll also need to register for a tax card with the Danish Tax Agency and set up MitID, which you’ll use to handle online government services, check medical prescriptions, and sign things like rental agreements, job contracts, or insurance policies.

Tips for starting a job in Copenhagen

Working in Copenhagen goes beyond dealing with paperwork. It also means getting to know the local culture, which will help you adapt more easily to life in the city and your new job.

• Punctuality: Keep in mind that Danes are very punctual and often show up about five minutes early for work and meetings. Likewise, finishing time is usually taken quite strictly.
• Understand how to network: The most important thing is to have a strong, well-optimized professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn. From there, you can reach out to companies you’re interested in and ask for a short 15-minute meeting to learn more about the industry and how to get into it, without directly applying for a job right away.
• Proactivity is key in Copenhagen: It’s important to be independent and proactive. In Denmark, managers usually don’t give constant instructions and they value their employees’ opinions.
• Lunchtime is crucial: Companies usually schedule lunch around 11:30 to 12 noon, and it’s a good time to socialize with your coworkers. Try to go to the staff cafeteria and avoid eating alone if you can.
• Sign up for an unemployment insurance fund (A-kasse): These insurances ensure you still have access to social benefits even if you lose your job, so it’s a good idea to register from day one.
• Don’t lose your connection!: Holafly offers monthly plans with 25 GB or unlimited data, so you can handle your paperwork and get a Danish number without ever being offline. You can also share your data with other devices and stay connected in over 160 countries. Plus, with the eSIM for Copenhagen, you can enjoy unlimited data and choose exactly how many days you need.

Types of jobs in Copenhagen for foreign workers

Foreigners can access a range of job opportunities depending on their Danish level, work experience, and immigration status. Education and previous experience also make a big difference when looking for work in Copenhagen.

Below, we’ll show you the different job sectors you can pursue, whether as a professional or an operational employee.

Jobs for professionals

• Information technology: In Copenhagen, you’ll find job openings in areas like software development, data engineering, UX/UI design, and IT support through different channels. This is largely due to the city’s rapid digital transformation.
• Education: In the Danish capital, there are often job opportunities for Spanish or English teachers, both in schools and other institutions as well as in private tutoring.
• Marketing and communication: With the rise of digital sales, fields like marketing and communications have become increasingly important as key support areas for both large and mid-sized companies.
• Healthcare: It’s common for both public hospitals and private clinics to need nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and dentists due to a shortage of local healthcare professionals.

Jobs for operational staff

• Hospitality and tourism: This sector is constantly hiring waiters, baristas, bartenders, cleaning staff, and receptionists, thanks to the city’s strong tourism industry.
• Construction: Companies often hire laborers, carpenters, painters, and electricians for temporary jobs and on-site services.
• Personal care: Copenhagen has a growing elderly population that needs care and support with daily activities.

The most in-demand jobs in Copenhagen for foreign workers

The Danish capital has a strong demand for jobs that often target international workers, either to bring in new talent with specialized skills or because there isn’t enough local workforce in certain fields.

The Danish government has been bringing in skilled international workers to help fill job shortages across different industries and business sectors in the city.

For example, fields like technology, engineering, environmental science, and healthcare are increasingly being driven by international professionals. Their role is to help advance the country’s digitalization, integrate artificial intelligence across different sectors, and contribute to health-related scientific research.

There is also demand for foreign workers in hands-on jobs in Copenhagen. Areas like hospitality, construction, and care often hire international staff because there aren’t enough local workers.

Salaries and cost of living in Copenhagen

Foreign workers can earn about the same as locals if they have the right skills for the job, whether it’s skilled work or a hands-on role.

If you work in one of the high-demand fields mentioned above, you can expect an average net salary starting at around €4,000 per month ($4,300). The exact amount will depend on your qualifications, your level of Danish, and how much relevant experience you have.

On the other hand, more hands-on roles in areas like cleaning, restaurants, hospitality, and logistics typically pay between €2,000 and €3,000 per month ($2,150 to $3,250), depending on the company and the number of hours you work each day.

Your salary will shape your day-to-day living costs. It influences the kind of place you can rent, your monthly food budget, and how much you can realistically save.

Where can I find job opportunities in Copenhagen?

Job opportunities in Copenhagen are mainly found through different online platforms and sometimes through official Danish government job listings. Here are some options:

• LinkedIn: It’s one of the main professional networks used by companies in Copenhagen to hire mid- and senior-level professionals, so it’s a good idea to keep your profile up to date and well optimized.
• Jobindex.dk: It’s the largest job search platform in Denmark, but most listings are in Danish. If you’re looking for English-speaking roles, you’ll need to filter your search accordingly.
• The Jobs in Denmark app: A mobile app designed specifically to filter job listings for foreign nationals.
• Global agencies: In Copenhagen, you’ll find agencies like Adecco, Randstad, and Hays that handle job openings across a range of industries and roles.
• INS Global: This agency focuses on helping foreign companies hire both local and international talent, expanding job opportunities beyond Copenhagen, especially for remote positions.
• Work in Denmark: The official Danish government job portal lists jobs in English, helping foreigners who don’t speak Danish find work opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about working in Copenhagen

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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