Denmark has a low unemployment rate, so well qualified people have a fairly good chance of obtaining employment there, especially if they can speak some Danish. There are a growing number of international companies based in Denmark, as well as many larger Danish corporations, who mainly use English as their business language, and these may also offer employment opportunities for suitably-qualified English-speaking foreign nationals.

EU/EEA nationals are eligible to use the services of the Danish Job Centres to find work, and to register on their database as a jobseeker. Additionally, there are many online jobsites with details of vacancies in Denmark, including www.jobsincopenhagen.dk and http://www.workindenmark.dk/. Vacancies are also advertised in the press, including the Copenhagen Post, a weekly English-language newspaper.

Foreign nationals with professional or technical skills that are in demand in Denmark may be eligible for work permits under the Job Card scheme. The types of occupations currently covered by the scheme include highly-educated IT specialists, engineers, healthcare professionals and scientific professionals.

Job applications should be typed, and should include a brief CV (maximum 2 pages). Application forms are rarely used.

Danish working culture is very egalitarian and non-hierarchical and team-working is encouraged. Most employees in Denmark enjoy excellent working conditions, good salaries, generous annual leave provision and opportunities for ongoing training and education. Flexible working practices are also widespread, since the Danes place great importance on having a good balance between work and family life. Danish salaries were reported to be the third highest in the world, according to a 2005 survey (www.mercerhr.com).

If you are employed for more than a month for at least 8 hours a day, the employer is bound by law to issue a contract documenting your terms and conditions of employment.

EU/EEA citizens can work on a self-employed basis in Denmark, but must register their businesses with the Danish Commerce and Companies Agency.