Entry and Visas

EU, EEA and Nordic nationals are allowed to enter and work in Denmark for an unlimited duration of time; nationals of a number of other countries including the USA, Canada, Australia and a number of other countries are allowed to enter without a visa and stay for up to three months, but are prohibited from taking paid-employment in Denmark during this time. Full details of visa requirements are available on the Danish Immigration Service website.

On entering Denmark, EU nationals are only required to provide evidence of their nationality in the form of a valid passport or ID card. Other nationals are required to have at least three months remaining validity on their passport and may be required to show a return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay in Denmark. The immediate family members of EU/EEA nationals are allowed to live with them in Denmark regardless of their nationality.

Work Permits

Most EU, EEA and Nordic nationals do not need a work permit to take up employment in Denmark; currently there is an exception to this for nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia to whom an interim agreement applies and who are required to obtain a work permit.

The nationals of other countries are required to apply for a work permit in order to take up employment in Denmark. Professionals and other highly-skilled workers whose skills are in demand in Denmark can apply for work permits under the Job Card scheme; details are available on the Danish Immigration service website and applications should be made to the Danish embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country at least 2-3 months before the planned date of travel to Denmark. For occupations not covered by the Job Card scheme, the Immigration Service will generally consult relevant trade unions before deciding whether to issue a work permit.

Residence

On arrival in Denmark, you are required to obtain a residence permit from the regional government office, and to register your address with the National Registration Office in the municipality where you will be living. You will then be issued with a civil registry (CPR) number and a Health Insurance Certificate. The CPR number is used as identification for many purposes in Denmark, such as banking or buying a house. In order to register for a CPR number and Health Insurance Certificate you are required to provide your residence permit, passport or ID (EU nationals), birth certificate, marriage certificate and birth certificates of any children (if appropriate).