Living in Denmark
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-07)

Information about moving to, living or retiring in Denmark – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.

Getting help with living in Denmark

Help from the Danish government

For any questions about moving to or living in Denmark, you may be able to get help from the:
- Danish government’s official guide to life in Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/)
- Danish Embassy in the UK (https://storbritannien.um.dk/en)
- Danish Immigration Service (https://nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/)
International House Copenhagen (https://ihcph.kk.dk/) also provides information on living and working in Copenhagen and other municipalities.

The UK government and the British Embassy in Copenhagen cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Denmark.

Professional help in Denmark

You can also get help from English-speaking professionals (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/professional-services-if-you-are-abroad) in Denmark, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government

Read the travel advice for Denmark (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/denmark) to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Denmark. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad).

Get help from the UK government abroad (https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/), including in an emergency.

Visas, residency and citizenship

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Denmark (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/denmark/entry-requirements) before you travel.

Visas and residence permits

Check which visa or residence permit (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply) you need to live in Denmark.

You can get a visa to:
- work – including as an intern, religious worker or au pair
- study
- live with family in Denmark
For more information, read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s guidance on travel and residence (https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence).

Registering as a resident

Once you arrive, you must register in Denmark.

To register, visit your local civil registration office (‘Folkeregisteret’). The office will give you a Central Person Register (CPR) number. You must re-register with the local civil registration office every time you move to another address in Denmark. Read guidance on changing address in Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/housing-and-moving/moving/change-address).

If you have any problems or questions about registering your address, contact:
- your local municipality (‘Kommune’) (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/about-life-in-denmark/contact)
- International Citizen Service (ICS) in Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/settle-in-denmark/ics-international-citizen-service)
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit

Contact the Danish Immigration Service (https://nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/) for information on how to:
- extend your visa or residency permit (https://nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-extend)
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residence permit
Permanent residency

You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Denmark.

To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the Danish Immigration Service’s guidance on applying for a permanent residence permit (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Permanent-residence-permit).

Citizenship

Denmark recognises dual citizenship (https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship) with the UK. This means you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Danish citizen.

To find out if you’re eligible for Danish citizenship:
- read guidance on Danish citizenship for foreign citizens (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/settle-in-denmark/danish-citizenship/conditions-for-foreign-citizens--acquisition-of-danish-citizenship)
- contact the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration (https://uim.dk/statsborgerskab/in-english)
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications

The British Embassy in Copenhagen cannot help with Danish visa, residency or citizenship applications.

For any questions or issues, contact:
- the Danish Immigration Service (https://nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/)
- the Danish Embassy in the UK (https://storbritannien.um.dk/en)
- the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration (https://uim.dk/statsborgerskab/in-english)
- an English-speaking lawyer in Denmark (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=denmark)
Residency if you moved to Denmark before 1 January 2021

If you moved to Denmark before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-europe).

Residence cards if you moved to Denmark before 1 January 2021

If you moved to Denmark before 1 January 2021, make sure you have a new residence card (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Brexit/New-residence-card). This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system), you’ll need a residence card when entering or leaving Denmark. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm). Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Denmark or other Schengen countries.

If you do not have a residence card

If you were living in Denmark before 1 January 2021, but have not applied for a residence card under the Withdrawal Agreement, you must register for residency (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Brexit/New-residence-card?anchor=howtoapply). You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.

If your application is successful, you’ll get a new residence card (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Brexit/New-residence-card).

If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Denmark (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=denmark). You may also be able to apply for a different type of visa or residence permit (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply).

For more information on how to apply or appeal, read the Danish government’s:
- Brexit questions and answers (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Words-and-concepts/SIRI/Brexit/Brexit-Q-and-A)
- guidance on appealing an immigration decision (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Words-and-concepts/F%C3%A6lles/Appeals)
Renewing your residence card if you moved to Denmark before 1 January 2021

You’ll need to renew your residence card every 5 or 10 years, depending on how long you have been resident in Denmark.

Once you have lived in Denmark legally and continuously for 5 years, you can also apply for permanent residence (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Brexit/Brexit-permanent-ophold).

For information on how to renew your residence card:
- read guidance on the new residence card (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Brexit/New-residence-card?anchor=canyouapply)
- contact the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Contact-us/Contact-SIRI)
Bringing family members to Denmark if you moved there before 1 January 2021

The Danish government’s guidance on residence as a family member to a UK citizen (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/de-DE/You-want-to-apply/Brexit/Brexit-family-member) explains:
- which family members can join you in Denmark
- how and when they should apply for their residence document
- fees and processing times
Passports and travel

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
If you have a Danish residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Denmark does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.

Always carry your passport and residence document when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm). If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.

If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Glossary:European_Free_Trade_Association_(EFTA)) country, you should enter and leave Denmark using your EU or EFTA passport.

European Entry/Exit System (EES)

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system) (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm). Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.

British nationals legally resident in Denmark, and who have a valid Danish residence card (‘opholdstilladelse’), do not need to register with the EES.

If you’re legally resident in Denmark but do not have a residence card, contact the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Contact-us/Contact-SIRI) for information on how to get one.

For more information about the EES, read:
- Danish government guidance on the EES (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Words-and-concepts/F%C3%A6lles/EES---The-Entry-Exit-System)
- EU guidance on the EES (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en)
- guidance on the EES for UK nationals (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system)
Healthcare in Denmark

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- read guidance on healthcare in Denmark (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-in-denmark) and health in Denmark (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/denmark/health)
- find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Denmark (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/denmark-list-of-medical-facilitiespractitioners)
- read the Danish government’s guidance on healthcare (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/healthcare)
Danish European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you were resident in Denmark and registered for public healthcare before 1 January 2021, you can use your Danish-issued EHIC when you travel outside of Denmark.

For more information, read the Danish government’s guidance on the Blue European EHIC (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/healthcare/health-insurance/blue-european-health-insurance-card).

Working in Denmark

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.

To work in Denmark, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Denmark for work (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-denmark-for-work) explains the different work permits and visas available to you.

You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Denmark legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-europe).

To apply for a job, you may need to provide a UK police certificate (https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/police-certificates).

You will also need to get a tax card as a non-Danish employee (https://skat.dk/en-us/businesses/employees-and-pay/non-danish-labour/get-a-tax-card-as-a-non-danish-employee). Your employer will need this card.

If you live in Denmark and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Glossary:European_Free_Trade_Association_(EFTA)) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/frontier-workers-in-eu-and-efta-countries).

Recognition of qualifications

If you want to work in Denmark, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/working/finding-a-job/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications).

Driving in Denmark

Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The Danish Road Traffic Authority (https://www.danishroadtrafficauthority.dk/) provides information on driving in Denmark, including:
- foreign driving licences, exchanges and visitor’s driving licences (https://www.danishroadtrafficauthority.dk/driving-license/foreign-driving-licences/foreign-driving-licences-exchanges-and-visitors-driving-licences)
- driving licences and Brexit (https://www.danishroadtrafficauthority.dk/driving-license/driving-licences-and-brexit)
You can also read the Danish government’s guidance on travel and transport (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/travel-and-transport).

For more information read guidance on:
- driving in the EU (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu)
- road travel in Denmark, in safety and security in the travel advice for Denmark (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/denmark/safety-and-security)
Driving in Denmark using a foreign driving licence

You can drive in Denmark for up to 180 days using a driving licence issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- the Isle of Man
You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Denmark.

Exchanging a UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving licence

To continue driving after 180 days, you must exchange your driving licence. You can do this by making an appointment at your municipality’s local Citizen Service (‘Borgerservice’).

To check if you can exchange your licence, read Copenhagen Citizen Service’s guidance on foreign driving licences in Denmark (https://international.kk.dk/live/transport-and-parking/driving-in-copenhagen/foreign-driving-licences).

In most cases, you will not have to take a theory or practical driving test.

You should apply for the exchange before the 180 days is over. Applications may take time to process. The Danish authorities will give you a temporary paper licence which you can use to drive in Nordic countries while they process the exchange.

Applying for a Danish driving licence

You cannot exchange your driving licence if:
- you have been resident in Denmark for more than 180 days without making the exchange
- your licence has expired
- your licence has been suspended or revoked
Instead, you must apply for a Danish driving licence (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/travel-and-transport/how-to-obtain-a-driving-license-in-denmark) as a non-EU national.

You may need to pass a theory or practical driving test.

Disabled drivers

You may be able to apply for an EU parking card for people with disabilities (https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/transport-disability/parking-card-disabilities-people/index_en.htm).

You can apply for a Danish disabled parking card through your municipality. If you live in Copenhagen, you can also apply for a disabled parking card online (https://international.kk.dk/live/healthcare/support-for-people-with-disabilities/parking-card-for-the-disabled).

If you have a UK Blue Badge (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/blue-badge-scheme) and live in Denmark, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

Tax

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.

In Denmark, you must register for tax and keep your information up to date. Read the Danish government’s general introduction to the Danish tax system (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/working/the-danish-tax-system/a-general-introduction-to-the-danish-tax-system).

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Denmark (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/denmark-tax-treaties) so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.

Contact the Danish Tax Agency (https://sktst.dk/english) for any questions about double taxation relief.

Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Denmark (https://skat.dk/en-us/individuals/taxation-in-denmark). To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Denmark (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find?serviceType=lawyers&country=Denmark).

Declaring your assets

You must tell the Danish Tax Agency about any assets or savings you have abroad.

You will not be taxed on any savings or assets that you bring with you when you move to Denmark. However, you may be taxed on interest income and any dividends.

National Insurance

Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-insurance-for-workers-from-the-uk-working-in-the-eea-or-switzerland).

Pensions

Claiming your UK pension

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK State Pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/state-pension-if-youve-lived-in-australia-canada-or-new-zealand) and now live in the EU.

Claiming a Danish pension

Contact your local municipality (‘Kommune’) (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/about-life-in-denmark/contact) or ATP Livslang Pension (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/pension/atp-livslang-pension) to find out whether you can claim a Danish pension (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/pension).

Benefits

Claiming UK benefits

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.

You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/benefits-and-pensions-for-uk-nationals-in-the-eea-or-switzerland).

Claiming Danish benefits

You may be entitled to some Danish benefits.

To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
- read guidance on public benefits in Denmark (https://www.borger.dk/kampagnesider/udbetaling-danmark-english)
- contact your local municipality (‘Kommune’) (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/about-life-in-denmark/contact)
Buying and renting property in Denmark

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers buying and renting property abroad.

You can also read the Danish government’s guidance on:
- housing and moving in Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/housing-and-moving)
- buying property in Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/housing-and-moving/buying/purchasing-real-property)
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Denmark (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=denmark) if you’re considering buying property or land.

Voting in Denmark

UK elections

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Danish elections

You cannot vote in Danish general elections or referendums unless you hold Danish citizenship. In most cases you will be eligible to vote or stand in local elections (https://www.elections.im.dk/local-elections).

You cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.

Read the Danish government’s guidance on elections and voting in Denmark (https://www.elections.im.dk/).

Studying in Denmark

If you plan to study in Denmark, you must apply for a residence and work permit as a student (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Study) before you travel.

You do not need to do this if you have been living in Denmark legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-europe).

For more information, read guidance on:
- studying in Denmark (https://studyindenmark.dk/)
- studying in the EU (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/study-in-the-european-union)
- travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England) (https://www.gov.uk/travel-grants-students-england)
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Denmark
- Study in Denmark (https://www.facebook.com/studyindk/)
- the Danish Embassy in the UK (https://storbritannien.um.dk/en)
Children

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education

The European Commission provides information about the school system in Denmark (https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/eurypedia/denmark/overview).

All children aged 6 or 7 to 16 must attend school or home school in Denmark.

For more information, read the Danish government’s guidance on school and education (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/school-and-education). This covers:
- how to enrol your child at school (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/ActionPage?selfserviceId=910cce69-72a5-457f-aaec-091f0cc77824&referringPageId=7a1b0f35-ad40-4e8a-af2c-e3f6c6fb3330&type=DK)
- the Danish primary school framework (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/school-and-education/school/framework-for-the-primary-school)
- private schools in Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/school-and-education/school/private-schools)
Childcare

Your local municipality is responsible for childcare services in Denmark.

For more information, read guidance on family daycare, nurseries and kindergartens (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/family-and-children/childcare/family-daycare--nurseries-and-kindergartens).

Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships

Births

If your child is born in Denmark, register the birth with the Danish authorities. The Danish government’s guidance on pregnancy and birth (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/healthcare/pregnancy-and-birth--when-you-become-a-parent) explains how to do this.

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Denmark, read guidance on:
- what to do when someone dies in Denmark (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/denmark-bereavement-packinformation)
- English-speaking funeral directors in Denmark (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/funeral-directors?country=denmark)
- funeral benefits in Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/healthcare/death-and-funerals/funeral-benefits)
Marriages and civil partnerships

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.

The Danish government provides information on:
- how to get married in Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/family-and-children/couples/getting-married/if-you-wish-to-get-married-in-denmark)
- marriage and registered partnerships (same-sex marriage) in Denmark (https://ungarn.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/legal-issues/marriage-in-denmark)
Divorce and separation

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.

The Danish government offers guidance on separation and divorce in Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/family-and-children/couples/when-you-divorce-or-separate/separation-and-divorce).

Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Denmark (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=denmark).

Documents for British people in Denmark

Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/documents-for-british-people-abroad) This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries

To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Denmark, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/professional-services-if-you-are-abroad).

Pets

If you want to bring your pet with you to Denmark, read guidance on:
- travelling to Denmark with pet animals (https://en.foedevarestyrelsen.dk/animals/travelling-with-pet-animals)
- taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to a non-EU country (https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-a-noneu-country)
Returning to the UK

Read returning to the UK permanently (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/returning-to-the-uk). This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.

You can also read the Danish government’s guidance on leaving Denmark (https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/housing-and-moving/practical-matters-before-leaving).

If the NHS funds your healthcare in Denmark through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team (https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/contact-overseas-healthcare-services) to cancel it.

Disclaimer

We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Danish authorities.

Read our consular information disclaimer (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-commonwealth-development-office-fcdo-consular-information-disclaimer).