Living in Denmark: A guide for non-Europeans (part I)

Moving abroad, whether it is for work, studies, the pursuit of a better life, or for security, is one of the biggest decisions in an immigrant’s life. It does not come easy, and before it happens, a lot of preparations come into place. Once a person has decided on the country they want to go to, the research is almost halfway. Questions like “What do I need?” “Where will I live?” “Is it cold, warm, or in between?” “What is the language?” “Are the people friendly”? will be all over the person’s computer search bar. 

However, learning about a country’s people, weather, and language is the easy part. I will even say that the application process is also the easy part. During this stage, you are still in your country; the entire process is being done in your native language, and people are very cooperative with you. I will say, and maybe a lot of people will disagree, that the harder part is when your visa has arrived and reality is knocking at your door. The time has come, and in no time, you will find yourself at Denmark’s airport, passing through immigration, and entering a new chapter of your life.

It was in this precise moment that I wished I had someone who could guide me through the sometimes-hard-to-understand system in Denmark. And even though my partner is Danish, he was unable to understand what I, as an immigrant, needed to do once I arrived in Denmark. So, during my first year in Denmark, a lot of time and tears were wasted trying to understand the system. But do not worry, because here I am, making this guide for you, so you will not waste your time and tears on things no one tells you or teaches you about. Here, I will try my best to guide you through all the information you need. 

This guide will be divided into two parts. The first will consist of the basis of living in Denmark: getting your CPR, Bank Account, Tax Card, etc. The second part will consist of studying, working, being an intern, and what to do after your visa expires as a non-European. Now, let’s start. 

Getting your CPR number

One of the first things you need to do, once you have touched Danish land, is register yourself as a resident in Denmark. For this, you will need to already have a place to live, since to have a CPR number, you will need to meet two important pre-conditions. First, you must have a permanent address. You must live at the address you provide, since the important documentation will be sent to that address. The address is also used to assign your family doctor. The second precondition is to have a resident permit with you. Compared to EU citizens, non-Europeans need to have a resident permit whether for studies, work, or other schemes to be able to apply for a CPR number. And no, you cannot apply without having any of these two conditions. 

It is important for each international to prioritize getting the CPR number. This is due to the fact that the CPR is needed for you to be able to open a bank account, access your health insurance, pay taxes, receive a salary, get a personal Rejsekort (card for transportation) with a better discount when using the bus, train, metro, or even borrow books from your local library. You can learn more about what the CPR number is here. 

Once the two preconditions are checked out of your list, it is time for you to book an appointment to get your CPR. For this, you need to register with the Danish Civil Registration System of your residence municipality. In this website you will be able to find information of the different International Citizens services (ICS) across Denmark as well as the documentation you will need to provide. For non-Europeans it is require your passport, resident permit, entry form, proof of residency (lease or rental agreement), in case of being married original documentation of marital status (wedding certificate, divorce papers), If you have children – original birth certificate (if you have accompanying children) Acceptance from parent with custody (if you have accompanying children). 

In case you do not live in any of the ICS, you can also apply for the CPR number at the Citizens Service of your residence municipality. In Danish, it is called Borgerservice. From here, all you need to do is gather your documents and book your appointment. Normally, the same day of your appointment, you will get a document with your CPR number and the contact information for your family doctor. 

Tip: This may sound silly, but I wish someone had told me. First things first, be on time, or you may lose your appointment. They are strict about it. Second, be presentable. There is going to be a picture taken, and they are not going to tell you for what, and then you will get your resident card with a picture you did not even know was being taken. 

Health insurance card or “Yellow card” 

The yellow health insurance card (sundhedskort in Danish) is the documentation that proves that you are entitled to the services offered under the Danish national health insurance scheme. This card is ordered as part of the CPR number process. It contains your name, your address, the phone number, and the address of your family doctor, as well as your CPR number. It is important to always have the card on you since you will need it when you go to doctor appointments. In case you want to be sure to have it all the time, download sundhedskortet app from apple store or google play. You can learn more about the yellow card here. 

MitID 

When I came to Denmark, MitID was a mystery to me. Where I come from, we do not have this type of security app to access public services. Therefore, it took me a while to understand its use. However, it is easier than you think. But… What is MitID? MitID is an electronic personal identification system that you can use to communicate with the public sector in Denmark, as well as in services such as online banking and online purchases. You mostly use it for accessing your e-boks, your borger service, skats, and other public apps. As well as a security verification when you buy products or services online. You can learn how to create your MitID account here. 

Skat 

In Denmark, whether you are a student with a part-time job or a full-time worker, you are required to pay taxes. A person who is fully tax resident in Denmark will be taxed according to the ordinary tax schemes by up to 52.07 (2023 data). However, a number of deductions are applicable, meaning that the tax rate is lower in most cases. This is why it is important, once you have your CPR number, to create your skat kort (or tax card). The individual tax card shows you how much you have to pay, and in Denmark, there are three types of tax cards (the primary card, the exemption card, and the secondary tax card). The primary card, which states both the amount you will not be taxed on (your personal allowance) and the tax rate you will have to pay. You should use this card for your primary income since it is the one with the lowest tax rate (38%, depending on the municipality). If you are affiliated with a job, as a direct employee (not a freelancer), the company will do all the tax payments for you, and in your salary invoice you will see your full salary, the deductibles, and the final salary. Be aware that in Denmark, in addition to the main taxes, you also pay other deductibles such as employment deductions and job allowances. As well as one part of the union your company is part of. If you are self-employed or work as a freelancer, as well as if you are being paid for single jobs or assignments, it could be a concert, a talk, or a course, your income is typically considered B-income (B-indkomst). In this case, you are responsible for paying your own taxes. This card applies to, for example, people working at Wolt, Just Eat, and other delivery companies. However, be sure to ask your employer what type of tax card you need before applying for one. In terms of application, you can call, e-mail or chat with SKAT. The application takes no time, and it is really easy. 

Things to know:

1. In case you pay too much or too little tax, In May of each year, the Danish tax system will reimburse the extra to your bank account or ask you to pay them back. So, I recommend you always check your SKAT account around February or March to know in which position you are. 
2. Students from certain countries outside Europe can get an extra tax deduction. See the list of countries here (in Danish).

Getting a bank account 

One of the things I struggled with the most was opening a bank account. It is not as easy as I was used to, and it took a long time. Therefore, I recommend you do it as soon as you can. In Denmark, to sign a contract, you need to have a bank account, and to have a bank account, you need a contract. I know, I know, it is confusing and hilarious at the same time. But this is how you can solve that problem:

1. Ask your employer to make you a “draft contract” in which all the information about you, the work, and the salary is on display but without the bank account. It will not be official since the company cannot use it, but it will be enough for you to apply to a bank account. 
2. If you are a student, you will need your acceptance letter from the university, a copy of your residence, a copy of your yellow card, the document that describes your student visa, and sometimes they may ask for a work contract too. But in case you do not have a contract, you can tell the bank that you will be using the account to receive money from your relatives to sponsor your studies in Denmark. 

There are several banks in Denmark, but most of them will charge you up to 2000 DKK to open a bank account with them. That is why I recommend you apply for the weather at Danske Bank or Luna. Both have good offers for students and internationals, and the application process takes between one and two months. 

Mobile Pay

In Denmark, physical cash flow is really, really low. Most people use cards, digital wallet, or Mobile pay to pay for their needs. Mobile pay is a digital wallet used for all payment of goods. You can pay for groceries, clothes, electronics, food, drinks, your hairdresser, your mechanic, etc. It is connected to your primary bank account and from there it deducts the amount for which you are paying. However, it only works with Danish bank accounts and because cash is not really a thing in Denmark, a lot of places use just Mobil pay, making this app really important for you to have.

TIP: you will learn that Danish people tend to divide everything (and i mean everything) when you are going out with them or eating at their houses. The app serves as the way of payment. So, once you get your Danish bank account be sure to download the app (Apple store or google pay) 

Rejsekort (traveling card) 

In Denmark, there are two ways you can use the transportation system. The first is by buying the ticket at a ticket machine or through the app. The second, and most recommended, is by using Rejsekort, which is an electronic ticketing system for traveling by bus, train, and metro. Why is it better? The ticket, instead of costing 25 DKK, can cost you less, and if you have it personalized (with your name and picture) you will get discounts the more you use it. You can apply for a Rejsekort here. 

TIP: Every time you enter and exit a transportation system, you must check in or check out. Most people forget to check out; for this, there is a penalty of 25 DKK. I recommend you download the Rejsekort app so you can check it out in case you forget. You just must indicate the time you get off the bus or train and where you do it. If you forget to do it three times in a row, they may cancel your card. So be careful.

I hope this information was useful for you. Next time, I will be writing about working and studying in Denmark, as well as the main differences between the benefits you get as a European and a non-European.