Our money
💸 A croissant-sized step toward a better world. 712,000 people in Denmark donated to charity last year, with the average contribution at just 600 DKK. Yet most people can give more, and the impact is real. Donations support sustainable projects and vulnerable communities, and they’re tax-deductible too. It can start with a small amount, such as the money you’d otherwise spend on coffee or fastelavnsbolle. If you have the means, set up a small monthly gift. It’s easy, meaningful, and makes a difference far beyond your budget.
📈 Denmark upgrades economic forecasting. After years of record employment, strong exports, and repeated budget surpluses (even amid global crises), Denmark is revising how it predicts the future. The Finance Ministry will launch a new forecasting model in June 2025, backed by expert dialogue and scenario planning. The goal is more accurate projections, especially as public finances look much healthier than expected.
💰 Pay matters most at work. A new survey across 34 countries shows that workers in Denmark, like everyone else, value salary above all when choosing or leaving a job. One in three people switch jobs simply because they get a better offer. Many feel underpaid, and while not great for individuals, experts say it’s a sign of a healthy economy. It shows workers know their worth and the job market is strong. Surprisingly, hybrid work isn’t a major priority anymore.
💸 New tax tiers coming in 2026. Today, over 600,000 people in Denmark pay 15% in top tax on income above 665,000 DKK a year. But that system is about to change. A new reform will scrap the current top tax and replace it with three levels: a 7.5% middle tax for income over 665,000 DKK, an extra 7.5% top tax over 806,739 DKK, and a 5% “top-top tax” for income above 2.7 million DKK. All of us will still pay a base tax of 37.8%. The goal? A fairer, more gradual system.
Stay on top of tax matters in 2025 – read our article
🎰 Fighting gambling addiction. Denmark has allocated over 80 million DKK in 2025–2026 to tackle problem gambling, with 70 million DKK for treatment and 10 million DKK for prevention. Twelve initiatives across the country will receive funding for anonymous therapy, online support, school programs, and nationwide counseling.
📚 More teachers, fewer students per class. A long-term government investment in public schools (over 2 billion DKK since 2020) has led to the hiring of 1,493 more full-time teachers in just three years, surpassing expectations. The student-to-teacher ratio has improved from 12.1:1 to 11.7:1, particularly as student numbers declined. For Denmark, this marks a successful boost in teaching capacity.
State of the markets
🏠 Record-high home prices in Denmark. Housing prices are now at their highest since 2011. The average house costs 2.5 million DKK, while apartments have jumped over 11% in a year, topping 60,000 DKK per m² in Copenhagen. Strong wages, lower interest rates, and rising employment have driven the boom. Good news for homeowners gaining wealth through equity; tougher for first-time buyers. See the map of house prices here.
Read our in-depth article on home ownership as an international in Denmark.
Our complete guide to getting a mortgage as an international in Denmark.
🏡 We keep moving to the cities. New figures show that 376,000 more people live in big cities than a decade ago. Roskilde, Herning, and Silkeborg now have over 50,000 residents each, while smaller towns like Støvring and Ry also grew over 25%. Meanwhile, rural areas lost nearly 27,000 people. Only 11% of people in Denmark now live in the countryside.
- Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, and Esbjerg are the five largest cities in Denmark.
- Randers, Horsens, Kolding, and Vejle are challenging Esbjerg for the fifth place, as they are growing in population at a much faster rate.
📉 Pension dip reversed, but expect more swings. After a dramatic 9% drop triggered by Trump’s trade war and global instability, most people’s pensions have nearly bounced back. But analysts warn it’s not over. With stock-heavy investments and geopolitical tension, more volatility is likely. Experts suggest talking to your pension provider if you’re worried.
💊 Trump targets drug prices and calls out Denmark. A new executive order aims to slash U.S. drug prices by up to 90%, targeting medicationss like Ozempic from Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk. Trump criticized Novo directly, highlighting the high U.S. price of the diabetes and obesity drug. For Denmark, this signals mounting pressure on export-driven pharmaceutical companies.
