Living in Denmark: A Practical Guide for People Moving for Work
Denmark regularly appears near the top of international rankings for quality of life, and every year companies send employees and project teams here for assignments ranging from a few months to several years.
This guide is written for people moving to Denmark for work, and for the companies organising their move. It covers what everyday life is like, the main pros and cons, what it costs, what to arrange before you arrive and how to find somewhere to live, which is often the hardest part of a work relocation.
Kassoe Housing is headquartered in Kgs. Lyngby, just north of Copenhagen, and our Danish team arranges furnished accommodation for companies relocating people across the country.
What Is It Like Living in Denmark?
Life in Denmark is calm, organised and built around a strong balance between work and free time. Most things work as expected, from public transport to digital public services.
The working culture is flat and informal. First names are the norm, meetings tend to be to the point and a standard full-time week is around 37 hours. Employees are also entitled to five weeks of paid holiday a year.
Most Danes speak very good English, so you can get by at work and in daily life without Danish. Learning some of the language still helps socially, as friendships can take time to build.
The seasons have a big effect on daily life. Summers are light and long. In December, Copenhagen gets only around seven hours of daylight, which many newcomers find harder than the cold.
Is Denmark a Good Place to Live? The Main Pros and Cons
For most people moving for work, Denmark is a good place to live, provided the salary matches the cost of living. Here is the short version.
Pros
- Good work-life balance
- Safe cities
- Reliable public transport
- English widely spoken
- Cycling-friendly cities
- Efficient digital public services
Cons
- High cost of living
- High taxes
- Dark winters
- Competitive rental market
What Does It Cost to Live in Denmark?
Housing is the largest cost, and Copenhagen is the most expensive place to live in the country. Other cities are typically cheaper, but prices still vary a lot by area and property type.
As a guide for the capital, the City of Copenhagen estimates that a small studio or apartment in the city centre costs between DKK 8,000 and 10,000 a month, and a 2 to 3-room apartment between DKK 13,000 and 15,000
On top of rent, crowdsourced data from Numbeo estimates monthly costs for a single person in Copenhagen at around DKK 9,200, excluding rent. Treat this as a rough benchmark, not a budget.
Moving in can also be expensive on the private rental market. Under Danish rental rules, a landlord can ask for up to three months’ deposit and three months’ prepaid rent before you get the keys. When accommodation is arranged through Kassoe Housing, terms are agreed with your company instead.
What Should You Arrange Before Moving to Denmark?
What you need depends on your nationality and how long you are staying, so always check the official guidance first. The main steps usually look like this.
- Right to live and work. EU and EEA citizens have different rules from citizens of other countries, who usually need a residence and work permit before arriving.
- CPR number. If you stay longer than three months, you will generally need to register and get a CPR number. It gives you access to healthcare, a Danish bank account and most public services.
- An address you can register at. You need an address to get a CPR number, so housing is often the first practical hurdle.
- Healthcare. Once registered, you receive a health insurance card and are assigned a GP.
Where Should You Live in Denmark?
Where you live will usually follow where you work. Denmark is small, and train connections between the main cities are good.
- Copenhagen. Copenhagen is the capital and the largest job market, especially in life sciences, finance, tech and consulting.
- Aarhus. Aarhus is Denmark’s second city, with a large university and a growing business scene.
- Odense. Odense is a compact city on Funen, known for robotics and manufacturing.
- Aalborg. Aalborg is the main city in northern Jutland.
- Esbjerg. Esbjerg is a port city on the west coast and a centre for the energy sector.
See the areas we cover on our Denmark locations page or browse all locations.
Is Furnished Corporate Accommodation Right for Your Move?
For a work relocation or a fixed-term project, furnished accommodation removes most of the friction of arriving in Denmark. You move into a home that is ready from day one, rather than furnishing a flat and setting up utilities yourself.
With Kassoe Housing, accommodation is arranged with your company. Utilities, wifi and cleaning can be gathered into one bill, and our administrators and local property managers handle the practical side during the stay. Lease terms are flexible, which suits projects that run longer or shorter than planned.
You can read more about what we offer and who we are. If your company is planning a move, request accommodation and we will come back with a tailored proposal. For larger or recurring needs, you can also submit a tender request.
FAQ
Is Denmark a good place to live for foreigners?
Yes, for most people. Denmark is safe, well organised and English is widely spoken, which makes arriving easier. The trade-offs are a high cost of living, high taxes, dark winters and a competitive rental market. Building a social circle can also take time, so it helps to be patient in the first year.
How much does it cost to live in Denmark?
It depends mostly on housing and location. Copenhagen is the most expensive city, where the municipality estimates a small central apartment at DKK 8,000 to 10,000 a month. Numbeo puts other monthly costs for a single person in Copenhagen at around DKK 9,200, excluding rent (September 2026).
Do I need a CPR number to live in Denmark?
If you stay for more than three months, you will generally need to register and get a CPR number. It gives you access to healthcare, banking and public services. You need an address where you can register, so check this with your landlord or accommodation provider before you sign.
How hard is it to find housing in Denmark?
It can be difficult, especially in Copenhagen and Aarhus. Demand is high, many flats are unfurnished and landlords can ask for up to three months’ deposit plus three months’ prepaid rent. Many people relocating for work start in furnished accommodation while they settle in.