Work in Denmark

Although Denmark is known for high taxes and living costs, it offers high-quality public services, including largely free healthcare. Commuting is also pleasant, as around 40-50% of Copenhagen's population cycles to work daily.

The country's laid-back and informal work culture is one of the reasons it ranks third in the World Happiness Report 2026. Denmark is home to hundreds of thousands of expats, making it an ideal place to experience 'hygge,' the Danish concept of cosiness and community.

While English is widely spoken in business, don't miss an opportunity to learn Danish. Many language courses are available, and knowing the local language can help you make friends and adjust to the culture.

You'll have ample time to explore Denmark's tourist attractions, such as Tivoli Gardens, LEGOLAND Billund, and Dyrehavsbakken, the world’s oldest operating amusement park.

Jobs in Denmark

The Danish labour market is dominated by the services sector, followed by the industry sector, with an impressively low unemployment rate of around 2.5-3%. Denmark's strategic location makes it an important transport and logistics hub for Europe. The country's main exports include:

• electronics
• food products
• iron and steel
• machinery
• pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
• textiles and clothing.

Denmark is known for its 'flexicurity' system, which allows employers to hire and fire workers based on market needs, while providing employees with strong protection through the A-kasse (unemployment insurance fund).

Employees enjoy excellent working conditions thanks to a robust collaboration between unions, employers, and the government. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) dominate the market, meaning workers often feel valued and have the opportunity to make a tangible impact, no matter where they work in this southernmost Nordic country.

Several world-famous brands originate from Denmark, including:

• Carlsberg
• Ecco
• LEGO
• Pandora.

You can search for jobs in Denmark at:

• Jobindex
• JobsInCopenhagen
• The Local

Skills shortages

The Danish government maintains a 'Positive List' of occupations that are currently in shortage. If you possess the necessary qualifications to fill any of the roles on this list, you should find it easier to secure a job in Denmark. This list is updated twice a year (1 January and 1 July) to reflect changing market needs.

Currently, Denmark continues to experience shortages of skilled workers in a range of fields, including:

• creative and communications sectors
• education and academic roles
• engineering and technical sciences
• finance and data analytics
• healthcare and medical professions
• information Technology (IT) and software development
• management and business specialists.

Professions added to the list for people with a higher education degree in 2026 include:

• business intelligence managers
• communication consultants/officers
• engineering positions (e.g., mechanical, civil, electrical)
• healthcare specialists and certain educational roles
• IT and software‑related roles
• movie, TV and animation designers.

For the full list see New to Denmark - The Positives Lists.

How to get a job in Denmark

As an international worker, securing employment can be challenging, as local applicants are often prioritised. However, you can improve your chances by:

• researching the company and tailoring your CV and cover letter to the organisation
• demonstrating relevant work experience and interest in the role
• considering sectors with skills shortages
• being flexible about job location and role type.

Social media, especially LinkedIn, is widely used in Denmark. Building connections and showcasing your skills and experience online can increase your chances of finding employment, as many recruiters use these platforms.

Summer jobs

If you want work in Copenhagen or other cities, you could apply directly to hotels, clubs, and restaurants for seasonal roles. There is no centralised application process for many of these positions, so contacting employers directly is often effective.

Another option is to work as an au pair during the summer months. In exchange for providing childcare and completing household tasks, you'll receive a weekly allowance, medical insurance coverage, and rent-free accommodation. To learn more about applying for an au pair residence permit, visit New to Denmark - Au pair.

If you're able to financially support yourself, you could also participate in voluntary work. Concordia is a programme that provides volunteering placements for British citizens in a variety of areas, including festivals, environmental work, renovation projects, and working with elderly and disabled members of the community.

You can also find voluntary and paid placements through:

• AIESEC UK - for students and recent graduates.
• IAESTE UK - for science, engineering and applied arts students.
• Volunteering.dk - one of the largest portals for volunteer jobs in Denmark.

Teaching jobs

The Danish public education system is highly regulated. To teach in Denmark, you generally need to have your qualifications recognised and approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. In some cases, additional training may be required.

English is widely spoken in Denmark, so opportunities to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) are limited in the public sector. However, you may find positions teaching business English at adult learning centres or private language schools. Popular locations for TEFL jobs include:

• Aalborg
• Aarhus
• Copenhagen
• Fredericia
• Odense.

You usually need a university degree and a TEFL qualification, and some positions may require Danish language skills.

Internships

The majority of Danish internships are based in Copenhagen, home to many large companies. You can search for paid internships in Denmark at:

• GoAbroad
• iAgora

If you are a non-EU citizen who requires a visa to enter Denmark, it is possible to obtain a residence and work permit in order to take up an internship of up to 18 months, subject to certain conditions and depending on the job sector you are interested in. Learn more at New to Denmark - Internship

Danish visas

If you are a citizen of the UK, or any other non-EU country and are planning to live and work in Denmark, you will need to apply for the appropriate residency permit through New to Denmark - You want to apply. As part of your application, you will need to provide a written contract of employment or evidence of your job offer, which should include details such as your salary and employment conditions.

If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you do not need a residence or work permit to enter Denmark and look for work. However, if you plan to stay in Denmark for more than three months, you must apply for a registration certificate upon arrival.

This certificate will allow you to receive a civil registration number (CPR), health insurance card, and tax number, which are all required to access public services and receive payment. If you are from one of the Nordic countries, including Norway, Finland, Iceland, or Sweden, you can live and work in Denmark without this certificate, but you must still register for a CPR, health insurance card, and tax number.

Language requirements

Danish is the official language, but most Danes speak excellent English, and many also know basic German, French, or Swedish.

When applying for jobs, you can usually use Danish or English, but always check the hiring organisation for specific language requirements.

Although you can enter the workforce without fluent Danish, learning the language is important for deeper cultural integration and maximising your work experience in Denmark.

There are many ways to learn Danish:

• classes in your home country
• language schools once you arrive in Denmark
• online courses.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

The Bologna Process, a framework for comparable qualifications across Europe, means that your UK qualifications should meet Danish standards. If you face any issues with the recognition of your qualifications, you can have them assessed by the Danish Agency for Higher Education to make them easier for employers to understand.

Some professions are regulated, so you may need authorisation from a public authority to confirm your qualifications.

What it's like to work in Denmark

In Denmark, the standard working week is 37 hours, from Monday to Friday. Many employers offer flexible working arrangements to support work/life balance. Employees are entitled to five weeks of annual leave, and the country observes 11 public holidays, including:

• New Year's Day
• Maundy Thursday
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday
• Prayer Day
• Ascension Day
• Whit Sunday
• Whit Monday
• Christmas Day
• Second day of Christmas (26 December).

Workplaces in Denmark typically have a flat hierarchy, meaning that all employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and participate in decision-making. It is normal to discuss any issues with your CEO.

Denmark does not have a statutory minimum wage; salaries are typically set through negotiations between employers and employees or through collective agreements. The tax system is progressive, funding free public services such as healthcare and education.

Living costs - particularly accommodation, food, and transport - are generally high, reflecting the country's higher salaries and tax rates. If you plan to move to Denmark, factor this into your research and budgeting.

For more information about the cost of living in Denmark, see livingcost.org.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in Denmark.
• Learn more about Life in Denmark.