Guidance

Living in Denmark

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

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
21 November 2013
Last updated
7 November 2025 — See all updates

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:

International House Copenhagen 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 in Denmark, including:

  • lawyers
  • translators
  • notaries
  • funeral directors

Help from the UK government

Read the travel advice for 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.

Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.

Visas, residency and citizenship

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Denmark before you travel.

Visas and residence permits

Check which visa or residence permit 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.

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.  

If you have any problems or questions about registering your address, contact:

Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit

Contact the Danish Immigration Service for information on how to:

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.

Citizenship

Denmark recognises 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:

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:

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.

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. This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), 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. 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. 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.

If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Denmark. You may also be able to apply for a different type of visa or residence permit.

For more information on how to apply or appeal, read the Danish government’s:

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.

For information on how to renew your residence card:

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 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. 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. 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) 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 (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. 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) for information on how to get one.

For more information about the EES, read:

Healthcare in Denmark

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:

  • plan your healthcare
  • take medicine abroad

To find out how to get medical treatment:

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.

Working in Denmark

Read our guidance on 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 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.

To apply for a job, you may need to provide a UK police certificate.

You will also need to 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) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.

Recognition of qualifications

If you want to work in Denmark, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.

Driving in Denmark

Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad. This covers how to:

  • drive abroad legally
  • take your UK vehicle abroad
  • get driving licence letters

The Danish Road Traffic Authority provides information on driving in Denmark, including:

You can also read the Danish government’s guidance on travel and transport.

For more information read guidance on:

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.

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 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.

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.

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Denmark, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

Tax  

Read our guidance on 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.

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Denmark so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.

Contact the Danish Tax Agency for any questions about double taxation relief.

Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Denmark. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in 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.

Pensions

Claiming your UK pension

Read our guidance on 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 and now live in the EU.

Claiming a Danish pension

Contact your local municipality (‘Kommune’) or ATP Livslang Pension to find out whether you can claim a Danish pension.

Benefits

Claiming UK benefits

Read our guidance on 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.

Claiming Danish benefits

You may be entitled to some Danish benefits.

To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:

Buying and renting property in Denmark

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad. 

You can also read the Danish government’s guidance on:

Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Denmark if you’re considering buying property or land.

Voting in Denmark

UK elections

Read our guidance on 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.

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.

Studying in Denmark

If you plan to study in Denmark, you must apply for a residence and work permit as a student 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.

For more information, read guidance on:

You can also contact:

Children

Read our guidance on 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.

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. This covers:

Childcare

Your local municipality is responsible for childcare services in Denmark.

For more information, read guidance on 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 explains how to do this.

Read our guidance on 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. 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:

Marriages and civil partnerships

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad. 

The Danish government provides information on:

Divorce and separation

Read our guidance on 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.

Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Denmark.

Documents for British people in Denmark

Read our guidance on 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.

Pets

If you want to bring your pet with you to Denmark, read guidance on:

Returning to the UK

Read returning to the UK permanently. 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.

If the NHS funds your healthcare in Denmark through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.  

Disclaimer

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

Read our consular information disclaimer.

Updates to this page

Published 21 November 2013
Last updated 7 November 2025 show all updates

  1. Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand.

  2. The Voting section has been updated in accordance with the new Voting Rights Treaty.

  3. EU's frequently asked questions about the EES added.

  4. Information on EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

  5. Update to Visas and Residency section

  6. Updated guidance under Visas and residency if you were living in Denmark before 1 January 2021

  7. Updates to the 'Visa and residency' section for UK nationals living in Denmark before 1 January 2021

  8. updated text and added new links

  9. Important information in the Working in Denmark, and National insurance sections if you work in Denmark, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.

  10. Visas and residency guidance updated, following the 31 December 2021 residency deadline for people with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.

  11. Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Denmark, Professional qualifications, Studying in Denmark, Money, tax and banking, Pensions, Benefits, Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, Emergencies, Returning to the UK and Useful information sections.

  12. Working in Denmark section updated with link to new guidance for frontier workers

  13. Healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working in Denmark section updated with link to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on working or providing services and education section updated with link to DIT guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.

  14. Updated information on driving in Denmark including how to exchange your UK licence for a Danish one.

  15. Updated guidance on applying for a Danish licence if your UK licence is lost, stolen or expired

  16. Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.

  17. Driving section updated with additional guidance on driving licence exchange

  18. Visas and residency section updated on how to apply for the new residence document

  19. Updated as the transition period ends with new information on pet travel and moving to Denmark

  20. Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling

  21. Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.

  22. Passport and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021

  23. Visas and Residency section updated with further information on the new residency system and a new link to Danish government guidance on residency.

  24. Updated information added to the Visas and Residency section.

  25. New information on the Withdrawal Agreement and how to get your professional qualifications recognised.

  26. Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.

  27. updated text to keep information on page up to date

  28. Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement

  29. Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.

  30. EU Exit update: Change of information on driving licences in Denmark

  31. EU Exit update: EU Exit information updated - specifically on Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU, pensions and returning to the UK

  32. EU Exit update: information on EU Exit updated in healthcare, visas and residency, working and driving sections

  33. EU Exit update: new Danish authorities' websites with information on residence and custody in Denmark added to EU Exit section

  34. We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.

  35. EU Exit update: Added in latest information on driving in Denmark

  36. EU Exit update: Updated information on passports. You must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip

  37. EU Exit update - Updated information on access to healthcare

  38. EU Exit update: New link to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration website added to the EU Exit section.

  39. EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving

  40. EU Exit update: New website link to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs added with information about residency and rights in Denmark.

  41. EU Exit update: added in web link to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs page with information for UK nationals living in Denmark.

  42. EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.

  43. Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.

  44. Added information on UK pension

  45. First published.

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