Denmark is a small country of 5.3 million citizens, located north of Germany and south west of Sweden, with a mild climate.  Boasting the oldest monarchy in Europe, and even the oldest amusement park - the famous Tivoli gardens in the capital, Copenhagen, Denmark is a country of varied cultural activities, with countless theatres, museums and festivals. In order to understand the Danish society and their views on fairness, one must be familiar with the Law of Jante (Janteloven).

Danes are socially and environmentally conscious, and big fans of equality.  The country has one of the highest tax systems in Europe (averaging about 50% for most income earners, with a maximum of 59%) but as a result there is a high standard of social security, free public services, and a well funded national health system.  All citizens have access to social benefits regardless of their social or ethnic background. However, Danes can become understandably irritated with those who take advantage of their generous welfare system.  In order to understand the Danish society and their views on fairness, one must be familiar with the Law of Jante (Janteloven) www.en.wikipedia.org.wiki/Jante_Law

Public expenditure on education amounts to 8 pct of the GDP, making Denmark the top spender on education in the world. Many Danish students receive grants of about 4,500 crowns a month (1 US$ = approximately 5.75 DKK) on recognized degrees.  Most studies are free and taught in Danish. However, many universities offer free crash courses in Danish for foreign students. 

Although, the official language is Danish most people understand and speak English. It’s very important to learn the language as quickly as possible as it is challenging to integrate without getting a handle on it. Danes are extremely accommodating and will switch over to English very quickly thus making it even more difficult to grasp the language. Learning some Danish before you arrive is a good idea although some jobs and educations only require English. Once settled in Denmark, it would be a good idea to enrol in one of the private, intensive Danish courses. There are cheaper options but you’ll learn Danish much quicker and meet the language requirement for entry to many higher educations in Denmark if you opt for an intensive course.
 

Visa: Nationals from many countries can enter Denmark without a visa for a period of 90 days but it does not allow you to work in Denmark. The rules for residing, working and studying in Denmark depend on your country of origin and the purpose and length of your stay. There are separate rules for Nordic citizens, EU/EEA citizens, and citizens of other countries. Visit the Danish Immigration Service at www.udlst.dk/english/Visa/Default.htm

Residence permit: Foreigners wanting to stay in Denmark for a longer period of time need a residence permit.  The procedures vary depending on your nationality. The Danish Immigration Service recommends that the application be handed in approximately 2-3 months before expected arrival to Denmark.  The application should be sent to the Danish mission in the country you come from or have lived in for the last 3 months. Application forms are available at the Danish Immigration Service's website  www.udlst.dk/english/default.htm or from the mission.

CPR-number:  All Danes have a personal number in Denmark. This CPR-number is a personal ID that is used to access public institutions. Teachers, international students, etc. must obtain a CPR-number.  In order to get a CPR-number you will have to contact the local municipality where you are living in Denmark. You must provide your residence permit and an ID-card, i.e. your passport and address in Denmark. You will complete the required forms and receive your CPR-number by mail in approximately seven days. 

Accommodation: Finding a place to live in Denmark is tough because there are long waiting lists. Most apartments don’t have a binding 12-month lease and you can generally leave with 14-day notice. The average cost of an apartment (most are unfurnished) is about 3,500 crowns per month but can vary considerably.  For students, a room in a residence hall (kollegium) – (1800-3000 crowns/month).   A room in a private family's home – (1500-3700 crowns/month).  Housing prices start at about 1,000,000.00 crowns and up in Denmark. In Copenhagen the cost of an apartment runs about 20,000 crowns per m2.

The Copenhagen Post - Danish news in English) www.copenhagenpost.dk has some listings. Contact the municipality (Kommune) where will be living in Denmark for advice on finding an apartment or else if you’re in Denmark on a work visa contact your new employer. Students should contact their university. 

Banking:  Bank machines are everywhere. The currency is Danish crowns (DKK). Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted widely. 

Cost of living: Prices can vary considerably, depending on where you live and where you shop.  The capital, Copenhagen is more expensive than other cities, towns or villages in Denmark. There are discount grocery stores such as Netto and Fakta. 

Danish Food: A traditional Danish meal could consist of frikadeller (fried meat balls made of minced pork and veal) served with sweet/sour red cabbage, boiled and caramelised potatoes and a brown sauce. Lunch is open sandwiches smorrebrod which consists of any sort of meat on slices of rye bread. Dinner complete with wine can cost about 200 crowns. 

Getting Around: Buses and trains run efficiently and reliably throughout Denmark. Short distances and a structured service make taking public transport a joy.  For savings of up to 50% ask about a clip card or monthly card. Both can be used for the public train and bus system. Further savings can be had if you are a student or a pensioner. Contact www.dsb.dk or www.rejseplan.dk for the cheapest option and detailed travel information with cost and maps.  The bicycle is an inexpensive and healthy means of transportation in Denmark. One could not imagine Denmark without bicycles! Vehicles cost, on average 40% more than in the U.S. (Gas in Denmark costs 9 crowns/litre). You may need to convert your driver’s license over to a Danish license if establishing permanent residency in Denmark.  - Article continued below -