In spite of the high price tag (due to high taxes and general living expenses), residents here enjoy first-rate public services, such as free healthcare. Half of Copenhageners ride their bikes to work every day, so your journey will be in good company.
Part of the reason why Denmark is ranked as the world's happiest country in 2022 is due to its casual and laid-back approach to the workplace, as shown in the World Happiness Report. According to HSBC's Expat Explorer Survey 2021, Denmark is one of the top 20 countries in the world for expats to call home. It's also a great destination for fans of hygge, the Danish art of cosy socializing.
Even if English is widely used in professional settings, you shouldn't ignore the opportunity to expand your linguistic horizons. There are many of opportunities to learn Danish, and doing so will help you quickly integrate into society.
You'll have plenty of time off to see all the sights, including Tivoli Gardens, the world's first LEGOLAND, and the world's oldest continuously functioning amusement park.
Find a Job in Denmark
With a low unemployment rate of 2.7%, Denmark's job market is dominated by the service sector, followed by industry.
Because of its central location in Europe, Denmark serves as a vital hub for the continent's supply chains. Iron and steel, food items, textiles and apparel, electronics, and medicines and medical equipment are among its biggest exports.
Well-known for its "flexicurity" system, the Danish labor market allows for companies to recruit and dismiss at whim in response to market demands. However, employees are still protected by the state-run A-kasse social insurance program (unemployment insurance fund).
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) dominate the Danish economy, and their employees benefit from good working conditions made possible by close coordination among unions, businesses, and the government (SMEs). In this southernmost Nordic country, you will feel appreciated in your position.
Denmark is the birthplace of several well-known companies, including Lego, Carlsberg beer, Ecco footwear, and the world-famous Pandora jewelry line.
STATE OF THE ART GRADUATE OCCUPATIONS
- Designer of Machines
- Consultant in information technology for radiologists
- Educators in the elementary and secondary levels
- Psychologist
In Denmark, you may look for work at:
- Jobindex
- JobsInCopenhagen
- The Danish Work at the Local Level
- Scarcity of Skilled Workers
If your skills align with those required for a position on the government's Positive List of shortage occupations, finding work should be easy.
There are significant shortages of talent in the fields of science and engineering, education, management, finance, healthcare, information technology, and law in Denmark.
Some of the most in-demand occupations for those with college degrees are:
Engineers in Architecture Biochemistry Chief Accounting Dentistry Medicine Electronics Engineering
Careers in IT include: lawyers, librarians, marketers, teachers, pharmacists, psychologists, music teachers, secondary school administrators, and web developers.
Check out New to Denmark - The Positives Lists for the complete rundown.
Advice on Finding a Job in Denmark
Danish firms tend to give preference to Danes over foreigners when filling positions, so you may have trouble finding work at first. On the other hand, there are a few things you can do as an overseas worker to improve your chances of being accepted.
You should start by familiarizing yourself with the organization you're applying to and writing a cover letter and resume that demonstrate your interest in and knowledge of the firm. Knowing about and having interest in the organization being interviewed by will set you apart, as will previous related job experience.
Maybe expanding your horizons would be good for you as well. You'll have more options in the job market if you're ready to commute or apply your abilities in ways you haven't before. If you're looking for work, it can help to target an industry that's currently facing a scarcity of qualified applicants.
In conclusion, it's worth noting that social media platforms, and LinkedIn in particular, are quite popular in Denmark. Having a well-polished web presence increases your chances of landing a job since it allows you to showcase your most relevant talents and experiences to potential employers.
Various Employment Opportunities During the Summer
Temporary jobs in the hospitality industry are abundant in Copenhagen and other Danish towns during the tourist season. Since there is no central recruitment system for such positions, you should contact businesses individually to learn about openings.
Working as an au pair is another viable option for a summer job. By caring for a family's children and helping around the house, you may earn a weekly wage, health insurance, and a place to live for free. Discover more about the au pair residency permit application process.
You might also do volunteer work if you're able to sustain yourself financially.
Concordia is a program that helps British residents find volunteer jobs in a variety of fields, such as event and environmental work, home repairs, and care for the elderly and disabled.
Additionally, you may locate paid and unpaid internships through:
AIESEC UK: a network for students and young professionals
Organization for University Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and the Arts (IAESTE UK)
Use JobsInCopenhagen to get employment in the Danish capital even if you don't know the language!
The Danish version of VolunteerMatch, Volunteering.dk, is one of the country's most popular resources for finding volunteer opportunities.
Job Opportunities in the Education Sector
In Denmark, there are several rules governing the public school system. Before you can even think about becoming a teacher, you need to get your credentials authorized by the Ministry of Education and Science. To work as a teacher in a Danish school, you might need to complete additional coursework under certain circumstances.
The majority of Danes receive some form of English instruction from a young age, making prospects for EFL instruction rare. However, corporate English instructors are in demand in many private language schools and institutions dedicated to adult education. Cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, Fredericia, and Odense are frequently sought for for TEFL positions. If you want to work in Denmark, you'll need a degree and a TEFL certificate, and in some cases, you might even need to be able to speak Danish.
Internships
The capital city of Copenhagen is home to many of Denmark's largest businesses, and as a result, the city hosts the vast majority of the country's internships. In Denmark, interns can look for paid positions at:
GoAbroad
Under specific circumstances and depending on the field of study or employment desired, non-EU citizens who require a visa to enter Denmark may be eligible to receive a residence and work permit in order to participate in an internship lasting up to 18 months. Check out New in Denmark - Internship to find out more.
Visas for travel to Denmark
New to Denmark can help you apply for a residency permit if you are not a citizen of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. This requirement now now applies to British nationals.
If you want to apply for this, you'll probably need to show proof that you were offered a job in writing, along with a contract or letter stating the terms of your work, including your pay and benefits.
Denmark does not require a work or residency visa from citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. But if your stay is going to be longer than three months, you'll need to apply for a registration certificate as soon as you land.
To have access to public services and be paid, you will need a civil registration number (CPR), health insurance card, and tax identification number, all of which you may apply for and obtain with this certificate.
Those holding citizenship in another Nordic country (Norway, Finland, Iceland, or Sweden) are exempt from obtaining a CPR in Denmark; nonetheless, they are required to apply for a health insurance card, a tax number, and a CPR in order to legally live and work in the country.
Imperatives in terms of language proficiency
Although Danish is the official language, you are likely to hear English, German, French, and Swedish spoken as well.
The most common languages for job applications are Danish and English, however you should verify this with the organization of your choice.
You can acquire a job in Denmark even if you don't speak the language well, but if you really want to meet people, learn about the culture, and advance in your career, you'll need to brush up on your Danish. Doing so will also show how dedicated you are to your job.
In addition to taking lessons before or after moving to Denmark, learning the language on your own time using resources like Duolingo or the Danish Wikipedia page are other viable options.
Methods for Selling Your Skills to Potential Employers
Degrees earned in the UK are equivalent to those earned in Denmark according to the Bologna Process, an agreement between European nations that guarantees direct comparability of qualifications across the continent. Employers should have no trouble recognising them, and if they do, you may have the Danish Agency for Higher Education evaluate your credentials to ensure they are understood.
In order to practice in a regulated industry, you must obtain official recognition from the relevant body.
How is the workplace culture in Denmark?
The average workweek for a Dane is 37 hours, and it runs Monday through Friday. However, this is typically negotiable and may be altered to meet the needs of each individual employee with the help of their employer. There are eleven national holidays celebrated in the country, and you will be eligible for five weeks of paid vacation time.
- Day One of the New Year
- Maundy Thursday
- Ascension Day
- Good Friday
- The Monday After Easter
- Observance of the Feast of the Ascension, a Day of Prayer
- Sunday of Whitsuntide
On this, Christmas Day
A celebration of the second day of Christmas (26 December).
All employees are encouraged to share their ideas and participate in making decisions because to the absence of a strict chain of command. Any problems you're having at work should be brought up to your CEO.
No legislated minimum wage exists in Denmark. Generally speaking, salary is something that both the employee and the company may discuss and agree upon.
A progressive tax structure is in place throughout the nation. Danes pay a higher tax rate than their European counterparts, despite their relatively high earnings. Don't forget that the point of this setup is to make it possible for essential public services like healthcare and education to be provided at no cost to the public.
Costs of living, such as those for housing, food, and transportation, are fairly high, mirroring increases in wages and tax rates. If you're contemplating a relocation to Denmark, keep this in mind while you do your planning and saving.
Read on to learn more.
- Explore the academic experience in Denmark.
- Find out what it's like to live in Denmark.
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