Moving to Denmark

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating Danish immigration can seem complex, but the first step is always to determine your nationality. If you are an EU/EEA national or a Swiss citizen, your path to residence is generally simpler, often requiring only registration upon arrival if your stay exceeds three months, based on your purpose (e.g., work, study, sufficient funds). For non-EU/EEA citizens, a visa or residence permit is typically required before entering Denmark, unless you are from a visa-exempt country for short stays, but even then a permit is needed for longer periods.

Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permits: Often tied to specific job offers from a Danish employer, requiring certain salary levels or qualifications.
• Family Reunification: For those joining a spouse, registered partner, or close family member already residing in Denmark.
• Study Permits: For individuals admitted to a recognized educational institution in Denmark.
• Other Residence Permits: Such as those for au pairs, researchers, or individuals with specific entrepreneurial plans.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the official Danish immigration authorities. Regulations can change, and your specific circumstances will dictate the exact process.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Denmark, especially in major cities like Copenhagen or Aarhus, requires patience and preparation. The rental market can be competitive. Here's what to expect:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: Websites specializing in rentals are primary sources.
  • Social Media Groups: Facebook groups dedicated to housing in specific Danish cities can be very active.
  • Relocation Services: Many people moving to Denmark utilize professional relocation services to help with the housing search.
  • Word of Mouth: Networking once you arrive can also yield results.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Viewings are common, and landlords may ask for references or proof of employment/income.
  • Rental contracts are legally binding; ensure you understand all terms before signing.
  • Most properties are rented unfurnished, though furnished options exist, often at a higher price.
• Deposits: It's standard to pay a security deposit (depositum), typically equivalent to 1-3 months' rent, plus 1-3 months' prepaid rent (forudbetalt leje). This means you might need to pay up to 6 months' rent upfront. The security deposit is returned at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is left in good condition.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many newcomers opt for temporary accommodation (e.g., Airbnb, short-term sublets, serviced apartments) for the first few weeks or months while they search for a long-term rental. This allows you to explore different neighborhoods and avoid rushing into a decision.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to Denmark can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these elements will help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters (m³) or weight. Decluttering before you pack can significantly reduce this.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Denmark is a primary cost driver for international shipping.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand.
• Accessibility: Ease of access at both your origin and destination properties (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, parking restrictions) can impact labor and equipment needs, affecting the price.
• Mode of Transport: Options like sea freight (more economical for large volumes, longer transit times) versus air freight (faster, more expensive) will significantly influence the cost.
• Extra Services: Additional services such as professional packing and unpacking, specialized handling for delicate or valuable items, storage solutions, or vehicle transport will add to the overall expense.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific relocation needs, it's always best to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is key to a smooth relocation. Here's a general checklist for 4-8 weeks before your move:

• 8 Weeks Before:
  • Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This is the biggest opportunity to reduce moving costs.
  • Research & Book Movers: Get quotes and finalize your moving company.
  • Gather Documents: Start compiling all essential documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, medical records, visa/permit documents, pet records if applicable). Have copies and digital backups.
• 6 Weeks Before:
  • Notify Landlord/Sell Property: Give proper notice to your current landlord or finalize property sale.
  • Plan Travel: Book flights and arrange temporary accommodation in Denmark if needed.
  • Arrange Pet Transport: If moving with pets, research Danish import regulations and arrange their travel.
• 4 Weeks Before:
  • Utilities & Subscriptions: Notify current utility providers (electricity, gas, internet, water) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (gym, magazines, streaming services).
  • Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding to your new Danish address or a trusted contact.
  • Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need immediately. Label boxes clearly with contents and room destination.
• 2 Weeks Before:
  • Medical & Dental: Get any necessary check-ups and ensure you have sufficient prescriptions.
  • Bank Accounts: Research opening a Danish bank account; inform your current bank of your move.
  • Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers, medications).
• 1 Week Before:
  • Confirm with Movers: Reconfirm all details with your moving company.
  • Clean: Start deep cleaning your current residence.
  • Empty Fridge/Freezer: Plan meals to use up perishable food.
• Moving Day:
  • Final Walk-Through: Ensure nothing is left behind and all utilities are off.
  • Documents in Hand: Keep all critical documents with you, not in packed boxes.

For a personalized moving plan and accurate cost estimate, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Your Essential Guide to Customs & Imports When Moving to Denmark

Relocating to Denmark is an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import regulations for your belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the process, ensuring your household goods arrive without a hitch.

If you're relocating as a new resident from outside the EU

If you're moving to Denmark from a country outside the European Union to establish residence, you can generally import your personal household goods duty-free. These items must have been owned and used by you for a minimum of six months and still be intended for your personal use in Denmark. You must have resided outside the EU for at least 12 months to qualify for this duty-free import, and your goods must arrive within 12 months of your registration date in Denmark.

What you'll need

• Danish customs form "Declaration of Personal Property"
• Inventory of all items in English (avoid terms like "Miscellaneous" or PBO)
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB) – shipper and consignee names must match
• Copy of your passport's identification pages
• Proof of your minimum 12-month stay outside the EU (e.g., certification from an authority abroad, lease contract, or work contract)
• Proof of registration with Danish Authorities (copy of your yellow health card or a letter from the local registration office)
• Copy of your Danish work contract and lease contract (for foreigners)
• If including alcohol, tea, or coffee: a detailed inventory listing brand, alcohol percentage, number, and sizes of bottles

Good to know

• Customs clearance must occur immediately upon your goods' arrival.
• You cannot import household goods free of taxes and duty if you are a visitor or a Dane residing abroad.
• Import customs clearance requires an active CPR number. This number becomes active only after you've registered at the local registration office.

Diplomatic moves

Accredited foreign diplomats moving to Denmark are eligible for duty-free import privileges, including alcohol (without quotas), provided it's for personal or professional use and not for sale.

What you'll need

• Inventory
• A "Declaration for Diplomats" (form number 13004) issued and filled out by the foreign embassy or local foreign mission in Denmark.

Good to know

• Returning Danish diplomats do not receive diplomatic privileges and must clear customs under standard rules, paying duties on any dutiable items.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

Wedding gifts can be imported duty-free into Denmark, provided they are intended for normal household use. This applies if the Danish resident has lived abroad for at least 12 months. The goods must be imported within four months of the wedding date.

What you'll need

• Inventory
• Declaration signed by both individuals
• Marriage certificate

Good to know

• The maximum value for duty-free gift items is EUR 1,000 per item.
• Residents of Denmark cannot import wedding gifts free of duty and taxes if they have not resided abroad for the qualifying period.

Inherited belongings

Inherited goods can be imported duty-free within two years of the estate's finalization, provided they are for normal household use.

What you'll need

• Inventory
• Inheritance certificate signed by the client
• Death certificate
• Copy of the will or a declaration issued and legalized by the lawyer handling the estate

Bringing special items

Vehicles

If you've lived outside the EU for at least 12 months, you may import cars or motorcycles duty-free. Airplanes, caravans, pleasure crafts, and motor trailers can also be imported duty-free if they've been in your possession and registered abroad for at least six months. However, a significant registration tax is typically applied to motor vehicles.

What you'll need

• Original foreign registration papers
• Insurance card

Good to know

• Persons living in Denmark are not permitted to drive vehicles registered abroad.
• A car imported duty-free cannot be sold, pawned, or rented out within 12 months of importation.
• After customs clearance, you must personally present the car to the authorities for registration within 30 days of its arrival.
• There are various specific regulations for importing motor vehicles; it's advisable to seek local guidance.

Pets

Domestic animals can be imported from most countries if the required documents are valid and available upon entry. Generally, healthy animals do not require quarantine.

What you'll need

• Health certificate (not more than 1 month old) issued by Veterinary Authorities at origin or an EU animal passport.
• Certificate for rabies vaccination (issued at least 3 weeks but not more than 12 months prior to departure).
• Animal identification (tattoo or microchip) must be verified against health certificates.

Good to know

• Pets from certain countries may need a rabies serological test before entering the EU.
• Always confirm the latest requirements before importing your pet.

Restricted & prohibited items

• Alcohol & Tobacco: Quantities included in household goods are subject to duty and tax, even if for personal consumption. Larger quantities may be considered commercial imports and require a license. Due to high taxes and strict controls, including spirits in removals is generally not advisable.

• Food & Tinned Goods: Generally not permitted unless you can prove ownership for at least six months, otherwise subject to duties and taxes. Rules vary, and bringing these items may delay customs clearance and incur extra costs.

• Arms, Ammunition, and Dangerous Items: Prohibited unless a special import license is obtained from the Danish Ministry of Justice, issued through the local Police office, along with a shooting permit.

• Narcotic Medicines: Prohibited unless a special license is obtained from the Danish Ministry of Justice. It's recommended to carry all medicines as carry-on luggage.

• Precious Metal Items: Import and possession of gold and silver in bars are prohibited.

• Plants: Prohibited unless the Danish Governmental Plant Protection Service grants a license based on a certificate from origin authorities confirming the plants are disease-free.

• Other Animals: Live, dead, and pre-manufactured parts of animals mentioned in the Washington Convention are prohibited unless the Danish Nature Conservancy Board grants a license.

• Wood: All imported and exported wooden packaging materials, including crates, must comply with ISPM15 standards, indicating appropriate treatment.

• New Items: Items purchased recently and not meeting the "owned and used for six months" criteria are subject to duty and VAT if from outside the EU.

• Antiques: Duty-free but subject to VAT (25%) if commercial and certified to be at least 100 years old.

• Works of Art: Duty-free if part of household goods. For exhibitions, duty-free if the importer is registered with Danish Customs/Tax authorities and has posted a security deposit or bank guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import my household goods duty-free?
Yes, if you've owned and used them for at least six months, intend to continue using them, have resided outside the EU for at least 12 months, and import them within 12 months of your Danish registration date.

Do I need an active CPR number for customs clearance?
Yes, your CPR number must be active and you must be registered as a resident in Denmark before your shipment arrives.

Are there any restrictions on what I can include in my inventory?
Avoid using general terms like "Miscellaneous" or "PBO." Provide a detailed list of all items, especially for alcohol, tea, and coffee.

What about bringing my car?
You can import your car duty-free if you've lived outside the EU for 12 months, but a high registration tax will apply. You must register the car within 30 days of arrival.

Can I bring my pet with me?
Yes, with a valid health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, and proper identification. Quarantine is usually not required for healthy animals.

Are there any items I absolutely cannot bring?
Yes, gold and silver bars, certain plants, specific animal parts, and most narcotic medicines are prohibited without special licenses.

For personalized assistance with your move to Denmark, please contact relocation123.com.

Get help with your move →