Denmark offers a compelling combination of qualities that few countries can match: consistently high happiness rankings, excellent work-life balance, a world-class design culture, strong English-language business environment, one of Europe’s most innovative food scenes (Copenhagen put Nordic cuisine on the global map), a highly educated and internationally oriented population, and a well-functioning welfare state. Copenhagen is a world-class city — compact, beautiful, strikingly well-designed and genuinely liveable. For UK nationals seeking a Scandinavian quality of life with strong Atlantic and European connections, Denmark is an outstanding choice.
Why Londoners Move to Denmark
- Happiest country in the world — Denmark and its Scandinavian neighbours consistently top global happiness surveys (UN World Happiness Report). The concept of hygge — the Danish art of cosiness, conviviality and quality time — reflects a genuine cultural orientation toward wellbeing that permeates daily life
- Copenhagen food scene — Noma put Copenhagen on the global fine dining map; the legacy is a city with outstanding food culture at every level, from Michelin-starred restaurants to open-faced sandwich (smørrebrød) lunch spots and natural wine bars
- Design and architecture — Denmark is one of the world’s leading design cultures. Danish furniture (Arne Jacobsen, Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner), fashion, ceramics and architecture have global influence. Copenhagen architecture is exceptional
- Øresund region — Copenhagen is connected to Malmö (Sweden) by the Øresund Bridge (10 minutes by train). The greater Øresund region functions as an integrated cross-border metropolitan area. Many people live in Malmö and work in Copenhagen (or vice versa) — effectively doubling the accessible housing market
- English language — Danish English proficiency is among the world’s highest. Professional and daily life in Copenhagen are easily managed in English. Danes are direct and pragmatic communicators, which UK professionals often find refreshing
- Pharma and tech — Denmark is home to Novo Nordisk (one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies), Maersk (shipping), Vestas (wind energy) and a growing tech sector. Life sciences and cleantech are particularly strong
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency for UK Nationals
Denmark is an EU member state. UK nationals moving to Denmark for more than 90 days require a Danish residence permit from Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration (SIRI).
Work permit for employment — requires a confirmed employment offer from a Danish employer. Several pathways:
Pay Limit Scheme — for workers with an annual salary above DKK 465,000 (approximately £52,000/year, 2025). Relatively straightforward if the salary threshold is met.
Positive List — for workers in professions on Denmark’s shortage occupation list. The list includes IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers and some other categories. Check SIRI’s current positive list at siri.dk.
Fast-track Scheme — for employees of certified companies. Larger Danish companies can be certified with SIRI, allowing faster permit processing (2 weeks rather than 1–3 months).
The Danish Green Card — a points-based scheme for highly qualified individuals who wish to seek employment in Denmark. Points for education, language skills, adaptability. Allows job-searching in Denmark for up to 2 years.
Self-employment permit — for establishing a Danish business or freelance activity.
Apply online at nyidanmark.dk. Allow 1–3 months for standard processing.
After arrival:
- Obtain your CPR number (Det Centrale Personregister — Central Person Register) by registering at your local Borgerservice (citizen service centre). The CPR number is Denmark’s national ID — required for Danish bank account, healthcare (yellow health card/Sundhedskort), library card, mobile contract and practically all other services
- Register for the yellow health card (Sundhedskort) — this gives you access to Danish GPs (alment praktiserende læge) and public healthcare
Copenhagen: Neighbourhoods
Frederiksberg — technically a separate municipality surrounded by Copenhagen. Beautifully designed residential streets, Frederiksberg Gardens (royal garden and palace), excellent cafés and independent shops. Very popular with families and professionals. Highly liveable.
Østerbro — upmarket, residential, parks and lakes. Grand early 20th-century apartment buildings. Very popular with professionals and families. Expensive but excellent quality.
Nørrebro — Copenhagen’s most diverse and bohemian neighbourhood. Multicultural, gentrifying, excellent independent food and coffee scene. More affordable than Frederiksberg or Østerbro. Very popular with younger expats and creatives.
Vesterbro — former working-class neighbourhood, now thoroughly gentrified. Meatpacking district (Kødbyen) — excellent restaurants, bars and galleries. Central, lively, popular with professionals in their 30s.
Indre By (City Centre) — the historic core. Strøget shopping street, Tivoli, excellent restaurants. Some residential population. Most expensive area.
Amager / Islands Brygge — south of the centre, on Copenhagen’s harbour. More affordable, younger demographic, excellent waterfront public spaces. The CopenHill artificial ski slope is here.
Malmö (Sweden) — 10 minutes across the Øresund Bridge. Rents are 40–50% lower than Copenhagen. Many people commute daily from Malmö to Copenhagen. Swedish income tax applies if you live in Sweden; Danish tax if you work in Denmark (there is a bilateral arrangement). Worth researching if budget is a constraint.
Cost of Living in Copenhagen
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (Østerbro/Frederiksberg) | DKK 11,000 – 17,000 (~£800–£1,250) |
| 1-bedroom apartment (Nørrebro/Vesterbro) | DKK 8,500 – 13,000 (~£620–£950) |
| Monthly transport pass (Rejsekort) | DKK 500–700 (~£37–£52) |
| Groceries (one person) | DKK 2,500 – 4,000 (~£185–£295) |
| Meal out (mid-range) | DKK 200 – 400 per person (~£15–£30) |
Cost of Moving from London to Denmark
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £500 – £1,100 | Studios, 1-bed flats, personal effects |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,300 – £2,800 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £200 – £600 | Full household packing by our team |
Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and all Danish cities and regions covered. Get a free fixed-price quote for your removals to Denmark.
London to Denmark: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Copenhagen | 2–4 working days |
| Aarhus | 3–5 working days |
| Odense | 3–4 working days |
Tips for a Smooth London to Denmark Removal
Get the CPR number as soon as possible. In Denmark, the CPR number is even more central to daily life than its Swedish or Norwegian equivalents. You need it to open a Danish bank account, access healthcare, sign a tenancy agreement, get a Danish SIM card, and use NemID/MitID (Denmark’s digital identity system, used for banking, public services, tax, and almost all online Danish transactions). Register at Borgerservice within the first week of arrival.
Danish tax is high but comprehensive. Danish income tax is progressive and can reach 55% at the top marginal rate. However, in return you receive free healthcare, free university education, generous unemployment insurance (if registered), parental leave and other public services. For UK professionals comparing take-home pay: compare net-of-tax income against what Danish public services replace, not against UK gross salaries.
The Øresund cross-border option. If you work in Copenhagen but can work from home part of the week, or if your partner works in Malmö, the cross-border living arrangement can make excellent financial sense. Research the tax and social security implications carefully with a cross-border tax adviser.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Denmark
What permit do I need to move from London to Denmark?
UK nationals need a Danish residence permit from SIRI. The most common routes for workers are the Pay Limit Scheme (salary above ~DKK 465,000/year), the Positive List (shortage occupations) and the Fast-track Scheme (certified company employees). Apply at nyidanmark.dk; allow 1–3 months.
What is the CPR number and why do I need it immediately?
The CPR number is Denmark’s national registration number — essential for a bank account, healthcare, mobile contract, NemID/MitID digital identity, and almost all daily services. Register at your local Borgerservice office within days of arrival; bring passport, tenancy agreement and residence permit.
Is it worth living in Malmö and commuting to Copenhagen?
For many families, yes — particularly if budget is a constraint. Malmö rents are 40–50% lower than Copenhagen’s equivalent. The commute is 10 minutes by train. The key complexity is cross-border tax arrangements — if you live in Sweden and work in Denmark, you pay Danish income tax but Swedish social contributions. Consult a cross-border tax specialist before deciding.
How long does a removal from London to Denmark take?
Transit from London to Copenhagen typically takes 2–4 working days. Aarhus and Odense take 3–5 working days.
Does Easy Move handle EU customs documentation for Denmark?
Yes. Denmark is an EU member state — Transfer of Residence relief applies. Easy Move includes all customs documentation as part of our standard removals to Denmark service.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.