Copenhagen is Scandinavia’s largest city and one of Europe’s most liveable — a compact, cycling-first capital of 800,000 people (1.3 million in the greater area) on the island of Zealand, connected to Malmö (Sweden) by the Øresund Bridge. It is a city of extraordinary design culture, consistently warm and informal social norms, exceptional food (Denmark has more Michelin stars per capita than any country in the world), and a quality of life underpinned by robust public services and the Scandinavian welfare model. Copenhagen’s economy is dominated by pharmaceuticals (Novo Nordisk, one of the world’s most valuable companies, is headquartered in Bagsværd outside the city), shipping (Maersk), green tech, food science and a strong design and creative sector. For UK professionals seeking Scandinavian quality of life with a cosmopolitan, English-friendly character, Copenhagen is the natural first choice.
Why UK Nationals Choose Copenhagen
- Design capital of the world — Danish design — from Arne Jacobsen’s furniture to Georg Jensen jewellery to B&O electronics to LEGO — originates here. The city itself reflects this: New Nordic architecture, harbour swimming pools, the Superkilen park, the Copenhagen Metro stations. Living here is an immersion in design culture
- Cycling city — Copenhagen has the most developed cycling infrastructure on earth. Over 60% of residents commute by bicycle year-round. The city functions differently when you are on a bike: the pace is different, neighbourhoods connect differently, the city opens up. This genuinely changes daily life quality
- Food scene — Noma (the world’s most influential restaurant for a decade) changed global gastronomy from Copenhagen. The city now has dozens of exceptional restaurants at every price point. The New Nordic food movement is genuinely embedded in everyday Danish food culture, not just fine dining
- Pharma and green tech — Novo Nordisk alone employs tens of thousands of professionals in Greater Copenhagen. Ørsted (offshore wind), Grundfos, Danfoss and dozens of others make Copenhagen a major employment market for STEM professionals
- Quality of life — Denmark consistently ranks among the world’s happiest countries. Work-life balance, parental leave, social equality and public services are all at the highest European level
Copenhagen Neighbourhoods: Where to Live
Frederiksberg — a separate municipality entirely within Copenhagen. Leafy, elegant, residential, family-friendly. Beautiful park (Frederiksberg Have), palace, excellent schools. Popular with families and those seeking a quieter pace within the city.
Nørrebro — Copenhagen’s most diverse and characterful neighbourhood. Multicultural, vibrant, the city’s creative heartland. Jaegersborggade (independent cafés and galleries), Assistens Cemetery (where Kierkegaard and H.C. Andersen are buried) — a genuine neighbourhood with strong community character. Very popular with expats.
Vesterbro — formerly working class, now the city’s most gentrified area. Kødbyen (Meatpacking District) — Copenhagen’s nightlife and creative hub. Istedgade and Vesterbrogade are the main streets. Popular with young professionals.
Østerbro — upper-middle-class, family-friendly, quieter than Nørrebro or Vesterbro. Large houses, parks (Fælledparken — Copenhagen’s largest), football stadium. Very popular with families and corporate expats.
Indre By (City Centre) — Strøget, Nyhavn, the Latin Quarter. Beautiful but expensive and partly commercial. Good location for those who want walkable access to everything.
Amager (Islands Brygge, Ørestad) — south of the city centre. Islands Brygge has a harbour bath (swimming in the harbour), canal views, younger demographic. Ørestad is a planned modern district — contemporary architecture, cheaper rents, direct Metro to the airport and centre.
Gentofte / Hellerup — wealthy northern suburbs. Large houses, proximity to the coast, excellent schools. Popular with families and senior professionals.
Cost of Living in Copenhagen
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (central — Frederiksberg/Østerbro) | DKK 12,000 – 18,000 (~£1,350–£2,025) |
| 1-bedroom apartment (Nørrebro/Vesterbro) | DKK 9,500 – 14,000 (~£1,070–£1,575) |
| Monthly transport pass (Rejsekort zones 1–4) | DKK 430 (~£50) |
| Groceries (one person) | DKK 2,500 – 4,000 (~£280–£450) |
| Eating out (mid-range) | DKK 200 – 450 per person (~£22–£50) |
Copenhagen is expensive — broadly comparable to or slightly above London. However, Danish salaries are high, income inequality is low, and public services (healthcare, childcare) significantly reduce the effective cost of living relative to the gross figures.
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency
UK nationals need a Danish residence permit for stays over 90 days.
Work permit — the standard route for employed professionals. Your Danish employer applies to the Danish Immigration Service (Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration — SIRI). The main fast-track route is the Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen) for those earning above DKK 484,000/year (~£55,000). Processing under this scheme: 1–3 months.
Self-employment permit — for those establishing Danish business activity.
Establishment Card — for foreign graduates from Danish universities seeking employment.
After the work permit is approved, you must register your address at the local Borgerservice (citizens’ service centre) to obtain your CPR number (Det Centrale Personregister number — Denmark’s personal identification number). The CPR number is required for: banking, healthcare (NemID/MitID), tax registration, mobile contracts and almost all public services. This is the most urgent administrative step on arrival.
Apply for the work permit through SIRI before moving; your employer will initiate the process.
Shipping Your Belongings to Copenhagen
Easy Move operates regular groupage services from the UK to Denmark, with delivery to Copenhagen and the greater Copenhagen area. Transit time from London is typically 3–5 working days. EU customs documentation included. Get a free quote for removals to Denmark.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Copenhagen from the UK
What permit do I need to live in Copenhagen as a UK national?
UK nationals need a Danish residence and work permit from SIRI (Danish Immigration Service) for stays over 90 days. The Pay Limit Scheme (for salaries above DKK 484,000/year) is the fastest route for employed professionals. Your employer initiates the application; allow 1–3 months processing.
What is the CPR number and why is it urgent?
Denmark’s personal identification number (CPR number), issued after you register your address at a Borgerservice office. Required for banking, the NemID/MitID digital identity, healthcare and all public services. Register at Borgerservice within days of arrival; the CPR number is typically issued immediately.
Is Copenhagen very expensive?
Copenhagen is among Europe’s most expensive cities — broadly comparable to London, sometimes higher. However, high Danish salaries, low income inequality, free healthcare and subsidised childcare make the effective quality of life very high. Those earning Danish salaries find Copenhagen very liveable; those on UK remote salaries should budget carefully.
How long does a removal from the UK to Copenhagen take?
Easy Move’s typical transit from London to Copenhagen is 3–5 working days, with EU customs documentation included.
Do I need Danish to work and live in Copenhagen?
For English-language roles in international companies and multinationals, no — Danish is not required professionally. For full social integration and access to the full Danish job market, Danish language skills are valuable. Copenhagen has excellent Danish language courses (including free ones for new residents through Sprogcenter). Most Danes speak excellent English.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.