FIRST STEPS IN DENMARK – a checklist What to remember in the first 30 days after your arrival in Denmark? When newly arrived in Denmark there are a lot of important issues to be aware of as foreign citizen. In the following checklist we have listed matters of particular importance. The different subjects are discussed in more detail in the following chapters. The checklist mainly refers to people who have signed an employment contract with a Danish company and who will have residency in Denmark.
In general it is advisable to bring: Passport/national identification (ID) card with photo Passport photo Residence and work permit from the Danish Agency for International Economic Area) citizens only) Original marriage certificate if you are married. Please remember to bring the marriage certificate, even if your partner is not accompanying you. If applicable: divorce certificate/death certificate (widow(er)). Please note that only certificates in English/German/Scandinavian languages are accepted. Original birth certificate(s) for accompanying children under 18 years. Please note that only certificates in English/German/Scandinavian languages are accepted. Proof of address in Denmark (lease/rental contract) The blue European health card (EU/EEA nationals only) Medical card (optional) Driving license Educational certificates Vehicle papers (if you bring vehicles)
Residence document/residence and work permit in Denmark Nordic citizens: You are free to reside and work in Denmark without a residence document/permit EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Apply for residence document at International Citizen Service in Aalborg, Aarhus, Odense or Copenhagen or at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration Non-EU Citizens: Apply for a residence and work permit prior to start working in Denmark at www.newtodenmark.dk. The application can be submitted online at a Danish representation (embassy or consulate) in your home country or at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration in Denmark. Further information in chapter “Register as a citizen in Denmark”
Social security and personal registration number “CPR number” If you are planning to stay in Denmark for more than 3 months, you can register for a Personal Registration Number (CPR number) and a health card. You can apply for a CPR number and a health card at the International Citizen Service in Aalborg, Aarhus, Odense or Copenhagen or at the local municipal Citizen Service Centre (Danish: Borgerservice). At the registration you will choose a doctor. Your social security card (Danish: sundhedskort) which includes your CPR number will be send to you by post – normally within 2 weeks. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who need medical treatment during travels in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein (EEA), or Switzerland must apply for the blue European Health Insurance Card.
Bank Open a bank account – preferably an “Easy Account” (Danish: Nemkonto). This is generally a current account, into which payments from you employer and from the state are made (e.g. tax refunds).
Unemployment insurance Unlike many other countries, unemployment insurance in Denmark is voluntary and you are not as a standard covered through your employer. Thus, you are not automatically insured against unemployment.
Insurance Check you insurances from your home country. Some of the most important insurances in Denmark are: Personal liability insurance (Ansvarsforsikring) Household insurance (Indboforsikring) Accident insurance (Ulykkesforsikring) Unemployment insurance (Arbejdsløshedsforsikring). Life insurance (Livsforsikring) Legal protection insurance (Retshjælpsforsikring) Car insurance (Bilforsikring) – if you have a car Dog insurance (Hundeforsikring) – if you have a dog.
e-Boks & NemID Tax registration When you work in Denmark you must also have a tax card. This is issued to you at either the International Citizen Service or online via form 04.063.
NemID is a secure log on to internet services. e-Boks is your online mailbox for mail from public authorities (tax, pension etc. (et cetera)). Apply for your NemID at your municipal Citizen Service Center.
Driver’s licence Driver’s licences issued within the EU are valid in Denmark. Driver’s licences issued in a non-EU country may be valid in Denmark.
Media licence You are legally obligated to register with “media licence” if you have a television, computer, smart phone or other devices with internet access if you are more than 18 years old. You must register within 14 days of procurement.
Danish Language All municipalities in Denmark offer Danish lessons when you have a CPR number. Further information in chapter “Learning the Danish language”
Vehicle
If you bring your vehicle with you from your home country, the vehicle may have to be re-registered with Danish number plates or you must have obtained exemption.