Surveys have put Denmark on top of the ‘happy’ list; citizens and residents have shown high degrees of contentment. Foreigners have long enjoyed Denmark’s rich cultural, geographical and physical landscapes. If you’re taking a trip to this happy country soon, here’s some useful information to set you on your way.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
American Women's Club of Denmark
The AWC is a non-profit, voluntary organization that provides fun, friendship and social support to its members living permanently or temporarily in Denmark and promotes mutual understanding between the US and Denmark, particularly through philanthropic work.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.awcdenmark.org
International Women's Club of Copenhagen
The International Women's Club of Copenhagen is a philanthropic, non-political and non-profit making organisation. The objectives are to welcome and assist newcomers and their families to Denmark. Also to enhance the members knowledge of Denmark through tours to historical and cultural sites, lectures on topical issues and other activities and support philanthropic projects especially those of an international nature.
Website: www.iwcc.dk
Ladies International Network – København
LINK was founded in 1973 to give English speaking women of many different nationalities living in Denmark the chance to meet socially. We organise a variety of programs covering a wide range of interests. Some events appeal to the entire family, for example picnics and seasonal parties. Others, such as coffee mornings - a regular feature - provide a good opportunity to relax and chat. There are cultural visits to help members learn more about Denmark and there are evening events as well, sometimes with husbands.
Website: www.linkdenmark.com
US Women's Club of Fyn
The U.S. Women's Club of Fyn was founded by a small group of American women in 1984. The goals of the Club are to strengthen contact among Americans living on Funen, provide information and encouragement to English-speaking newcomers, and create opportunities for sharing American holidays and traditions and to reach out to the community through support of organizations that help women.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uswcf.dk
NGG International School
NGG International School is a private day school, with children from the age of 4 to 16, K1 to Grade 10 (C2). There are over 210 students and 24 staff, from over 40 countries. The school offers International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and Cambridge International Exams (CIE) for secondary students.The language of instruction at the school is English and the children also have an opportunity to learn the host nation’s language, Danish. NGG International School is the international department of NGG, Denmark’s largest private school, Nordsjællands Grundskole og Gymnasium samt HF.
Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum, Cambridge International Examination
Address: Cirkelhuset, Christianshusvej 16 - DK-2970 Hørsholm
Tel: +45 4557 2616
Fax: +45 4557 2669
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.his.dk
Copenhagen International School
Since 1963, Copenhagen International School has served the international community of greater Copenhagen. As one of the twelve founding-member schools of the International Baccalaureate (IB), we provide a complete educational programme for students from ages 3 to 19, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. English is the medium of instruction.
Curriculum: PYP, MYP, International Baccalaureate
Address: Hellerup Campus: Hellerupvej 22-26, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
City Campus: Stockholmsgade 59, 2100 Copenhagen Ø
Tel: +45 39 46 33 00
Fax: +45 39 61 22 30
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cis-edu.dk
Bernadotteskolen - The International School in Denmark
Address: Hellerupvej 11, DK - 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Tel: +45 39 62 12 15, +45 69 89 81 37 (English)
Email: [email protected], [email protected] (English)
Website: www.bernadotteskolen.dk
Bjorn's International School
Bjorn´s International School (BIS) in Copenhagen is an independent school with about 150 students from over 45 nations and an internationally qualified teaching staff. In BIS students can be taught through Danish or English from school start to 16 years.
Address: Gartnerivej 5, 2100 København
Tel: +45 39 29 29 37
Fax: +45 39 18 38 42
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.b-i-s.dk
Rygaard's International School
Rygaards School is a private, Christian/Catholic, co-educational establishment. It is recognized by and subject to, Danish law and receives a subsidy from the Danish State. The school is a member of the European Council of International Schools, the Association of Catholic Schools in Denmark and COBIS (The Council of British International Schools).
Curriculum: Danish
Address: Bernstorffsvej 54, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Tel: +45 3962 1053
Fax: +45 3962 1081
Website: www.rygaards.com
Copenhagen Euro-School
The Bilingual School in Danish and English.
Website: www.euroschool.dk
The Copenhagen Post
Denmark’s leading source for news in English. In addition to publishing the only regularly printed English-language newspaper in Denmark, we also provide constantly updated on-line news.
Website: cphpost.dk
The Local
Daily news is the glue of society, defining the issues we care about as a community. We capture the essence of nations by finding the stories that tell us who we are (and who those other people over there are), breaking down barriers and bringing us closer together. Our entertaining blend of daily news, business and features has made The Local the largest English-language news network in Europe with more than four million readers every month.
Website: www.thelocal.dk
Location: Europe
Capital City: Copenhagen
Other Important Cities: Danish Krone (kr)
Currency:
Language:
Danish
Calling Code: +45
Internet TLD: .dk
Electricity: Denmark runs on 230V 50Hz.
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 112
Fire: 112
Police: 112
Country Information
http://en.wikipedia.org
www.anyworkanywhere.com/emb_dk.html
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Visitors from certain countries, including the US and UK, may enter and stay in Denmark visa free for up to three months. Others will have to secure a Schengen visa from a Danish embassy or consulate in their home or host country. NewtoDenmark.dk, Denmark’s official immigration portal, gives a list of countries that will need a visa.
Documents Required (but not limited to)
- A signed, completed application form
- A passport or other valid travel document. Your passport/travel document must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date. Moreover, your passport/travel document must have been issued within the past ten years and must have at least two blank pages
- A passport photo measuring 35mm x 45mm. The distance from your chin to the top of your head should measure between 30mm and 36mm. The photograph should bear a close resemblance to your current appearance and you should be facing the camera directly.
- Fingerprints (at the moment, this only applies to applicants who submit their application to a diplomatic mission where the Schengen visa system has been rolled out)
- Payment of visa processing fee (typically €60)
- Relevant documentation, such as information about the reason for the trip, proof that you have available accommodation, proof that you have sufficient means at your disposal to cover your living expenses as well as your travel home. You should also include information that will allow immigration authorities to determine whether you plan to leave the Schengen region when your visa expires
- Proof that you have travel insurance. The policy must be valid throughout the Schengen region for the entire visa period. Minimum coverage must be €30,000
Regulations are in place in the country which prevents foreigners from taking up employment within the 3 month duration of their stay. If you are looking to extend your stay in Denmark, longer than 3 months. A resident permit allows an expat to study, be an au pair, be employed as an intern and other reasons aside from work. A work permit allows to you take up paid employment. Denmark’s immigration portal outlines these steps and conditions: www.nyidanmark.dk/en-US/
Most expats in Denmark prefer renting a property instead of buying it due to high costs of units. Apartments, villas and terraced houses are the most common types of housing available. Listings are usually coursed through real estate agencies; some may be found in classified and newspaper advertising. It can be difficult to find rentals within the major cities. The properties are usually located in residential areas in Copenhagen like Frederiksberg, Østerbro, Nørrebro, Amager, Islands Brygge, Christianshavn, which are also popular among expatriates.
There are public and private housing sectors. The public housing is cheaper as it is owned and subsidized by different associations. The drawback however is that it’s open to the public and you will have to be put on the waiting list especially if availability is scarce and depending on individual circumstances. For more information on public or social sector (housing) please visit: www.bl.dk/in-english
Private housing however gives the landlord or real estate agency, the right to select to whom they will rent the unit. These units are more expensive than ones found in public listings. Furnished units are only available for short-term rentals; unfurnished units are most commonly for long-term rentals. For a sample of listings please visit: boligbasen.dk/english
Expats in Denmark can drive on their EU driving license indefinitely, however if you have a driving license from another country you will have to pass a theory and practical exam.
There is a legal requirement for all new drivers in Denmark to undertake a minimum of:
- Seven hours of traffic related first aid lessons
- 28 theory lessons
- Four practical manoeuvre lessons on a track
- 16 driving lessons in traffic
- Four lessons on an advanced slippery track
Medical facilities and services in Denmark are excellent. The state medical treatment is available to all Danish residents and EU citizens for free, funded by income taxes. Emergency treatment is free for all foreign visitors. There are also private hospitals available.
Your first point of contact in case of any medical issues is Primary healthcare; for more complicated and specialized service, you will be referred to the Hospital sector.
The Danish health insurance system contains both public and private options. Public health insurance is open for all residents in Denmark. Foreigners may register for it only after 6 weeks from their arrival date. It is divided into Group 1 and Group 2. The difference between is simply a higher rate of contribution for Group 2 that allows you to choose different doctors or specialist anytime, while in Group 1, you get to choose once. Public health insurance affords you free consultation and a subsidized fee.
The European Health Insurance Card EHIC also provides some level of insurance coverage in Denmark. Other private health insurances are also honored.
Insurance Companies
Bupa
International Health and Hospital Plan gives you flexibility to create your own affordable insurance plan coupled with the freedom to receive treatment anywhere in the world. International Health and Hospital Plan offers global coverage and gives you access to recognised hospitals, doctors and physicians - anywhere, anytime.
Address: global.ihi.com/Health+Insurance/IHHP.aspx
Hospitals
Amager Hospital
Amager Hospital is a local, basic hospital for 180.000 inhabitants in Copenhagen. The hospital was formed in 1997 as a result of the merging of Skt. Elisabeth and Sundby Hospitals. The Capital Region of Denmark runs Amager Hospital.
Address: Italiensvej 1, 2300 København S, Denmark
Tel: +45 32 34 32 34
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.amagerhospital.dk/menu
Bispebjerg Hospital
Bispebjerg Hospital was built in 1913, and today it is the workplace for 3,000 employees. It is a large hospital with many different specialties, complex patient cases and a diversified group of patients. The hospital serves as community hospital for the inhabitants in large parts of Copenhagen and will henceforward be main hospital for the planning area called “Byen”.
Address: Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 København NV, Denmark
Tel: +45 35 31 35 31
Fax: +45 35 31 39 99
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bispebjerghospital.dk/menu/
Hvidovre Hospital
Address Kettegård Avenue 30-2650 Hvidovre, Copenhagen, 2650, Denmark
Tel: +45 38 62 38 62
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hvidovrehospital.dk/menu/
