Step-by-step guide to starting life in Denmark 

Foreign nationals from countries outside the EU/EEA area
 

Foreign nationals from other countries MUST obtain a residence and work permit BEFORE they can start to work in Denmark.

In the following, the employee is referred to as "you".
 

Step 1 – Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingeservice) – Residence and work permits 

 
You must apply to the Immigration Service (Udlændingeservice) for residence and work permits, although you can also apply for these permits at a Danish diplomatic mission (consulate or embassy).
 

Residence and work permits are normally only given if there is relevant employment-related or commercial justification. There are number of special schemes that make it easier for highly qualified foreign nationals to get residence and work permits in Denmark.
 

The Danish Immigration Service website www.nyidanmark.dk describes in detail which groups can expect to be granted a residence and work permit, how to apply and which forms to use.

Step 2 – Citizen Service Centre (Borgerservice) - Enrol with the Civil Registration Office (CPR number) and Health Insurance card
 

When you have your residence and work permit, you must enrol at the Civil Registration Office (Folkeregistret) at Citizen Service Centre (Borgerservice). There are several local Citizen Service Centres in Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality:

                                                                         Hours of opening:  

Bring the following with you:
 

• Passport or personal identification with photo
• Certificate of registration and work permit
• Marriage certificate and child's birth/baptism certificate (if applicable)

When you register at the Civil Registration Office (Folkeregistret), you will receive a Civil Registration Number (CPR nummer) and a Health Insurance Card, after which you are insured under the Danish Health Insurance scheme. When you enrol at the Civil Registration Officeand if you are registered in Health Insurance Group 1, you will be asked to choose a general practitioner/doctor.
See Public Health Insurance in Denmark.
 
About 14 days after registration, you will receive a yellow Health Insurance Card. We recommend that you keep your yellow Health Insurance with you at all times. You will need it if you need to contact doctors, hospitals and dentists.
See Doctors and Dentists
 
You can also use your yellow Health Insurance Card to borrow books free of charge from the public library.

You may be eligible for a blue EU Health Insurance card. If you need one, ask at a Citizen Service Centre (Borgerservice) in your municipality.
 

If you move to a new address, you must contact your local Citizen Service Centre.

If you have children, you can apply for family allowance at the Citizen Service Centre (Borgerservice).
 

Step 3 – Taxation - Tax Card

When you are employed in Denmark, you must pay Danish income tax. You may also be liable to
taxation in your home country. SKAT issues tax cards and can give you advice and instructions concerning allowances and deductions, etc. You will need a Danish tax card. You and your employer must complete the form below and send it to:
 

Tax Centre (Skattecenter) Herning
Brændgårdvej 10
7400 Herning
 

Download the form here 04.063EN

Complete the form and send it to Tax Centre (Skattecentret) Herning.

Enclose the following documentation (copies):

• Residence and work permits
• Passport or ID card with photo
• Contract of employment
• Documentation of your marital status (e.g. marriage certificate) and children
• Last tax statement from your previous country of residence
• Bank details in your home country

Note: If your income changes significantly or if you buy a house, take out a loan, etc, you must provide SKAT with this information. You will then receive a new tax card.

Read more about taxation under:
Tax
 

Step 4 – Opening a bank account 

 
If you wish to open a bank account, you must bring the following with you to the bank:

• Contract of employment
• Proof of identity
• Documentation for your address in Denmark / CPR number

Your employer may be able to recommend a local bank or branch.

Remember to inform the salaries department of your bank account number.

Read more at Bank