LIVING & WORKING IN DENMARK
Denmark is well renowned for being one of the happiest countries in the world. The secret behind it? High standard of living, a strong welfare system and a healthy balance between work and private life!
ABOUT DENMARK
Denmark is a small country with a population of only 5.7 million people, yet has one of the largest coastlines in Europe. It is often cited as one of the world’s best countries to live in.
- Family-friendly: Danes have very generous maternity leaves for both parents. Children born in 2013 were happy to see that their parents stayed at home to look after them for 310 days after their birth. Mothers do account for the greater part, but fathers also take part in the leave, normally
- Economy: The strong welfare state ensures economic equality in society and the virtual non-existence of corruption, the very high standard of living, its well-functioning infrastructure, a strong educational system and a rich cultural life make people feel happy and safe
- Environmental friendly: Creating a green and sustainable society is one of the key goals for Denmark. Much renewable energy comes from wind turbines, where Denmark is a world leader when it comes to developing new technology. The Danish cycling culture is another example of a green and sustainable society
- Work-life balance: Could it be that the Danes are always voted the happiest people in the world because of their healthy balance between work and private life? The Danish welfare model, with its flexible working conditions and social support networks not only puts Denmark at the top of the international equality league table, but also contributes to a generally high standard of living
Facts, figures & information
CLIMATE
Denmark’s weather is quite mild and its climate is temperate, made mild by predominant west winds and by the seas surrounding the nation almost entirely.
Winter: -13° – 0°C (9° – 32°F)
Spring: 5° – 15°C (41° – 59°F)
Summer: 18° – 26°C (64° – 79°F)
Autumn: 24° – 5°C (75° – 41°F)
ECONOMY
This modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy. According to the World Bank, Denmark ranked as the world’s fourteenth highest per capita income in 2016. The country has a mixed economy based on services and manufacturing. It relies heavily on human resources, but not exclusively. Cooperatives form a large part of some industries, be it in housing, agriculture or retail, and foundations play a large role as owners of private sector companies. Denmark also one of the world’s lowest levels of income inequality,
EDUCATION
Education in Denmark is compulsory (undervisningspligt) for children below the age of 16. The public schooling and education system is financed by taxes. Pre-school, which is optional, is followed by nine years of compulsory education in primary and lower secondary school. The upper secondary education system consists of two types of programmes: general education and vocational education. The higher education sector includes: Universities, University Colleges, and Academies of Professional Higher Education.
CULTURE
The Danes are well known for their love of cycling, and cities all around the world are now looking at ways to copy this phenomenon. They even developed a cycle path network. The Danish working culture is based on collaboration and personal responsibility. The atmosphere in the workplace is professional but also casual. "Hygge" is a very important term in Denmark, which covers the warm and friendly atmosphere of spending quality time
CUISINE
Nordic food has been making something of a comeback in recent years. There has been a surge of interest in the scientific and gastronomic communities.
Over the last decade, the New Nordic Cuisine has revolutionised Danish gastronomy and created an entirely new focus on local ingredients. It has meant a renaissance of classic Danish dishes like porridge, Smørrebrød open sandwiches and the classic roast pork with parsley sauce – of course, served with a glass of good Danish beer.
SPORTS
Almost two million people actively participate in sports as members of an association. Almost two thirds of all children and young people are engaged in organised sports. The National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark (DIF) has a slogan that sums it all up: “Sport for all – regardless of level, age and gender”. Football is the national sport of Denmark and the most popular sport played there but handball is also very popular, especially during the winter season.
Healthcare system in Denmark
Denmark has a comprehensive public healthcare system, including general practitioners, specialist practitioners, hospitals, health visitor services, paediatric dental care, and more. Public healthcare in Denmark is tax financed, and the vast majority of health services are free of charge for users, such as hospital services and visits to general practitioners.
HOW IT WORKS
Anyone who receives a Danish residence permit and a civil registry number (CPR number) is entitled to Danish health insurance. The person will then be issued a health insurance card (‘sundhedskort’) as documentary proof of the right to public healthcare services. The health insurance card acts as an admittance card to the healthcare system.
Cost of living
FOOD
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 16.14€
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 16.14€
- A three-course meal for two at a mid-ranged restaurant: 80.69€
- 1 litre of milk: 0.89€
- Fresh white bread: 2.05€
- 1 kilogram of oranges: 2.36€
- 1 kilogram of potatoes: 1.48€
- 1 kilogram of chicken breasts: 7.39 €
TRANSPORT
- A monthly pass for the local transport system: 51.10 €
- A monthly pass for the local transport system: 51.10 €
- 1 km by taxi with a normal fare: 2.05
- 1 litre of gasoline: 1.38€
UTILITIES
- Monthly utilities: 164.26€
- 1 minute of pre-paid mobile tariff: 0.12€
- Internet access (6Mbps, Flat Rate, Cable/ADSL): 25.70€
LEISURE
- Monthly fee for an adult at a fitness centre: 31.41€
- Monthly fee for an adult at a fitness centre: 31.41€
- 1 hour tennis court rent at the weekend: 21.63€
- 1 seat at the cinema for an international release: 13.45€
RENT
- The rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ranges from 670 to 940€
- The rent for a 3-bedroom apartment ranges from 1200 to 1700€
TAXATION IN DENMARK
Personal income tax in Denmark is calculated on the income earned in the course of the calendar year. Most of the tax is collected during the year by the employer withholding a part of the employee’s wages before payment. The amount retained by the employer is paid to the tax authorities as a provisional tax.
Married couples are taxed separately. In Denmark, there are local and state taxes. Municipal income tax is levied on taxable income and varies according to the municipality, between 22% and 27%. In Copenhagen, the country’s capital, the municipal tax rate is around 24%.
Have a look at our available job opportunities in Denmark, learn about the working conditions and how MediCarrera can assist you on your path to a career in Danish public healthcare.