Moving to Denmark from Pakistan

Overview for Pakistani citizens

You are a non-EU citizen. This means: No visa-free access to Schengen. You need a Schengen visa for short visits, or a work/residence permit for longer stays. Apply at the Danish embassy in Islamabad.

Permit routes: Pay Limit Scheme (DKK 400,000+/year), Positive List, Fast-Track, EU Blue Card, Family Reunification.

Flights: 8–10 hours from Lahore or Islamabad, usually with one connection via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul. No direct flights. PIA, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines are common routings.

Visa & permits

No visa-free access to Schengen. You need a Schengen visa for short visits, or a work/residence permit for longer stays. Apply at the Danish embassy in Islamabad.

Pay Limit Scheme (DKK 400,000+/year), Positive List, Fast-Track, EU Blue Card, Family Reunification.

Step-by-step: Pakistani citizen moving to Denmark

Here’s the exact sequence, in order, with nothing skipped.

Tax: Pakistan → Denmark

Double taxation treaty: Yes — Pakistan-Denmark Double Taxation Agreement. Pakistan taxes residents on worldwide income. Once you leave and become a non-resident, Pakistan only taxes Pakistan-sourced income. Update your status with the FBR.

File your final tax return with FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) for the departure year and update your residency status. As a non-resident, Pakistan will only tax your Pakistani income (rental property, local investments, etc.). Danish tax rates are higher than Pakistani rates but the salaries are proportionally much higher. The effective take-home in Denmark will be significantly more than in Pakistan.

Healthcare

Denmark’s universal healthcare is transformative. Free GP visits, free hospital care, subsidised prescriptions — all through your CPR number. No out-of-pocket costs for basic care. Dental and optical are not covered. Quality is world-class and consistent. Emergency: 112 (urgent), 1813 (non-urgent medical advice).

Banking

CPR number, passport, and employment contract needed. Non-EU applicants may face additional documentation requests. Lunar is typically the most flexible option. For sending money to Pakistan, Wise and Remitly offer significantly better rates than traditional hawala or bank wire transfers. Keep a Pakistani bank account for any remaining obligations.

Driving

Pakistani driving licence cannot be directly exchanged. You must take the full Danish driving test (theory + practical), costing DKK 10,000–15,000. Copenhagen’s cycling infrastructure and public transport are excellent alternatives.

Cultural tips for Pakistani expats

The things that catch Pakistani expats off guard, based on real experiences:

• Halal food is widely available in Copenhagen — Nørrebro, Nordvest, and surrounding areas have halal supermarkets, butchers, and restaurants. Most large supermarkets stock halal chicken.
• Friday prayers (Jummah) are available at multiple mosques including the Copenhagen Grand Mosque, Islamic Center Copenhagen, and several smaller mosques.
• Alcohol is socially important in Danish workplace culture (fredagsbar). You don’t need to drink — but showing up to social events matters for integration.
• Danish directness can feel blunt. It’s not intended as disrespect — it’s how communication works here.
• The cold and dark in winter require proper preparation. Good winter clothing is an investment, not an expense.
• Pakistani/South Asian grocery stores are easy to find in Copenhagen — spices, lentils, basmati rice, and fresh produce are all available.

Education & schools

Danish folkeskole is free and high quality. Muslim friskoler (private schools with Islamic values) exist and teach in Danish. International schools are an alternative for English-medium education. Danish schools emphasise critical thinking, creativity, and outdoor play — a different model from Pakistani schooling.

Pakistani community in Denmark

The Pakistani community in Denmark is well-established (~25,000 people of Pakistani background). The Pakistan Denmark Friendship Association, various mosque communities, and cultural organizations provide strong networks. Urdu-speaking communities exist across Copenhagen. Pakistani restaurants and grocery stores are common, particularly in Nørrebro and Nordvest.

Pensions

There is no bilateral social security agreement between Pakistan and Denmark. Any EOBI contributions in Pakistan are separate from the Danish system. Danish employer pensions are mandatory (12–17% of salary). ATP is automatic.

Common mistakes Pakistani expats make