Moving to Denmark from Romania
Romanians are among the larger international communities in Denmark, and moving to Denmark from Romania is straightforward on paper: as an EU citizen you need no visa and no work permit. This guide covers your rights, the registration you do need, finding work and housing, getting your qualifications recognised, and settling in.
Overview
Since Romania joined the EU in 2007, Romanians have become one of the bigger international groups in Denmark – working in agriculture, construction, transport, hospitality, cleaning and, increasingly, healthcare and IT. That established presence is part of what makes moving to Denmark from Romania so manageable: the legal side is light, the community is real, and the practical steps are well mapped. The work is the everyday stuff – registration, a job, somewhere to live, and the language.
As a Romanian citizen you have full EU free movement: no visa, no work permit, and the right to live, work, study or run a business in Denmark from day one. You only register if you stay more than three months.
Your right to be here
Romania is in the EU, so you move under free-movement rules. You do not apply for permission to come; you arrive and, if staying beyond three months, register your residence. You can take any job, be self-employed, study or look for work – all on equal terms with Danes. Any old transitional limits on Romanian workers are long gone.
Registration: EU document and CPR
Two registrations make you a functioning resident:
- EU residence document (registreringsbevis) – apply to SIRI within three months of arriving. It confirms your right to stay and is free.
- CPR number – register your address at the municipality (or International House in Copenhagen) to get your CPR, the key to healthcare, banking and everything else.
Then set up MitID, a bank account and NemKonto, and request a tax card so your pay is taxed correctly.
Finding work
Demand is strong, and Romanian workers are well represented in agriculture, construction, transport and logistics, hospitality and cleaning – with a growing presence in engineering, IT and healthcare. English is enough to start in many workplaces, though Danish widens your options quickly. Our job-hunting guide covers where to look.
Getting your qualifications recognised
For most jobs you simply show your CV and references. But regulated professions – nurses, doctors, electricians, teachers and similar – need formal recognition or authorisation before you can practise. Check your field early, as it can take time, and keep certified copies and translations of your Romanian diplomas to hand.
Housing
Finding somewhere to live is usually the hardest part, especially in Copenhagen and Aarhus, where demand is high and scams target newcomers. Start early, never pay a deposit before viewing or signing, and know your rights as a tenant.
The Romanian community
You will not be starting from scratch. Denmark has a sizeable, settled Romanian community, with Orthodox parishes, Romanian shops and active associations – especially around Copenhagen, Aarhus and the agricultural regions. It makes for a softer landing while your Danish finds its feet.
Money and tax
Wages are high but so is tax – and there is no statutory minimum wage; pay is set by sector agreements instead. Budget realistically for the cost of living, sort your tax card, and understand what actually lands in your account.
First steps when moving to Denmark from Romania
- Arrive – no visa or permit required.
- Apply for your EU residence document with SIRI (within three months).
- Register your address and get your CPR number.
- Set up MitID, a bank account, NemKonto and a tax card.
- Line up work and housing, and start free Danish classes.
Questions and answers
Do I need a visa or work permit?
No. As a Romanian EU citizen you have free movement – you can live and work in Denmark without either, registering your residence only if you stay over three months.
How long can I stay to look for work?
As an EU jobseeker you can stay to seek work; you simply register once you settle. There is none of the pressure non-EU arrivals face.
Will my Romanian qualifications be recognised?
For most jobs, informally yes. Regulated professions (health, trades, teaching) need formal authorisation first – check your field early.
Is there a minimum wage?
No statutory one. Pay floors come from collective agreements, and most jobs pay well above them.