Moving to Denmark from the UK

Updated By exploringdenmark

Everything British expats need to know about moving to Denmark: permits, tax, healthcare, banking, driving, and practical setup — explained for your specific situation.

British citizen JOB OFFER Post-Brexit rules SIRI 1-3 months CPR + MitID Register & settle Non-EU (post-Brexit): job offer > SIRI permit > arrive > register

Overview for British citizens

You are a non-EU (post-Brexit) citizen. This means: 90 days within 180 days (Schengen visa waiver). Since Brexit, UK citizens are no longer EU citizens and cannot use EU free movement rules.

Permit routes: Pay Limit Scheme, Positive List, Fast-Track, EU Blue Card. The process is identical to other non-EU citizens since January 2021.

Flights: 1 hour 45 minutes from London. Multiple daily flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Manchester via SAS, BA, easyJet, and Ryanair. Copenhagen is closer than Edinburgh.

Visa & permits

90 days within 180 days (Schengen visa waiver). Since Brexit, UK citizens are no longer EU citizens and cannot use EU free movement rules.

Pay Limit Scheme, Positive List, Fast-Track, EU Blue Card. The process is identical to other non-EU citizens since January 2021.

Work Permit Guide →
Detailed breakdown of every permit scheme, fees, and processing times.
Visa / Permit Finder Tool →
Answer 4 questions and find the right permit for your situation.

Step-by-step: British citizen moving to Denmark

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

Secure a Danish job offer

Since Brexit, you need a work permit like any non-EU citizen. The employer usually sponsors the application. Most British professionals qualify via the Pay Limit Scheme (DKK 400,000+/year) or Positive List.

Apply for work and residence permit via SIRI

File through nyidanmark.dk. Documents: UK passport, employment contract, qualifications, passport photos, fee (~DKK 4,820). Unlike pre-Brexit, this is now a full immigration application.

Complete biometrics

Either at the Danish embassy in London or at an ICS centre after arrival (if entering visa-free for the first 90 days and applying from Denmark).

Register CPR number

At International House Copenhagen or your local Borgerservice. Bring passport, permit, rental contract. If married, bring your marriage certificate. Your NHS number is irrelevant in Denmark — you’ll get a new CPR number.

Get MitID and open a bank account

MitID replaces what you’d think of as Gov.uk Verify. Get it at Borgerservice, then open a bank account. Danske Bank, Nordea, or Lunar. Link as NemKonto.

Sort tax — P85 to HMRC, tax card from SKAT

File P85 with HMRC to confirm you’ve left the UK. Check your Danish tax card on skat.dk. If eligible for Forskerskatteordningen (27% flat tax), apply within 30 days of first salary.

Tax: the UK → Denmark

Double taxation treaty: Yes — UK-Denmark Double Taxation Convention. The UK does not tax non-residents on foreign employment income, so once you move, you typically only pay Danish tax on your Danish salary. UK rental income or pensions may still be taxable in the UK.

The UK’s tax system is simpler for leavers than the US system — once you’re non-resident, HMRC stops taxing your employment income. You’ll need to complete a P85 form when you leave. State pension contributions freeze unless you make voluntary NI contributions (Class 2 — currently £3.45/week — well worth it for the pension top-up).

Forskerskatteordningen (Researcher Tax Scheme)

If you earn above DKK 75,100/month (2026 figure), you may qualify for a flat 27% income tax rate for up to 7 years. This is one of the most valuable tax benefits in Europe. Read the full guide.

How Danish Tax Works →
AM-bidrag, A-skat, kommune tax, and your effective rate explained.

Healthcare

Denmark’s healthcare system is broadly similar to the NHS in structure — tax-funded, free at point of use, GP as gatekeeper, referral to specialists. Quality is comparable. The main differences: no A&E walk-in — you call 1813 for non-emergency or 112 for emergency. Dental is not covered for adults (unlike NHS subsidised dental). Prescriptions have a co-pay with annual subsidy thresholds.

Danish Healthcare Guide →
GP registration, yellow health card, emergency numbers, and what’s covered.

Banking

Opening a Danish bank account is straightforward for Brits. Danske Bank, Nordea, and Lunar all accept UK passport holders. No FATCA complications (unlike Americans). Wise is excellent for transferring GBP→DKK during the transition period. Keep a UK account open for any remaining UK income.

Open a Bank Account →
Which bank, what documents, and how long it takes.

Driving

UK driving licences can be exchanged directly for a Danish licence — no test required. You must do this within 180 days of getting your CPR number. It costs ~DKK 280. Important: Denmark drives on the right. This is the biggest adjustment for British drivers.

Exchange Driving Licence →
Eligibility, process, costs, and deadlines for licence exchange.

Cultural tips for British expats

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

  • The work culture is remarkably similar to the UK but dialled up — less overtime, more flexibility, flatter hierarchies.
  • The weather is almost identical to the UK. If anything, Copenhagen winters are slightly colder but less rainy than London.
  • Pub culture doesn’t exist in the same way. Danes socialise more through dinner parties, sports clubs, and foreninger (associations).
  • Prices feel similar to London for most things, but significantly higher than other UK cities. Alcohol in supermarkets is cheaper than the UK.
  • The NHS-equivalent system works well but the no-A&E thing catches Brits off guard. Save 1813 in your phone.
  • Sarcasm and dry humour translate well — Danes and Brits share a similar sense of humour.

Education & schools

Danish folkeskole is free and high quality. For English-medium, Copenhagen International School, Rygaards, and The International School of Helsingør are options. British families often adapt to Danish schools faster than other nationalities because the school philosophy (child-led, less homework, outdoor learning) aligns with UK trends.

British community in Denmark

The British community in Denmark is one of the largest non-Scandinavian groups. The British Club Copenhagen, St. Alban’s English Church, and various informal groups provide community. Post-Brexit, the Brits in Denmark Facebook group (14,000+ members) is invaluable for practical advice.

Pensions

Your UK State Pension can be claimed from Denmark. Make voluntary NI contributions (Class 2) to top up your qualifying years — this is one of the best investments a British expat can make. Private/workplace pensions remain in the UK and can be drawn from Denmark. Do NOT transfer to a QROPS unless you’ve had independent advice — the tax implications are complex.

Danish Pensions Explained →
ATP, employer pensions, and how the system works.

Common mistakes British expats make

Avoid these
  1. Assuming Brexit doesn’t apply to you — it does. You need a full work permit now, same as someone from Australia or Brazil.
  2. Not filing P85 with HMRC — you may continue to be taxed in the UK otherwise.
  3. Forgetting voluntary NI contributions — £3.45/week to protect your State Pension is the best deal in personal finance.
  4. Not exchanging your driving licence within 180 days — after that deadline, you must take the full Danish test (DKK 12,000+).