Moving

Moving to Denmark from Australia or NZ

Updated July 2026
The one-line versionYou are a third-country national – 90 visa-free days for visits, a work and residence permit to live here. The standout for Australians and New Zealanders is the Working Holiday scheme for under-30s, and tax that is residency-based, so it usually resolves cleanly once you leave.

Your route in

Australian and New Zealand citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 for tourism or business, but working needs a permit. Employer routes are the Pay Limit Scheme and the Positive List; there are also study, family reunification and start-up routes.

Working Holiday: the easy first stepDenmark has Working Holiday agreements with both Australia and New Zealand. Eligible young people (generally 18-30) can live and work in Denmark for up to a year without lining up an employer sponsor first. For many Australians and New Zealanders this is how the Denmark move begins – come on the Working Holiday, then convert to an employer permit if you want to stay.

Tax: residency-based

Both Australia and New Zealand tax on residency rather than citizenship. Once you become a Danish tax resident and cease tax residency at home, they generally stop taxing your worldwide income, and Denmark’s tax treaties with each country resolve any overlap. You register with SKAT for a tax card. Getting the ceasing-residency step right (especially the Australian side) is worth an adviser’s time. High earners from abroad may qualify for the researcher tax scheme.

Your driving licence

Exchange rules depend on your issuing state or territory in Australia, or New Zealand’s terms. You may be able to exchange without a full test, or you may need to pass the Danish test. Bring an International Driving Permit for the first months and confirm your situation with your municipality soon after getting your CPR, since the window to exchange is short.

Recognition, community and staying

Regulated professions need recognition of qualifications. There is a friendly Antipodean community in Copenhagen, often centred on the Working Holiday crowd and the big international employers. Permanent residence generally needs eight years (four in some cases) with language and self-support conditions, and Denmark allows dual citizenship.

Common questions

Do Australians and New Zealanders need a visa?
Not for visits – 90 days visa-free in any 180. To live and work you need a Danish residence and work permit, usually employer-sponsored under the Pay Limit Scheme or Positive List.
Is there a working holiday scheme?
Yes. Denmark has Working Holiday arrangements with both Australia and New Zealand, letting eligible young people (generally 18-30) live and work in Denmark for up to a year – a popular first step.
How is tax handled?
Both Australia and New Zealand tax on residency. Once you become a Danish tax resident and cease tax residency at home, they generally stop taxing your worldwide income. Denmark has tax treaties with both. Confirm your residency status with an adviser.
Can I swap my licence?
Depending on your state or territory (Australia) or on New Zealand rules, you may exchange without a full test or need the Danish test. Bring an International Driving Permit and check with your kommune early.