Short-term housing in Denmark — your first 2–4 weeks
Finding permanent housing in Denmark takes time — typically 2–8 weeks, sometimes longer in Copenhagen. You need somewhere to live while you search. This guide covers every short-term option, from serviced apartments to subletting, with real prices and practical advice for your first weeks in Denmark.
The recommended strategy
Book 2–4 weeks of short-term housing before you arrive. This gives you a base while you search for permanent accommodation in person — viewing apartments online from abroad is risky, and landlords prefer to meet tenants face-to-face. Most expats find permanent housing within 2–6 weeks of arrival, but Copenhagen can take longer.
Housing scams targeting expats are common. Never transfer money before seeing an apartment in person. If a deal seems too good — it is. Use your short-term housing as a base for in-person viewings.
All options compared
| Option | Cost/night (CPH) | Best for | Minimum stay | CPR address? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | DKK 500–1,200 | Couples, flexibility | 1 night | No |
| Serviced apartment | DKK 600–1,500 | Families, longer stays | 3–7 nights | Sometimes (30+ days) |
| Subletting (fremleje) | DKK 300–600 | Budget, 1–3 months | 1 month typical | Yes (if registered) |
| Corporate housing | DKK 800–2,000 | Employer-arranged | 1 month | Yes |
| Hostel | DKK 200–500 | Solo, ultra-budget | 1 night | No |
| Hotel | DKK 800–2,500 | Short stays, comfort | 1 night | No |
Airbnb — rules and limits in Copenhagen
Airbnb works well for the first 1–2 weeks. However, Copenhagen has strict limits on short-term rentals: hosts can rent their primary residence for a maximum of 70 nights per year. This means availability can be limited, especially in peak season (June–August). Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in central Copenhagen range from DKK 500–1,200 per night, making it expensive for stays beyond two weeks.
Serviced apartments
Serviced apartments are the best option for families and stays of 2–8 weeks. They offer kitchen facilities (essential for managing costs in expensive Denmark), more space than a hotel, and often weekly cleaning. Providers in Copenhagen include:
- STAY Copenhagen — modern apartments in Nordhavn and Islands Brygge. DKK 800–1,500/night, with significant discounts for monthly bookings.
- Adina Apartment Hotel — central location on Amerika Plads. Studio from DKK 900/night.
- Cityden / Apartment Copenhagen — multiple locations, budget to mid-range. From DKK 600/night.
- Frogner House — Scandinavian serviced apartments, longer-stay focused. Monthly rates available.
Subletting (fremleje) — the smart move
If you can find a sublet for 1–3 months, this is often the best balance of cost and comfort. A furnished sublet typically costs DKK 8,000–14,000/month — roughly the same as a permanent rental — and gives you a real apartment with a real address (important for CPR registration).
Where to find sublets: BoligPortal (filter by “fremleje”), Facebook groups (Copenhagen Expats, Copenhagen Housing), Lejebolig.dk, and university bulletin boards. Be cautious of scams — verify the sublessor’s identity and the landlord’s permission for subletting.
If you sign a subletting contract (fremlejekontrakt) for 3+ months, you can register it as your CPR address at your local International Citizen Service. This is important — you cannot get a tax card, bank account, or health card without a registered address. A sublet solves this problem while you search for permanent housing.
Corporate housing and relocation support
If you are relocating for work, ask your employer about corporate housing. Many Danish employers — especially international companies — provide temporary housing for the first 1–3 months as part of the relocation package. This is often arranged through relocation companies like Nordic Relocation Group, Dwellworks, or Team Relocations.
Hostels and budget options
For solo travellers on a tight budget, Copenhagen’s hostels are clean and well-run. Danhostel Copenhagen City (near Fisketorvet) and Steel House Copenhagen (near Central Station) offer both dorms (DKK 200–350/night) and private rooms (DKK 500–800/night). Fine for a week while you search; exhausting for longer.
CPR registration and your address
You need a Danish address to register for a CPR number. Hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels do not count. If your only option is short-term accommodation without a registrable address, contact your local International Citizen Service — they can sometimes advise on interim solutions or accept a c/o address at your workplace.
Budget guide — what to expect
For a couple arriving in Copenhagen with 4 weeks of short-term housing needed:
- Budget option (sublet): DKK 10,000–14,000 for the month
- Mid-range (serviced apartment): DKK 18,000–30,000 for the month
- Comfortable (Airbnb, 2 weeks + serviced, 2 weeks): DKK 25,000–40,000
- Premium (hotel + serviced): DKK 40,000–60,000