Copenhagen deserves a lot more recognition than it's getting now. Sure, it's not Paris, London, Rome, and the like but it shouldn't have to be. The Danish capital has its own charms and vibe, but at the same time, the way of life here is generally a lot more peaceful than in other European cities. Although Copenhagen is an urban metropolis just like any other capital city out there, it's one of the very few that can still offer a pleasant and peaceful lifestyle. You'd do well to consider relocating here if you get the chance. And when you decide, here's what you'll need to know.
Overview
Currently, Copenhagen has a population of 5,819,072 residents. It's no surprise that Denmark's capital has a large population considering the fact that the country itself is one of the most densely populated in Europe. Not to mention one of the coldest too. Thanks to its geographical location, Denmark generally has cold climates. In fact, its hottest month, which is July, regularly sees an average temperature of 70°F (21°C) which, in other countries, is considered room temperature. Meanwhile, every February, the coldest month in Copenhagen, has an average temperature of 30°F (-1°C). These alone should tell you how cold it is here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visa
You probably already know that you need a
Schengen Visa in order to gain entry to Denmark and the rest of the EU. Especially if you're coming from a non-EU country. There's also the option of getting into the country via the
ETIAS Visa Waiver Program. If you're eligible, you can travel to Denmark even when you don't have a Schengen Visa. But to stay here for more than 90 days (approximately three months), you'll need to apply for a temporary residence permit. This will allow you to stay for at least a year and from there, you can start the legal process of actually moving here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Getting Around
Although Copenhagen is far more peaceful than other European capitals, it's still a bustling metropolis. On any given day, you'll find countless people running about, particularly in
the city's public transport. Copenhagen offers a handful of options for commuters to get around. There's the underground metro for faster travel time, the S-train which stays within the busier areas of the city, and buses that go on several routes, among many others. In terms of accessing these systems, you'd do well to get a
Copenhagen Card to make your commutes easier and quicker. Also, there's still the option of relying on
transportation apps to get you to where you need to be.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Where to Live
When you plan to relocate to Copenhagen, one of the first things you ought to do is to choose which part of the city you'll settle down in.
Copenhagen neighborhoods are far more diverse than you probably think. Where you choose your next hometown will depend if your lifestyle fits that particular place. If, for instance, you're moving to the Danish capital with your spouse and kids, you'd do well to pick the more peaceful neighborhoods of Frederiksberg and Østerbro. If you're one to hustle no matter what time of the day it is, busy areas like Kødbyen, the Latin Quarter, or Nørrebro might suit you best.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Real Estate
Once you've chosen your new neighborhood there's still the matter of real estate. And you know what that means, right?
Living costs! As with any other city, you'll have to spend a lot of money to live and maintain your lifestyle here. Generally speaking, Copenhagen can be pretty pricey at times. In fact, even if you're only gonna be renting a one-bedroom flat in the city, the common rental costs range from DKK 5,500.00 to DKK 14,000.00. Then there's food, which will normally cost a common total median price of DKK 597.73. Do you think you can handle it?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Employment
As far as employment goes, you're in luck!
Denmark's job market is one of the most stable in the world, backed by a good economy and favorable working conditions. The fact that this country is one of the more well-off in the world speaks volumes as to how one can flourish and live happily in Copenhagen. With a current unemployment rate of 3.6%, and that's even after a global pandemic, you'll probably find it easy to get a job in this bustling capital city. Moreover, thanks to the Danish work culture, you also get to enjoy some work-life balance too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Education
Now, as far as education is concerned, there's nothing to worry about. Copenhagen might not be the academic capital of the world but it certainly does not lack high-quality education. There are plenty of well-respected educational institutions to go around, even
international schools that will help your kids continue their studies. The likes of
Copenhagen International School and
Waldorf International School Copenhagen have all gained recognition as prominent schools in the Danish capital. And as for learning Danish to help you settle down here, the city also offers a handful of
language schools that can easily help you out!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Healthcare
The moment you relocate to Copenhagen and become a legal resident of Denmark, you can finally access
the country's healthcare system. Thanks to the fact that it operates on a universal system, all legal residents in the country get the right to register under the public option. This, in turn, will give you many benefits, ranging from getting a general practitioner to getting treated to any of
Copenhagen's finest hospitals. You'll understand the moment you step foot in the likes of
Rigshospitalet and
Bispebjerg Hospital that these are some of the best medical institutions, not just in the country, but arguably in the entire region too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Safety
Is Copenhagen the safest place in the world? No, but it's close! According to
the city's crime rates, there's very little to worry about here. This isn't to say that the Danish capital is crime-free, but rather, compared to other capital cities around the world, Copenhagen fares really well. As of 2021, its general crime rate is 27.54%, one of the lowest in the world. And when it comes to the city's safety rate, it's 85.83% during the day and only falls to 67.58% at night. For a capital city with a population of 5.8 million residents, these figures aren't half bad!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Taxes
Of course, when you become a legal resident of Copenhagen, you'll have to deal with
Denmark's tax system too. Let's focus on your income tax, for instance, since this is what will directly affect you most of all. Although just like in many other countries, your income tax rates depend on how much you earn in a year, the Danish system has put on a threshold to determine whether you're part of the 'top' bracket or 'bottom' bracket. Those who earn less than DKK 544,800.00 a year belong to the latter and have a fixed income tax rate of 12.11%. Those who earn more than the aforementioned amount belong to the latter and have a fixed income tax rate of 15%.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Relocation Tips
For some final words of advice, don't forget to do two important steps when you relocate to Copenhagen. Firstly, make sure you
open a local bank account here. Only when you do can you handle your finances properly, especially if you're going to deal with the local currency, the Danish Krone. Secondly, join a
local mobile network as soon as you get here. There are loads of plans to choose from and many of them guarantee great coverage and ample internet connection. Not to mention unlimited calls and texts to help you stay in contact with everyone!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Relocating to Copenhagen is no easy task but it's also not impossible. At the very least, you can rely on this guide to help you out, even if it's just for a little bit. All in all, you'll soon realize that there's more to Copenhagen when you finally move here!
