Move to Denmark

Practical Checklist Before Moving to Denmark

Use this checklist to prepare the most important documents and practical tasks before your move to Denmark. Tick items off on screen and continue later from the same device with your progress saved automatically.

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Important: Some items depend on your nationality and reason for moving. The residence and permit section is especially important, because the exact documents can differ for EU/EEA citizens, Nordic citizens and non-EU citizens.

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1. Identity and core personal documents

Collect the documents you may need repeatedly before and after arrival.

Valid passport or national ID cardMake sure it is valid for the full period of travel and early settlement.

Printed and digital copies of passport / IDKeep copies in cloud storage and on your phone.

Passport photos if neededUseful for applications or local paperwork if requested.

Birth certificateEspecially useful for families or later registration questions.

Marriage certificate / divorce papers if relevantBring originals if your family status may matter for registration.

Children’s birth certificates and custody documents if relevantImportant when moving with children.

2. Residence basis and immigration documents

Prepare the documents that prove your right to live and work in Denmark.

Check whether you need an EU residence document or residence permitThis depends on your nationality and reason for moving.

Approved residence permit or visa documents if requiredBring approval letters, permit cards and application references.

EU/EEA residence documentation if relevantEspecially important if you will stay in Denmark longer than 3 months.

Employment contract, admission letter or other basis for residenceNeeded to prove why you are moving to Denmark.

Family member documentation if moving with spouse / childrenBring documents that connect family members to the main applicant.

3. Work and income documents

Prepare the papers that make salary, tax and employer setup easier.

Signed job contract or written job offerBring the final version, not only email screenshots.

Employer contact detailsSave HR name, email, address and phone number.

Recent payslips or proof of income if relevantUseful for housing, bank or document questions.

CV, diplomas and certificatesBring originals or certified copies if your profession requires proof.

Professional authorisation documents if relevantImportant for regulated professions.

4. Housing documents

Housing paperwork is often needed very early in Denmark.

Temporary or permanent housing planKnow where you will stay during your first weeks.

Rental contract or housing confirmationThis may be needed when registering your address.

Proof of Danish addressBring lease, landlord statement or other accepted proof if available.

Consent from host if staying at someone else’s addressUseful if you are not the main tenant.

Move-in budget for deposit, rent and setup costsThe first housing payment is often larger than a normal month later on.

5. Health and insurance documents

Bring enough information to manage healthcare before your Danish setup is fully active.

European Health Insurance Card if relevantUseful for temporary coverage if applicable.

Private travel or health insurance for the first period if neededEspecially important if your Danish healthcare setup is not active on day one.

Prescription list and medical summary if relevantBring names of medicines, dosage and diagnosis information if needed.

Vaccination records if relevantUseful for children, school or healthcare follow-up.

Enough medicine for the first periodBring what you legally can, plus prescriptions and doctor notes if necessary.

6. Money, bank and tax preparation

Prepare the financial side before arrival so your first month is easier.

Budget for the first 1–3 monthsInclude rent, deposit, food, transport, phone, furniture and unexpected costs.

International payment card that works abroadTest it before departure.

Some accessible funds for the first weeksUseful before your Danish bank account is ready.

Tax information prepared for employer onboardingYour employer may need early details to handle salary correctly.

Documents for opening a bank account laterPassport, address proof, work contract and CPR-related documents are often useful.

7. Family and children

Extra items to prepare if you are moving with family.

School records and report cards for childrenHelpful when contacting schools in Denmark.

Childcare / kindergarten documents if relevantPrepare vaccination records, IDs and previous daycare information.

Family passports and ID copies in one folderKeep all family documents together digitally and on paper.

Translated documents if neededEspecially useful for civil records, school records or special legal documents.

8. Travel and moving logistics

Handle the practical details before departure.

Travel tickets bookedFlight, train or car route confirmed.

Luggage and moving plan preparedKnow what you are bringing now and what may come later.

Important documents packed in hand luggageNever place passports, contracts or permits in checked baggage only.

Phone access ready for DenmarkCheck roaming, SIM card options and two-factor login access.

Emergency contacts saved offlineKeep key numbers available without internet access.

9. Very early tasks after arrival

These are not “before moving” tasks, but they are so important that they are worth keeping on the same checklist.

Apply for or complete CPR registration if relevantCPR is central for salary, bank account, insurance and doctor access.

Get your health insurance card process startedThe health card follows CPR registration and connects you to healthcare.

Set up MitID when eligibleMitID is central for digital life in Denmark.

Open a Danish bank account / assign NemKonto when readyImportant for salary and public payments.

Check tax setup with employer or tax authoritiesUseful to avoid salary problems in the first pay period.

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