Copenhagen: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, with about 650,000 people in the city and about 2 million in the metro area. The economy rests on pharmaceuticals and biotech, shipping, green energy, design and IT. The city is rated among the most liveable in the world: bike lanes everywhere, harbour water clean enough to swim in, and almost everyone speaks English.

Copenhagen suits professionals with a contract at a Danish company, researchers, founders of innovative start-ups and families who value safety and the welfare system. It is harder for those counting on low taxes and cheap housing.

Neighbourhoods: where newcomers settle

• Østerbro: a calm area near parks and the sea, the family choice.
• Nørrebro: multicultural and lively, with cafés and markets.
• Vesterbro: a former industrial area, now trendy, next to the station.
• Frederiksberg: a separate municipality inside the city, green and expensive, good schools.
• Ørestad and Amager: new buildings, metro to the airport and centre.

Cost of living

The krone is pegged to the euro, about 6.67 kroner per dollar on 6 October 2026. Housing is the main expense, and co-operative housing queues are long.

Practicalities: documents, transport, climate

Documents. After moving you get a civil registration number: without it the doctor, bank, tax office and schools do not work. Transport. Cycling is the main transport, and the metro runs around the clock and reaches the airport in 15 minutes. Climate. A mild but dark and windy winter, and a cool summer around 20°C.

Taxes and the welfare system

Danish income tax is among the highest in the world: the top marginal rate exceeds 50%, combining state, municipal and labour market taxes. In return there is free healthcare and education, partly paid childcare and generous benefits. Highly paid foreign specialists can pay a reduced rate for several years under a special regime for incoming researchers and key employees. VAT is 25%.

Moving and legal status

• European Union citizens only need registration;
• others need a residence permit: under a high-salary contract, the shortage occupation list, for researchers and study;
• the start-up residence permit: after an expert panel assesses the business plan, up to 2 years renewable for up to 3;
• Russian citizens need a Schengen visa, since November 2025 usually single-entry.

We will choose the grounds for your contract or project and prepare the documents.

Renting: how to find a flat

By law the owner can take a deposit of up to three months' rent plus up to three months' rent in advance, so a large sum is needed at the start. Many flats are let through housing co-operatives and associations with waiting lists, and the private market is more expensive. A condition report is made on moving in, which decides the return of the deposit.

Getting there and trips

Copenhagen Airport is the largest in Scandinavia, 15 minutes from the centre by metro. Trains cross the bridge over the strait to Malmö in Sweden in about 35 minutes, so many people live in one country and work in the other. Trains and buses run to Hamburg and Berlin.

Is the city worth considering

The pluses are safety, the welfare system, English everywhere, cycling and a clean city, and a strong job market in its sectors. The minuses are very expensive housing, high taxes, dark winters and strict rules for foreigners. Copenhagen works for those with a well-paid contract or a project in an innovative industry.