• Denmark’s capital has a rich history and is a thriving business hub with great connections to surrounding countries.
• Acquiring a residency permit for Copenhagen can be tricky, but there are certain ways to make your transition easier, for example, looking at current labor shortages.
• Copenhagen’s public transportation network is vast and efficient with the metro lines running 24 hours, seven days a week.

Moving to Copenhagen can be an incredible experience for expats who love to live the urban, European life. Denmark’s capital is by far the biggest city in the country and also the most populous urban area. Of Denmark’s 5.6 million citizens, about 1.26 million live in Copenhagen. Still, the city of Copenhagen has preserved its small-town flair.

A Chilly Winter in the Danish Business Hub

Copenhagen is located in the southeast of Denmark, on the island of Zealand (Sjælland). Expats moving to Copenhagen will be glad to find that this makes it an important business location within Europe. From Copenhagen you have access to the Øresund region, consisting of Zealand, Lolland-Falster, and Bornholm on the Danish side of the sound. At the same time, its close proximity to Sweden allows you to explore Europe on a shoestring via the Øresund Bridge, which connects Copenhagen with Malmö.

Upon moving to Copenhagen, you will encounter a moderate climate. The Atlantic Gulf Stream brings warm, and at times humid, weather throughout the summer months. In the winter months, rain is more common than snow in Copenhagen, and temperatures usually fluctuate around the freezing point.

Princes and Palaces: Denmark’s City of Royalty

In Copenhagen, chances are you frequently come across royal statues and monuments or experience various events celebrating the monarchy and the royal family. After all, Denmark’s monarchy is one of the oldest in the world.

If you visit Amalienborg Palace after moving to Copenhagen, you might just catch a glimpse of Queen Margrethe II. The Danish Royal Guard patrols the palace grounds all day long, and is quite the tourist attraction. Specifically, if you find yourself at Amalienborg Palace at 12:00 of any day, you can witness the changing of the guards.

Naturally, a move to Copenhagen will not solely get you in touch with the city’s historical heritage. Denmark’s government also has its home here: Christiansborg Palace, for instance, serves as the seat of the Danish parliament Folketinget, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State. The Royal Reception Rooms are reserved for the Royal Family and the Prime Minister of Denmark, who uses these rooms for state visits.

Challenging Language in the City with a Heart for Great Food

Danish has a bit of a reputation as a difficult language to grasp, and deservedly so. While you definitely should learn some of the local tongue before moving to Copenhagen, you will soon learn that many Copenhageners, and Danes in general, also speak English fluently.

The language itself is closely related to Swedish and Norwegian. If you are familiar with either of these Scandinavian languages, learning Danish may come a little, if not a lot, easier to you.

Another prevalent aspect you can enjoy after your move to Copenhagen is the Danish food culture. Whether it is typical Danish hotdogs or Nordic high cuisine, Copenhagen boasts an abundance of eateries. The city does indeed have a heart for great food. If you’re moving to Copenhagen, you should not miss out on smørrebrød (open-face sandwiches) or, if your budget allows, one of the sixteen Michelin-starred restaurants.