Moving to a new country to work can be one of the most exciting chapters in your career — but it also comes with challenges: unfamiliar systems, complicated paperwork, finding a home, and building a social network from scratch. In Denmark, employers, institutions, and public services are increasingly stepping in to help international staff have a smoother transition into Danish lif
Denmark’s Broader Support Ecosystem
Even beyond individual companies, Denmark has resources designed to help internationals settle in:
• Workindenmark and local community organisations collaborate to assist newcomers in navigating life, work, and everyday logistics. Expat stories often mention how this multi-sector support helped them get up and running quickly with less stress.
• In several regions — especially around major cities and university hubs — programmes like The Welcome Buddy pair new arrivals with experienced locals or expats who can share practical tips about life in Denmark (from where to shop to how to register for municipal services).
• Relocation service providers (public and private) are available to help with housing, registration, CPR number, MitID, and more — valuable especially if Danish bureaucracy feels overwhelming at first.
All of this means that for many — whether coming for research, corporate roles, or teaching positions — the aim isn’t just employment, but integration into life here.
A Closer Look: Aalborg University’s Relocation Support
Here’s a concrete example of how one institution supports international staff:
Relocation support – Aalborg University
International Staff Unit (ISU)
At Aalborg University (AAU), the International Staff Unit acts as a single point of contact for international recruits, offering tailored guidance from before arrival through your first months in Denmark.
What they help with includes:
• Getting Started Support: Once you confirm your arrival date, you can register with ISU and they’ll personally help you navigate registration with Danish authorities — essential for everything from your CPR number to tax registration.
• Practical information about living in Denmark: They collect and share guides on housing, healthcare, insurance, and daily life so you’re not scrambling on arrival.
• Residence and work permit assistance: For non-EU/EEA citizens, they help initiate permit applications and guide you through the process — a major piece of the relocation puzzle.
• Family support: They acknowledge that relocating with a partner or children brings its own set of challenges. AAU offers a spouse/partner network where partners can meet others, get career-related guidance, and attend cultural workshops — helping families feel at home sooner.
• FAQs and checklist resources: From how to open a bank account to getting around public transport — ISU curates answers to common newcomer questions.
This kind of structured support reflects a broader recognition in Denmark: international talent doesn’t just need a job offer — it needs a roadmap to life in a new culture.
Why This Matters
Relocating is about more than paperwork. It’s about:
• Feeling welcomed and prepared
• Understanding local systems
• Building a community and social network
• Settling into daily life beyond the workplace
Whether through institutional support units like AAU’s, national resources like Workindenmark, or local social initiatives, Denmark is working to make the transition for international professionals as smooth and human-centred as possible.
Using What’s Already There — and When Extra Support Helps
If you’re moving to Denmark through Aalborg University or another company, the first and best step is always to use the relocation and onboarding support your employer already offers. These teams know the internal systems, timelines, and local procedures — and they’re there for a reason.
At the same time, relocation doesn’t always fit neatly into one box. Questions often come up outside office hours, between steps, or months later — around housing, everyday life, family logistics, or simply understanding how things work here.
That’s where ALVIWO can also support you if needed.
ALVIWO is a mission-driven platform built to help internationals navigate life in Denmark with more clarity and less overwhelm. We don’t replace your employer’s relocation services — we complement them by offering independent guidance, practical resources, and lived experience.
Think of it as an extra layer of support — especially useful if:
• You want a second perspective
• You’re moving with family
• You’re between steps and unsure who to ask
• Or you just want things explained in plain language
The most important thing?
Use all the help available to you. Denmark offers more support than many people realise — and knowing where to look can make your landing not just smoother, but calmer too.
