When most people think of Denmark, they picture clean streets, bikes whizzing by, a stable welfare system, and a population that’s consistently ranked among the happiest in the world. And for expats? It’s a bit of a mixed bag.
According to the Expat Insider 2024 survey by InterNations, Denmark is the best country in the world to work in – but one of the hardest places to feel at home.
Let’s dive into what that means, and why it matters more than ever.
Denmark: A Working Paradise
There’s no denying it – when it comes to professional life, Denmark is nailing it.
Denmark ranks #1 in the world in the Working Abroad Index. That’s thanks to:
• Work-life balance: 84% of expats are satisfied – significantly above the global average.
• Shorter working hours: An average of 39.2 hours per week, compared to the global 42.5.
• Flexibility at work: 82% say Danish work culture supports flexibility, autonomy, and trust.
If you move to Denmark for work, chances are you’ll love your job and have time left over to enjoy your life – a rare combination.
But… Social Integration Is Still a Struggle
And yet, when the workday ends, the reality shifts.
In the Ease of Settling In Index, Denmark drops to 45th out of 53 countries.
Some of the stats hit hard:
• 66% of expats say it’s difficult to make local friends. That’s nearly double the global average.
• Only 51% feel at home in Denmark, vs. 62% globally.
• 29% say they don’t feel welcome – again, almost double the global rate.
The survey echoes what many expats privately share: Denmark is a fantastic place to work, but a lonely place to live. Making friends with Danes – warm, sincere people in many ways – often feels like breaking into a social fortress with no visible door.
What Needs to Change?
For Denmark to fully embrace its role as a global talent hub, it can’t rely on work culture alone. What’s missing is a focus on human connection – the informal, everyday relationships that make someone stay not just for the job, but for the life.
As we look toward the future of global mobility, one thing is clear: Relocation needs to be redefined. Not just moving boxes and registering for a CPR number, but building bridges between newcomers and the communities they hope to call home.
Why Smaller Cities Might Be the Answer
At Alviwo, we’ve seen something different in smaller, under-the-radar places like Støvring in Rebild Municipality. These communities offer what many expats crave:
• Real community interactions
• A slower, more human pace of life
• Fewer social barriers
While Copenhagen and Aarhus will always attract talent, the future of sustainable relocation may lie beyond the capital cities – in smaller towns that are ready to welcome, engage, and integrate.
Final Thoughts
Denmark is getting so much right. It’s efficient, transparent, and economically strong. But to truly lead as a global destination, it must make space for belonging – not just in the workplace, but in everyday life.
If you’re new in Denmark and struggling to feel at home – you’re not alone. And if you’re part of a local government, university, or company that wants to make a difference – now is the time to act.
At Alviwo, we’re building relocation tools with a human heart. Because home isn’t just where you live – it’s where you’re welcomed.
