11
Apr-2014

Living in Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark   /   Tags: ,

Immigration to Denmark

As a country, Denmark isn’t exactly encouraging immigration. It is rather favoring negative legislation meaning that statements such as “Your visa can be refused in certain cases and under certain conditions or if we simply decide that way” rather than “If you have certain papers and you can get a visa” are frequently found in legislation and protocols. There is also a difference between nationals of EU member-states, Nordic countries and other countries of the world in terms of conditions as well as the nature of the stay. In case of short stay visas, they aren’t too hard to obtain, but they eliminate the possibility of working in Copenhagen during the stay.

Immigration to Denmark

Long-term emigration and Work and Residence Permits

On the other hand, Work and Residence permits require different procedure and special rules are applied. The best way to obtain such a permit is by the Positive List of Denmark, which lists professional Fields where qualified workforce demand exists. Such permits are valid for maximum stay of 3 years, after which filing for an extension of the permit is required and can be extended only three months prior to the expiration of the passport of an applicant. Some of the Fields in demand are construction, academic work, management, IT and telecommunication, healthcare, postal services, education and more.

Go Living in Copenhagen

Go Living in Copenhagen

Housing in Copenhagen and cost of Accommodation Renting

In case you are thinking about settling and living in Copenhagen, Denmark, you should have in mind the costs of such a venture when it comes to accommodation. Depending on the fact if you’re planning to settle here on your own or with a family, is the size of the living space you would require. As a guideline, in Copenhagen a monthly rent for 85 m2 of furnished accommodation in more expensive area of the city is around 1883 euros so you should pay close attention to the area of the city where you plan to live as well as other factors such as transportation, utilities, educational institutions nearby and so on. For example, by some calculations utilities for two people for one month in an average 85 m2 apartment is around 162 euros. When it comes to transportation car prices are above average, depending on the make and model, while a monthly ticket for public transportation is about 62 euros. Luckily, Copenhagen is known for a huge trend of using bicycles to move around the city, with an elaborate network of bicycle tracks which can save you up a lot of money you would otherwise spend on gas or public transportation.

Housing in Copenhagen, Denmark

Housing in Copenhagen, Denmark

Quality of living in Copenhagen

When it comes to the quality of life, for quite a number of years Copenhagen is ranked very high in international surveys. Boasting a stable economy, sound environmental policies, high level of social safety, elaborate public transportation system and exceptionally developed education services, this city is ranked as very attractive by locals and visitors alike. Even though it is ranked as one of the most expensive cities in whole world, the above-mentioned perks make it one of the top cities to live in. Also, encouraging culture, cuisine and community-oriented lifestyle, coupled with accessibility and environmental planning, make it an exceptional option. On the other hand, there certainly are some not-so-bright spots, such as very low scores for employer activity and affordability and not-so-high ranking when it comes to student friendliness. Essentially, it has its good sides and (significantly less) bad sides as any city in the world has them so it’s up to you to decide whether it suits your lifestyle.

Living in Copenhagen

Living in Copenhagen

Districts in Copenhagen and their characteristics

Indre By is the well-known historic centre of Copenhagen, boasting most popular attractions and monuments of this city, as well as Frederiksstaden. Then there is Christianshavn, a canal-rich and Amsterdam-inspired area which is located to the southeast of Indre By. Vesterbro is lies southwest of Indre By, beginning with Tivoli Gardens with fairground atmosphere, a Theatre, Concert Hall, the Carlsberg quarter and the Tycho Brahe Planetarium. Nørrebro is another district of Copenhagen, situated northwest of the city centre and recently developed into an interesting cosmopolitan area where before was just a working-class district, and boasting many antique shops, ethnic restaurants and food stores. Østerbro lies north of the city centre and is an upper middle-class neighborhood with embassies, fine mansions, the old Citadel, Gefion Fountain and on the waterfront a statue of The Little Mermaid. Frederiksberg is located to the west of Indre By and Nørrebro and north of Vesterbro. It contains the Frederiksberg Palace which was built as a summer residence of the Royal family, Frederiksberg Park, Betty Nansen Theatre and the Copenhagen Zoo which was founded in 1869.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

Copenhagen Tourism

Copenhagen as a city with a long and eventful history has a lot to offer when it comes to sightseeing, landmarks and pastimes. Some of the interesting architectural landmarks are the observation platform of Rundetårn, Church of Our Saviour in Christianshavn neighborhood, City Hall, Frederikskirken which is also known as the Marble Church. Also, take a look at the buildings of Paustian complex, Royal library with its black granite walls, Copenhagen Concert hall, Orestad neighborhood located on the island of Amager with its urban architectural style and many beautiful buildings in the downtown area of Copenhagen. Especially Nationalmuseet in Indre By, Museum of Copenhagen in Vesterbro, Frilandsmuseet, or take a look at the image of ancient Copenhagen by visiting a small fishing hamlet of Dragør. For a look at Royal facet of the city, take a look at four identical palaces of Amalienborg, Rosenborg Palace which is surrounded by King’s Garden, and also visit Christiansborg and the Sorgenfri palace. Apart from these landmarks, there is an abundance of parks, recreational areas and smaller islands outlining the area of Copenhagen, and many festival and traditional events during the whole year so there is plenty of choices on what to see and if living in Denmark apart from typical pastimes and dining in restaurants.

Copenhagen Mermaid

Copenhagen Mermaid

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Nebojsa Djukic

Nebojsa Djukic is an internet entrepreneur and the owner of RentalsCopenhagen, a website about short stay accommodation in the city.

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