Living in Denmark - guide for international students

Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world and the least corrupt, which may be one of the reasons why Danes rate themselves as being amongst the happiest people on earth year after year. Language proficiency is excellent and 86 per cent of the population speak English.

If you are a Nordic citizen

Students from Nordic countries do not need a residence permit. If you study in Denmark for more than 3 months, you can apply for a Danish CPR number at the International House, Gyldenløvesgade 11.

If you are an EU/EEA citizen

Students from EU/EEA countries need a residence permit if your stay exceeds three months. For more information on how to register for a residence certificate and a Danish CPR number, please go to newtodenmark.dk.

If you are a full degree student from a non-EU/EEA country

You must apply and obtain a Danish residence permit before coming to Denmark.

After you are admitted, DTU will initiate the process of residence permit (ST1). You will receive a reference no. and an access code to enable you to start the process for application for the residence permit. This will give you access to the main ST1 application form for residence permit. You will have to log on and complete part 2 of the form, pay the fees, attach the required documentation and state your Case Order ID. Find more information at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.

Please be aware that the required fee to make an application must be paid to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration before you apply for a residence permit. It is important that you make sure to include any bank fees in the transaction. If the amount received by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration is less than the required amount, this will delay your application. In addition to this fee, you might be asked to pay a submission fee when handing in your application at the Danish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate general) in your home country.

According to our information, the normal processing time with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration is 60 days for a complete application. However, if the application is not complete the processing time can be more.

Further information on how to make the payment can be found on the website of the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.

It is your own responsibility that you apply for a residence permit in time and that you follow the rules of the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration. Please note, that the application must be completed and submitted within 30 days after you have received your reference no. and access code from DTU. All necessary information is available on www.newtodenmark.dk.

You can contact the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.

Please note: As a non-EU/EEA resident you must register with the local municipality within 5-8 days of arriving to Denmark.

If you are an exchange student from a non-EU/EEA country

You must apply and obtain a Danish residence permit before coming to Denmark.

After you are admitted, DTU will initiate the process of residence permit (ST1). You will receive a reference no. and an access code to enable you to start the process for application for the residence permit. This will give you access to the main ST1 application form for residence permit. You will have to log on and complete part 2 of the form, pay the fees, attach the required documentation and state your Case Order ID. You can find more information on the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration's website.

Further information on how to make the payment can be found on the website of the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.

You can contact the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.

Please note: As a non-EU/EEA resident you must register with the local municipality within 5-8 days of arriving to Denmark.

Useful links

As an international guests and students you can get help finding accommodation from The International Accommodation Office.

CPR number and health insurance

If you are staying in Denmark for more than three months you can get a social security number (a CPR number) which entitles you to use the National Danish Health Service and receive free medical treatment ind clinics and hospitals.

Once you have received your residence permit you should visit the citizen service office in your local municipality in Denmark in order to register. Please remember to bring your passport, documentation of residence permit, and your rental agreement. The International Office can assist you in locating your local municipality. After 3-4 weeks you will receive your yellow health insurance card with your social security number.

When you have finished your studies at DTU—and before you leave Denmark—you must return this medical card to your local citizen service centre.

Please note that until you have received the health insurance card you are not covered by the Danish National Health Service. Non EU/EEA citizens are therefore advised to take out a private health insurance in their home country to provide interim coverage until you have received the health insurance card. EU citizens are advised to bring their blue EU/EEA insurance cards with them.

Doctor (GP)

The Danish welfare systems allows international students to receive free medical care during their study in Denmark. When you receive your health insurance card, a GP (General Practitioner) will be assigned to you. His/her contact details are printed on your health insurance card if you need to make an appointment—remember to bring the card along when you go to see the doctor.

Emergency doctor (when your own doctor is closed)

You can call the emergency doctor on phone number 1813. The phone line is open 24-hours.

Specialists

If you need to consult a specialist, you have to make an appointment with your GP to get a referral to the specialist.

Dentist

If you need to see a dentist, you are free to choose any dentist and make an appointment. Be aware that dental treatment is not free of charge in Denmark. You will find a list of dentists in the yellow pages under "tandlæger”.

Nordic citizens

Citizens from Nordic countries are automatically entitled to the same medical services as Danish nationals; they do not need additional health insurance.

Safety

With one of the world's lowest crime rates, Denmark is a very safe choice for international students.

The Danish way of life is based on mutual trust and tolerance. Naturally you shouldn't leave your valuables unattended—and the odd bike gets stolen on our campuses—but you will be perfectly safe as you go about your business without a trained security officer by your side.

Emergencies

In case of an emergency such as acute health problems, a traffic accident or fire, call 112.

Remember to provide as many details as possible:

Where are you?
What has happened?
How many are injured and what is their condition?
What telephone number are you calling from?

Police

Call 114 to get in touch with the police in a non-life-threatening situation. The lines are open 24-hours a day and the number is valid for the whole country.

Home and liability insurance

With one of the lowest crime in the world, Denmark is a safe country. However we would urge you to take out personal home and accident insurance. If you are involved in an accident that injures someone or damages their property, you may become liable for large sums payable in costs and damages.

If you are not covered for third-person liability, we strongly advise you to take out the appropriate insurance.

Furthermore, insurance to cover the costs of repatriation is also strongly recommended. Should you become seriously ill, this insurance will pay for a family member to be flown to Denmark to take you home.

The Danish currency is the krone (DKK) and not EURO (which is the currency in many other countries in the European Union). 1 krone is divided into 100 øre.

Well-known international credit cards are widely accepted in Denmark, but as they might be inconvenient for every-day shopping, you might consider opening a Danish bank account and get a Dankort (Dan-Card) or credit card with the Danish bank.

To open an account and get a debit card (Dankort), please remember to bring your CPR number. It is also a good idea to bring your passport, your letter of admisssion, and your rental agreement.

Normal banking hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Thursdays when most banks are open to 6 p.m.

Students are required to cover their entire living expenses: meals, accommodation, transport, books, materials, and clothing, as well as any other living costs.

Examples on living expenses

We cannot accommodate all students close to the campus, so the cost of transport can be quite high. However, public transportation in Copenhagen is very reliable, punctual, and will take you everywhere you need to go.

In Copenhagen the trains, Metro, and busses (including waterbuses) can be accessed with the same ticket. All you need to know is how many zones you will be passing on your journey.

During Introduction Week we will introduce you to public transport in the greater Copenhagen area. But please note that as long as you have a CPR-number and a NemID, you are entitled to a public transport discount: Ungdomskort.

Cheaper still is to hop on your bike. The Copenhagen area has an extensive cycle-path system. We strongly advise you to invest in a bike. You can buy a used bike for around EUR 135.

Please note that there is 25 per cent consumer tax (‘moms’) on all goods and services sold in Denmark. In stores, this consumer tax is always included in the price.

Public Transport

DTU Lyngby Campus is located a mere 3 km from Lyngby train station and 15 km north of Copenhagen. Lyngby Station is a hob for S-trains and busses. Several busses stops on Anker Engelunds Vej (the street with DTU's main entrance).

Useful links

Plan your route on rejseplanen.dk
For more information on public transportation in Copenhagen, please go to: VisitCopenhagen.
You can apply for "Ungdomskort" which will give you student discounts for public transportation, please go to ungdomskort.dk

Bicycle

Bicycle facilities in Copenhagen are excellent: Many roads have separate cycle paths and you can bring your bicycle free-of-charge on the S-Train.

Rules and regulations

Read all about the rules and regulations for cyclists in Denmark in the brochure "How to ride safely through traffic in Denmark on two wheels" issued by the Danish police.

Download brochure on how to ride your bike safely.

Please bear in mind, that you are not immune to the traffic law and that failure to obey the rules might cost you a fine of DKK 700 kroner or more.

Getting a bicycle

You can get a new bicycle from bike shops or supermarkets or ask around or look for students posting bike sales on Facebook or the “buy and sell” section on DTU Inside, dba.dk (in danish), guloggratis.dk (in danish) or the Police bicycle auctions in Copenhagen.

Renting a bike

It is also possible to rent a bike. Go to visitcopenhagen.dk for more information.

Pay as you go city-bikes

In central Copenhagen you can rent a city-bikes. You can either choose to Pay as you go, which costs an hourly rate or you can sign up for a monthly subscription, which costs a monthly rate until the subscription is cancelled.