Denmark stands out as an attractive destination within the European Union for professionals seeking better salaries. According to Eurostat data from 2024, the average annual full-time adjusted salary reached 71,565 euros, almost three times the 24,818 euros recorded in Portugal. This salary difference, distributed monthly, represents approximately 5,964 euros gross in Denmark versus 2,068 euros in Portugal. Unlike other countries, Denmark does not have a national minimum wage set by law, with remuneration established through collective agreements or individual negotiations.
Foreign workers represent about 12% to 13% of the Danish workforce, including citizens from EU countries and outside the European Economic Area. The areas with the highest demand for professionals include engineering, information technology, robotics, healthcare, construction, industry, transport, logistics, hospitality, services, and green energy. However, the Danish social model is based on high taxes that fund public services such as healthcare, hospitals, education, and elderly care, and the cost of living in Denmark is the highest in the EU, with prices approximately 40% above the EU average.
Working conditions include a 37-hour work week in the vast majority of sectors, five weeks of annual leave, and flexibility practices in some companies. Access to healthcare is through the public system with no direct payment by beneficiaries, upon registration and issuance of the health card. In higher education, tuition is free for students from the EU, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, although there are expenses for accommodation and other costs associated with attending a course.
Language can represent a challenge for professional integration. Although English allows people to apply for various international opportunities, Danish is still required in certain roles, especially in healthcare, where many positions require a high level of language proficiency. Municipal Danish language learning programs are available for free for eligible residents, although they may require a deposit of approximately 267 euros.
