How to Work and Immigrate to Denmark as a Doctor?

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Great opportunities are waiting in Denmark! This could be your chance to build a career in Europe while making a difference in healthcare. But how do you get started? Let us tell you how to immigrate to Denmark as a doctor.

How to Immigrate to Denmark as a Doctor?

To immigrate to Denmark as a doctor, you must meet certain qualifications and undergo a specific process. Here are the general steps to help you understand how to work as a doctor in Denmark:

Step 1. Qualifications and Requirements

Denmark doctor immigration needs you to meet several criteria:

  • The Danish Health and Medicines Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen) requires a medical degree recognized by the Danish Health Authorities (Sundhedsstyrelsen). The degree you need must be a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or an equivalent.
  • The Danish healthcare system primarily communicates in Danish. When working directly with patients, Danish proficiency is typically required. For instance, you may need to pass the Danish Language 3 Examination (Prøve i Dansk 3) to demonstrate your proficiency in the language.
  • It is often necessary to have relevant work experience. Clinical experience requirements vary by employer and medical specialty but typically range from 2 to 5 years.
  • Medical malpractice and unethical behavior should not have been a part of your previous practice history.

Step 2. Recognition of Qualifications

The Danish Health and Medicines Authority must recognize your medical degree if it is from a non-EU/EEA country. You may need to go through a long and complicated process in Denmark to have your medical qualifications recognized.

To become a foreign doctors in Denmark, you need to:

  1. Start the qualification recognition process by contacting the Danish Health and Medicines Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen). Their official website provides contact information.
  2. All required documents have to be submitted, such as your medical degree certificate, transcripts, and CV. If your documents are in a different language, make sure they’re translated into Danish or English.
  3. The authority will provide you with a form to fill out. Make sure you fill out this form completely and accurately.
  4. It can vary but expect to pay a processing fee. You can find the most up-to-date fees on the authority’s website.
  5. In some cases, additional documentation or clarification may be required by the Danish Health and Medicines Authority.
  6. The Danish standards may require you to take additional exams or undergo an adaptation period depending on your qualifications and assessment. The authority will provide specific requirements.
  7. The authority will recognize your qualifications once the evaluation is complete. A formal recognition document will be sent to you if you are approved.
  8. As soon as you have received recognition, you can register with the Danish Health and Medicines Authority as a medical practitioner. Registration is a crucial part of practicing medicine legally in Denmark.

Step 3. Find a Job

To find a job and immigrate to Denmark as a doctor, check out LinkedIn, Jobindex, and EURES if you’re a medical doctor looking for work in Denmark. Examine Rigshospitalet, Aarhus University Hospital, and Odense University Hospital websites, among others, for available positions in the healthcare industry.

To immigrate to Denmark as a doctor, try applying for jobs at government clinics, private medical practices, and universities on the approved list. Pay, hours worked, benefits, and permission to work should all be written in a detailed employment contract. Before agreeing to anything, please read and fully understand the contract terms.

Step 4. Work Permit and Visa

You must get a Danish work permit and visa to start working as a doctor in Denmark. After you get a job offer, you must:

  1. Your prospective Danish employer must verify your job offer with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) before you can start working there. Your salary, benefits, and length of employment will all be written out for you in this document.
  2. Your employer must first approve your job offer before you can apply for a work visa and permit. This can be done by contacting the Danish consulate or embassy in your country of origin or legal residence.
  3. Documents that are typically required include:
    1. Having two blank pages in your passport
    2. An application for a visa
    3. The contract or job offer you signed
    4. Photos that fit in your passport
    5. Proof that you’ll be able to support yourself while you’re there
    6. Denmark travel insurance that covers your entire stay
    7. Any extra documents the Danish embassy or consulate needs
  4. The embassy or consulate you visit may request biometric information from you, such as fingerprints and a photograph. This procedure aids in establishing your identity.
  5. In some cases, an interview may be part of the application process. If an interview is necessary, you will be notified by the embassy or consulate.
  6. It’s best to apply for your work permit and visa before your departure date, as processing times can vary.
  7. The Danish consulate or embassy will let you know the outcome of your application for a work visa and permit once it has been processed. If everything checks out, you’ll get the permits you need.
  8. A work visa and a residence permit may be granted to you depending on the terms of your employment agreement. This is typically required for stays longer than 90 days.

Step 5. Residence Permit

Getting a residence permit is a part of the “Denmark immigration for doctors” process. You must make sure you satisfy the eligibility criteria for a residence permit. A job offer and work visa are essential for finding medical practice. Submit your application at the nearest Danish embassy or consulate well in advance. Get your paperwork in order, supply your biometric information if requested, and attend the interview when called for. If your application for a Danish residence visa has been approved, you may proceed with your trip there.

Step 6. Housing

Before you immigrate to Denmark as a doctor, you must find a place to live. As a foreign doctors in Denmark, there are many housing options for foreign doctors in Denmark, including rental apartments, housing cooperatives (Andelsbolig), and public housing (Almene Boliger). The cost of renting a home or apartment varies greatly from one region to another. You can search for housing options on websites like BoligPortal, Lejebolig, and Andelsboligforeninger. Prices change frequently, so it’s important to look at active listings. When you first arrive, you may want to think about short-term housing options.

Step 7. Register with the Danish Health and Medicines Authority

After you immigrate to Denmark as a doctor, Danish medical practitioners must get registration from the Danish Health and Medicines Authority. Foreign doctors in Denmark must:

  1. You should check that you qualify for the program and are otherwise eligible before beginning the registration process. Having a valid medical degree and meeting any other requirements set forth by the relevant body is a common prerequisite.
  2. Collect and ready the necessary paperwork, which may consist of:
    1. Academic and medical transcripts with certified copies.
    2. Experience and specialization documentation for your medical work.
    3. A proof of your Danish language proficiency.
    4. Passports or national ID cards that are valid.
    5. Records of your previous professional experience, such as criminal records.
  3. To register with the Danish Health and Medicines Authority, you must first visit their website. Be sure to provide the correct information and upload any necessary documents by following the directions closely.
  4. Make sure you have the funds available to cover any registration fees. If you want to know the most up-to-date fee information, you should visit the authority’s website.
  5. Assessments and examinations in the Danish language may be required if fluency in the language is required for your medical practice. For this, many people take the Danish Language Test for Third-Graders (Prøve i Dansk 3).
  6. Your application and supporting documents are subject to review by the Danish Health and Medicines Authority. If they need more details or clarification, they will likely contact you.
  7. To ensure your medical expertise meets Danish standards, you may be required to take additional clinical tests or go through an adaptation period, depending on your qualifications and evaluation.
  8. A decision on your registration will be made once the relevant authority has finished its review. If accepted, you’ll be given the legal right to work as a doctor in Denmark.
  9. Notifying your place of employment or care facility of successful registration is a legal obligation in Denmark.
  10. Doctors in Denmark are expected to engage in continuous professional development (CPD). Keep up with the guidelines set forth by the Danish Health and Medicines Authority about continuing education and certification.

Step 8. Health Insurance

Although Danes have access to a state-funded national healthcare system, many still purchase private health insurance while living abroad. Tryg, Topdanmark, PFA Healthcare, and Alka are just some of the notable companies that offer supplemental healthcare plans.

Step 9. Adaptation Period

You should expect some adjustment time if you immigrate to Denmark as a doctor. This entails familiarizing yourself with the complexities of the Danish healthcare system, local customs, and Danish culture. It will be easier for you to settle in if you take the time to learn Danish, get involved in the neighborhood, and network with local professionals.

Foreign doctors in Denmark should anticipate an adjustment period that will include the following:

  • Healthcare System. Discover how the renowned Danish healthcare system functions, its procedures and regulations, and the electronic health record system.
  • Local Customs and Culture. Work-life balance, local customs, and language are all important components of a successful integration into Danish society.
  • Social Integration. Join professional associations and participate in social activities to gain cultural insight from local colleagues and residents.
How to immigrate and work in Denmark as a doctor

Denmark Residence Permit for Doctors

To work as a doctor in Denmark, you first need Danish medical authorization. Apply to the Danish Patient Safety Authority and submit your medical degree and other relevant documents. If required, pass a medical knowledge test to ensure your qualifications meet Danish standards. You may also need to complete an adaptation period in a Danish healthcare institution to understand local practices.

Proficiency in the Danish language is essential. Pass the Level 3 Danish Language Test to prove your ability to communicate effectively. Language skills are crucial for patient care and teamwork in Danish healthcare settings.

Next, apply for a residence and work permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Submit proof of your medical authorization, a valid job offer from a healthcare institution, and evidence of financial support. A work contract or offer letter is mandatory for this step.

Secure a job offer from a Danish hospital or medical institution. Employers must support your application by providing a formal contract or documentation. The job offer should align with your medical specialty and the healthcare system’s requirements.

Non-EU doctors may need to complete a supervised adaptation period. This involves working under licensed Danish doctors to meet local medical standards. The adaptation period helps you gain practical experience in the Danish healthcare system.

Prepare all required documents, including your medical degree, language certificate, job offer, passport, and proof of authorization. Translate these documents into Danish or English if needed. Ensure all paperwork is accurate to minimize delays in the application process.

Once you complete these steps, you can legally work as a doctor in Denmark. Stay updated on changes. You can check the Danish Patient Safety Authority’s official website.

What are the Requirements to Immigrate to Denmark as a Doctor?

To immigrate to Denmark as a doctor and practice medicine in Denmark as a non-EU doctor, you must meet specific requirements:

  • You must earn a medical degree from an accredited institution, verified by your university of origin, whether you are in the EU or not.
  • Non-EU doctors must be proficient in Danish, which involves taking a language test and course.
  • It may take several years for non-EU doctors to become registered, which involves evaluations and exams and can be time-consuming. It is possible for people who are staying in Denmark during the registration process to apply for “residency for registration.”
  • Language proficiency is required for non-EU doctors taking a medical science exam, usually in Danish.
  • A Danish employer or healthcare institution must offer you a job after registering. As a result, your training in Danish healthcare systems will begin once you have been granted a work permit.

Which Doctor Jobs are in Demand in Denmark?

Denmark is currently experiencing a shortage of medical professionals across various specialties. According to a 2023 report, there is a deficit of qualified specialists in 66 professions, including several medical fields.

Specific numbers detailing the exact demand for each medical specialty are not readily available. However, the Danish government has identified the following medical professions as being in high demand:

  • General practitioners (GPs) are in high demand, especially in rural areas. Shortages are critical.
  • Psychiatrists have many empty vacancies due to growing mental health needs.
    Hospitals lack enough specialists in radiology.
  • Emergency medicine doctors are in high demand in hospitals for urgent care.
  • Nurses and nurse assistants are needed in ICUs, operating rooms, and internal medicine.

How Much is an Immigrant Doctors Salary in Denmark?

Before you immigrate to Denmark as a doctor, you need to know about salaries.  Approximately 95,500 DKK ($13,861) is the average monthly salary for doctors in Denmark, according to Salary Explorer. Starting at 35,100 DKK and going up to 161,000 DKK is your salary range.

How much is an MBBS doctor’s salary in Denmark?

An MBBS doctor in Denmark earns around DKK 40,000 to DKK 60,000 per month. This equals approximately $5,800 to $8,700. Salaries vary based on experience, specialization, and work location. Doctors in public hospitals often earn more due to additional allowances. With experience, senior doctors and specialists can earn even higher salaries.

How to Immigrate to Denmark as a Surgeon?

The process of immigrating to Denmark as a surgeon closely parallels that of a doctor. The following steps should be followed:

  1. To become a surgeon in Denmark, you must have a medical degree, fluency in Danish, and successfully pass medical exams.
  2. Send the Danish Patient Safety Authority the necessary supporting documents. They will assess you and will determine if you are eligible to work in Denmark as a surgeon.
  3. Follow the same stages as doctors. Refer to the previous section for detailed steps.
  4. If you are not an EU citizen, seek employment with a Danish employer willing to hire you and utilize your surgical skills. A work permit is applied for on your behalf by your employer.

How to Immigrate to Denmark as an Anesthesiologist?

To immigrate as an anesthesiologist in Denmark, the process is akin to that of doctors. Here are the steps:

  1. Documents supporting your medical degree, language proficiency, and language proficiency are required.
  2. Applicants should submit their applications and documents for assessment. Upon approval, you can move forward.
  3. To get a medical license, you must pass language tests and exams. Afterward, you are eligible to practice as an anesthesiologist in Denmark.
  4. Employers in Denmark who hire non-EU nationals will apply for a work permit on your behalf if you find a job offer from them. It is legal to work as an anesthesiologist in Denmark once you receive a license.

Immigrate to Denmark as a Doctor: Let’s Recap

A foreign doctor can move to Denmark. To immigrate to Denmark as a doctor, they have to get permission to work, and it is called a recognition process. It’s different for EU and non-EU nationals, but the article explained both. You also got answers to all of your questions.

If you want to know how to become a doctor in Denmark and have questions, write them in the comment section. The Visa Library team will answer them.

FAQs

Yes, but they have to pass the recognition process.

It’s a bit hard as passing the recognition process is long and tedious.

For EU nationals, it takes three months, but it takes a few years for non-EU nationals.

A job offer, language proficiency requirements, and qualifications recognition are some requirements for immigration and employment.

Most doctors, especially in healthcare research and international hospitals, can work in English, even though some medical roles require Danish proficiency.

Indeed, Denmark is often in need of doctors, especially in specific specialties like general practitioners and specialists.

Medical graduates from other countries can pursue residency programs in Denmark, but the process is competitive, and qualifications must be recognized.

Denmark typically pays competitive salaries to doctors, which may vary by specialty, location, and experience level.

Obtaining a job offer, meeting language requirements, undergoing qualification recognition, and obtaining permits and registrations are all necessary to work as a doctor in Denmark.

However, you may be able to work in some roles requiring your ability to speak English, especially in the medical field. Patient care, however, may require Danish proficiency.

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Max Behroozi is a visa consultation expert who helps travelers with their visa needs. He makes the process simple and clear. Max loves to explore new places and find hidden gems. He shares his adventures in his writing. He enjoys coffee and believes great stories come from local cafes. Through his articles and consultations, Max inspires others to travel and discover the world.

8 Comments

  1. Hello, My name is Rana Pranab Singha a Bangladeshi citizen but I have completed my graduation (MD) from Romania on july 2022. Now I would like to move in Denmark. Would you please let me know if you can help to achieve my goal. Thank You!

    • As far as we know, there is no set age limit for non-EU citizens who want to work as general doctors in Denmark. To work as a doctor in Denmark, you must meet certain requirements, such as having accepted medical skills, getting a license, getting a work pass, showing that you can speak Danish well, and maybe even meeting residency requirements. Requirements can change, so it’s important to get the most up-to-date information from the Danish Health and Medicines Authority or other appropriate agencies. Talking to experts on immigration can also give you specific advice.

  2. I’m a non-EU gynecologist. After the verification in Denmark, is there a chance that I can continue my career as a gynecologist not as a GP?

    • Yes, after your qualifications are recognized in Denmark, there is a chance that you can continue your work as a gynecologist and not as a general practitioner (GP). However, to operate as a gynecologist, you may need to finish extra specialization and training in gynecology and receive the relevant licensing or certification from Danish authorities. The particular requirements and method may differ, therefore it’s vital to verify with the relevant Danish medical authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

  3. Non EU doctor with a diploma from an EU country. Please what are my chances of working in Danmark. And what process do I need to follow? Thanks in anticipation for your response.

    • As a non-EU citizen with a medical diploma from an EU country, your chances of working in Denmark are actually stronger than most non-EU graduates. Since your diploma is from within the EU, Denmark will likely recognize your medical education more easily, but you’ll still need to go through the Danish Patient Safety Authority’s authorization process. This includes getting your documents evaluated, proving language proficiency in Danish (usually level B2 or higher), and completing adaptation training or exams if required. Once authorized, you can apply for jobs and a work visa. You’re in a good position, but be prepared for a structured and time-intensive process.

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