Do you want to immigrate to Denmark as a nurse? Why not? Free education, a high standard of living, insurance, a high salary, and a great nature are among the many benefits of moving to Denmark. This Visa Library page will tell you the Denmark immigration requirements and how to work as a nurse in Denmark. Keep reading to find the answers to all of your questions.
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ToggleHow to Immigrate to Denmark as a Nurse?
Before you go ahead and contact the denmark nursing council, you must ask yourself, “How to work in Denmark as a nurse?” Let us answer it for you. Immigrating to Denmark as a nurse has several steps:
- Recognizing your qualifications
- Learning Danish
- Obtaining authorization to practice
- Finding a nursing job in Denmark
- Applying for a danish visa/work permit
- Preparing for the move
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Immigrate to Denmark as a Nurse
Step 1. Recognizing Your Qualifications
First, ensure you have the Denmark nursing job requirements and that your nursing qualifications are recognized in Denmark. To practice as a nurse in Denmark, you typically need to have:
- A nursing degree from a recognized institution
- Relevant work experience in nursing. It ranges from no experience to 2-5 years for more specialized or advanced roles.
- Proficiency in Danish
Foreign healthcare professionals, including nurses, are recognized by the Danish Patient Safety Authority. The Danish qualification recognition process includes:
- You must submit your educational certificates, proof of work experience, and any extra training you’ve done. Your documents may need to be translated into Danish or English.
- Your qualifications are evaluated against Danish standards. The Danish Patient Safety Authority compares your education and training with the Danish nursing curriculum.
- Because of the EU’s mutual recognition of professional qualifications, nurses from EU countries generally have an easier time getting their qualifications recognized in Denmark. They may not have to go through as much testing as non-EU nationals. The assessment process might be more thorough for nurses outside the EU, and they might need more training or exams.
Note:
- You might have to take additional training or pass specific exams to meet Danish standards.
- Fees range from a few hundred to a few thousand Danish Kroner (DKK).
Step 2. Learning Danish
Danish language proficiency at the B2 level, according to the CEFR, is often necessary for healthcare professionals in Denmark. Common Danish language tests include:
- Prøve i Dansk 3 (PD3). PD3 is equivalent to B2 level.
- Studieprøven. Studieprøven is equivalent to C1.
Step 3. Obtaining Authorization to Practice
You must know the answer to the question, “How to apply as a nurse in Denmark?” First, you need to gather your diplomas and transcripts from your nursing education, proof of professional experience, certificates showing your Danish proficiency (B2 level or above), a copy of your passport or other government-issued ID, and a health certificate indicating you are fit to practice.
Now you can get the authorization. Authorization from the Danish Patient Safety Authority involves:
- Applying to the Danish Patient Safety Authority is the first step.
- To verify your qualifications, the authority reviews your documents.
- The Danish nursing standards assess your training and education.
- Proof of Danish language proficiency is evaluated.
- The authority decides after reviewing all the information.
- EU citizens get streamlined processes because of mutual recognition of professional qualifications within the EU. They still need to show their language proficiency, but they may face fewer hardships in proving the equivalence of their educational qualifications.
- Non-EU nationals are assessed more thoroughly to make sure their qualifications align with Danish standards. They might need to provide additional documentation or evidence and also be required to prove Danish language proficiency.
Note:
- It costs about 1,000 to 3,000 Danish Kroner (DKK) to apply for professional recognition as a nurse.
- Application processing can take up to four months, but it usually takes one.
Read our comprehensive article to learn how to immigrate to Denmark as a doctor.
Step 4. Finding a Nursing Job in Denmark
“Can I work as a nurse in Denmark?” Yes, but to immigrate to Denmark as a nurse, you must find a job in a healthcare facility. For job searching in Denmark, You can use the following:
Websites
- Jobnet.dk
- Sundhedsjobs.dk
- Jobsincopenhagen.com
- Healthcare jobs.dk
- Workindenmark.dk
Recruitment Agencies
- Medicolink
- Sire Life Sciences
- Nursing Abroad
- Adecco
- Kelly Services
Hiring Danish Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
- Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital)
- Aarhus University Hospital
- Odense University Hospital
- Aalborg University Hospital
- Herlev Hospital
Step 5. Applying for a Danish Visa/Work Permit
When you find a Danish employer willing to hire you, you can apply for a Danish work visa or work permit. To immigrate to Denmark as a nurse we have different ways for EU and non-EU nationals.
Danish Work Visa for EU Nationals
EU citizens have the freedom of movement within the EU, which simplifies the process. Working in Denmark doesn’t require a work permit for EU nationals. However, getting a registration certificate is required if they stay longer than three months. You can get it from the State Administration (Statsforvaltningen).
The application usually asks for a passport or national ID, proof of employment, and possibly other paperwork. After arriving in Denmark, EU citizens should apply for a Danish social security number (CPR number) and a health insurance card.
Danish Work Visa for Non-EU Nationals
The process is different for non-EU nationals. They must find the appropriate work visa/permit. The common types are:
- Pay Limit scheme. It is for high-income jobs.
- Positive List scheme. It is for professions in shortage in Denmark
- Green Card scheme. It is based on a point system.
Then, they need to apply for a work permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) or at a Danish embassy in their home country. This process needs the following documents:
- A legal job offer or contract. It must specify the salary and employment terms.
- Passport
- Photos
- Educational and professional qualifications
- Evidence of Danish language proficiency
- Application fee payment receipt. The fee typically ranges from around 2,000 to 4,000 Danish Kroner (DKK). The fee for the Green Card scheme might go up to around 6,000 DKK.
The next step is to wait. The processing time varies. Once you’re approved, they can enter Denmark. They’ll need a CPR number and a health insurance card.
Step 6. Preparing for the Move
Working as a nurse in Denmark in preparation for relocation. Once your visa has been approved, you must organize housing, health insurance, and other logistics.
CPR Number (Civil Personal Registration)
Get your CPR number from the local municipality (‘kommune’) after you arrive in Denmark. You need this registration to access public services, like healthcare. You can get a CPR number at your local Citizen Service Center (Borgerservice) in your municipality (kommune). Besides your passport, you’ll need a work permit (if you’re not an EU citizen), proof of your Danish address, and maybe your employment contract.
Registration with Local Authorities
You should tell the local municipality about your arrival and address along with the CPR. Getting your CPR number often involves this registration.
Tax Registration
Register with the Danish tax authorities (SKAT) if you’re going to work there. Your CPR number can usually be obtained along with this.
Websites for Finding Accommodation
- Boligportal.dk
- DBA.dk
- Boligsiden.dk
- Housinganywhere.com
Health Insurance
As soon as you get your CPR number (Danish social security number), you’re covered by the Danish public health insurance system. Your health insurance card (‘sundhedskort’) is yours to keep on you at all times.
Private Health Insurance
- Mølholm Forsikring
- Danica Pension
- Topdanmark
Bank Account
Getting a Danish bank account is essential for salary payments and everyday stuff. Make sure you have your CPR number, passport, and proof of Danish address. Famous banks are:
- Danske Bank
- Nordea
- Sydbank
- Jyske Bank
- Nykredit
Transportation
Become familiar with public transportation options like buses, trains, and metros. Rejsekort, a Danish rechargeable card, works on most public transportation.
Learn About Danish Culture and Society
You will be able to integrate more smoothly if you become familiar with local customs, holidays, and societal norms.
Denmark Visa Options for Immigrant Nurses
There are several visa options to immigrate to Denmark as a nurse:
- Pay Limit Scheme. It is for high-paying jobs that meet a minimum annual salary.
- Positive List Scheme. It’s great if nursing is a shortage profession in Denmark.
- Fast-Track Scheme. Used by SIRI-approved employers to get a work permit quickly.
- Green Card Scheme. It’s based on qualifications, but it might not be available in the future.
- EU Blue Card. For highly qualified non-EU professionals with a salary over a certain amount.
- Special Individual Qualifications. It’s for people with unique skills or expertise.
How Much is the Salary of Nurses in Denmark?
Nurse salaries in Denmark vary based on the type of healthcare setting, experience, and specialization.
- The average starting salary for nurses in Denmark is approximately 30,000 to 35,000 Danish Kroner (DKK) per month.
- The average salary of experienced nurses ranges from 37,000 to 45,000 DKK per month.
- The average specialized nurse may earn up to 45,000 to 55,000 DKK per month or more.
Nursing Jobs in Denmark for Foreigners
Denmark nursing jobs for foreigners include:
- General staff nurses in hospitals and clinics
- Specialized nurses in units like ICUs, oncology, pediatrics, etc.
- Home care nurse
- Nursing educators in educational institutions
- Research nurses in research facilities and university hospitals
- Administrative roles in healthcare administration
The best places to find nursing jobs in Denmark are:
- The capital city of Copenhagen has many hospitals and healthcare facilities, including Rigshospitalet and Bispebjerg Hospital.
- Aarhus University Hospital
- Odense University Hospital
- Aalborg University Hospital
Is Nursing Taught in English in Denmark?
Danish is the primary language of nursing in Denmark. Depending on the institution, some universities or programs might offer specific courses or modules in English, especially those tailored to international students.
If you’re looking for universities in Denmark, contact them directly or check out their websites. Some of the major universities and colleges in Denmark that you might want to check include the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), VIA University College, and Metropolitan University College.
IELTS Score for Nurses in Denmark
In general healthcare settings, there isn’t a specific, universally mandated IELTS score requirement for nurses in Denmark. However, universities need a score of around 6.5 to 7.0 overall to apply for a nursing program taught in English. On the other hand, demonstrating English proficiency can be part of the visa application process, especially under schemes like the Green Card scheme. IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher can strengthen an application for Denmark immigration for nurses.
Immigrate to Denmark as a Nurse: Let’s Recap
This comprehensive guide provides you with all the essential steps and requirements to move to Denmark as a nurse. In this article, we tried to address key questions and offer valuable insights into the process. If you have any further inquiries, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below. You can also use our free consultation services.
FAQ
The Danish Patient Safety Authority must recognize your nursing qualifications. You must prove your Danish proficiency (usually B2 level), obtain authorization to practice, secure a job offer in Denmark, and apply for a work visa or residence permit to be able to immigrate to Denmark.
Non-EU citizens must have a valid work permit and a nursing qualification recognized by the Danish Patient Safety Authority.
In Denmark, foreign nurses must meet the professional and language standards required by the Danish Patient Safety Authority in order to practice.
Yes, nurses can practice in Denmark if their qualifications are recognized by the Danish Patient Safety Authority, they demonstrate proficiency in Danish, they are authorized to practice, and they are granted a work permit.
In Denmark, you must first obtain authorization to practice nursing and have your nursing qualifications recognized. Apply for jobs on websites like Jobnet.dk or sundhedsjobs.dk, and if you’re not an EU citizen, secure a work permit.
It is generally true that nurses in Denmark are paid well, with competitive salaries. Depending on location, specialization, and years of experience, salaries vary.
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