Leaving Denmark: Your Complete Guide 2024

Whether you’ve spent a few months, years, or even decades here, the experience of being a foreigner in this Nordic nation is unique and invaluable. However, like all chapters, there comes a time when one must turn the page.

Leaving Denmark is not merely about packing bags and booking tickets; it’s a process that requires careful attention to various logistical, financial, and emotional aspects. This guide is designed to navigate you through these intricacies, ensuring a smooth transition from Denmark to your next destination.

Necessary Documentation

While Denmark is known for its streamlined administrative procedures, ensuring that you have the correct documentation in order when leaving the country is paramount. Being prepared in this realm can save you from unforeseen complications or delays in your transition. Let’s delve into the key documents and steps involved in this process:

Residency and Work Permits

Begin by gathering your residency permit or any work-related permits. These documents served as your legal foundation while in Denmark and will be essential when notifying immigration services about your departure.

Depending on your status, there might be certain protocols to follow or forms to fill out to ensure that your exit is registered correctly.

Notification to Authorities

It’s essential to inform the Danish Civil Registration System (CPR) of your departure. This can usually be done online or in person at your local municipality. Once notified, this will have cascading effects on various services linked to your CPR number.

Passport and ID

Ensure your passport is current and won’t expire soon after your departure, especially if you’re transitioning to another country. If Denmark was the issuing authority for any IDs or driving licenses, take note of their validity outside of Denmark and any renewal requirements.

Other Essential Documents

Depending on your situation, you might have other significant documents:

• Marriage or divorce certificates from Denmark
• Birth certificates for children born in Denmark
• Any legal papers or contracts signed during your stay

Document Backup

Consider making digital backups of all your essential papers. Store them securely online or on a hard drive. This ensures that should you need them in the future, you have easy access without the need to request copies from Danish authorities.

Housing and Accommodation

Having a place to call home in Denmark might have been one of the first and foremost priorities upon arrival. Now, as you prepare to leave, it’s just as vital to ensure that all matters related to housing and accommodation are settled with diligence and care. Here’s a guide to assist you in wrapping up this significant aspect of your life in Denmark:

Ending a Rental Contract

Notice Period: Familiarize yourself with the notice period stipulated in your rental agreement. In most cases, it is typically one to three months. Ensure you inform your landlord within this time frame to avoid additional costs.

Obligations: Leave the property in the condition outlined in your contract. This often means a thorough cleaning, making necessary repairs, and possibly returning the property to its original state (e.g., repainting walls to their initial color).

Final Inspection: Many rental agreements include a final inspection conducted by the landlord or an agency. Be present during this inspection to address any immediate concerns and clarify any potential deductions from your deposit.

Selling a Property

Engaging a Realtor: If you own a property and wish to sell it, consider engaging a trusted realtor familiar with the local market. They can provide a realistic valuation, advise on required legal documentation, and guide the sale process.

Tax Implications: Selling a property might have tax implications. It’s wise to consult with a tax expert in Denmark to understand any capital gains tax or other related taxes you might owe.

Final Utilities Check: Ensure all utility connections (water, electricity, gas) are settled, meter readings are taken, and services are transferred to the new owner or disconnected upon sale.

Security Deposits and Refunds

Once all obligations are met, ensure the timely return of any deposits. Whether it’s from a rental agency or utilities company, keep a record of all deposits made during your stay and follow up for their return.

Address Change Notifications

Update your address with the relevant authorities and service providers. This ensures that any final correspondence, bills, or refunds reach you at your new location.

Financial Matters

Your financial footprint in Denmark, from bank accounts to tax considerations, is an intricate web of responsibilities. As you prepare to leave, it’s imperative to ensure that all financial matters are tied up neatly, securing your fiscal well-being and preserving your financial reputation. Here’s a structured approach to navigating these complexities:

Closing Bank Accounts

Procedure: Approach your bank to inform them of your impending departure. Each bank may have its process, but most will require personal attendance at a branch. Ensure you have all relevant account information and identification documents with you.

Outstanding Balances: Before closing, clear any outstanding balances or charges. This includes credit card dues, loans, or overdrafts.

Digital Considerations: If you’ve been using mobile banking or online platforms, ensure you download or print the necessary statements. Also, deregister or uninstall any banking apps for security.

Handling Outstanding Loans or Credit

Repayment: If you have an ongoing loan or credit, speak to your financial institution about the repayment process. Consider consolidating or paying off debts if feasible.

International Transfers: If you plan to continue repayments from abroad, set up an international transfer system. Be aware of exchange rates and international transaction fees.

Informing Tax Authorities

Final Tax Return: Notify the Danish Tax Agency (Skattestyrelsen) about your departure. Depending on when you leave, you might need to file a final tax return.

Tax Residency: Understand the implications of your tax residency. Depending on the duration of your stay and the nature of your income, you might have specific tax obligations even after leaving.

Tax Refunds: Ensure your updated address is on file with the tax agency. If you’re due any tax refunds, they should be directed to your new address or bank account.

Pensions and Investments

Retirement Schemes: If you’ve contributed to a pension scheme in Denmark, investigate the withdrawal or transfer process. Some pensions might be portable, while others may require you to wait until retirement age.

Investment Accounts: For any investments in Denmark, decide whether to liquidate or maintain them. Consult with a financial advisor to understand the implications of each choice.

Insurance Policies

Termination: Notify insurance providers (health, life, home, or vehicle) of your departure. Understand the process for terminating policies and any potential refunds.

Continued Coverage: If you’re moving to another European country, check if your health insurance has coverage or benefits that extend beyond Denmark.

Healthcare and Social Services

Health and well-being have been pillars of your experience in Denmark, thanks to its comprehensive healthcare system and robust social services. As you prepare for departure, it’s pivotal to be aware of and address your commitments and privileges in these sectors. Here’s a guide to navigating this integral aspect of your transition:

Notifying the Danish Healthcare System

Yellow Health Insurance Card: Upon your departure, your entitlement to the services linked with your yellow health insurance card (sygesikringsbevis) will cease. It’s essential to inform your local municipality, which will then notify the healthcare system.

Ongoing Medical Treatments: If you’re under any continuous medical treatment, discuss your move with your doctor. They can guide you on transitioning your treatment, provide medical records, or give referrals if needed in your new location.

Prescription Medications

Stocking Up: Based on your move’s duration and the availability of your medicines in the next destination, consider stocking up on essential prescription medications. Always check the legality of carrying certain medications across borders.

Medical Records: Obtain a copy of your prescription history, which can be useful for medical professionals unfamiliar with your history.

Winding Down Social Services Benefits

Informing Relevant Authorities: If you’ve been a beneficiary of any Danish social services, such as unemployment benefits, child allowances, or housing support, you must notify the respective agencies of your departure.

Final Payments: Ensure you understand the timeline for any final payments or benefits you’re entitled to receive. Additionally, be aware of any potential repayments or adjustments required on your part.

Dental and Optometry Records

If you’ve regularly visited a dentist or optometrist in Denmark, consider obtaining your recent records. This ensures a seamless continuation of care, especially if specific treatments or prescriptions are involved.

Mental and Emotional Health

Continued Support: If you’ve been receiving mental health support or therapy in Denmark, discuss your move with your therapist or counselor. They might offer telehealth options or recommend professionals in your next destination.

Resources: Familiarize yourself with the mental health resources available in your new location. Transitioning can be challenging, and having immediate resources can be invaluable.

Employment Considerations

Navigating the world of work is often a central aspect of one’s experience in Denmark. Whether you’ve been employed, self-employed, or even running a business, tying up professional ends appropriately is of utmost importance. Here’s a structured guide to ensure you depart with all work-related matters in order:

Notifying Your Employer

Notice Period: Ensure you’re familiar with the notice period stipulated in your employment contract. Providing appropriate notice demonstrates professionalism and respect for your employer.

Exit Interview: Some companies conduct exit interviews. This is an opportunity to discuss your experiences, provide feedback, and understand any final obligations.

Securing Employment Records

Work Certificate: Request a work certificate or letter of recommendation from your employer. This document can be vital for future job applications or references.

Final Pay: Understand the timeline for your last paycheck and any additional compensations, such as unused vacation days.

Retirement and Pension Plans

Company Pension: If your employer contributed to a pension plan on your behalf, inquire about the status of these funds. Understand if they can be transferred or withdrawn, or if they should remain in Denmark until retirement.

Unemployment Insurance

If you’re a member of an unemployment insurance fund (A-kasse) in Denmark, notify them of your departure. Discuss any entitlements or requirements, especially if you’re moving within the European Union.

Self-Employment and Business Ownership

Business Closure: If you own a business or are self-employed, there may be specific protocols for ceasing operations or transferring ownership. Ensure all obligations, especially tax-related ones, are fulfilled.

Clients and Contracts: Notify your clients of your departure and wrap up any ongoing projects or delegate them appropriately. Ensure all contracts are either completed or renegotiated in light of your move.

Professional Networks and Memberships

Associations: If you’re a member of any professional associations or chambers of commerce in Denmark, inform them of your move. They might offer international connections or resources for your next destination.

Continuous Learning: For professionals who were involved in ongoing courses or certifications in Denmark, ensuring the completion or the possibility of continuing them abroad.

Education and Schools

For those with families, or individuals pursuing academic achievements in Denmark, the educational realm becomes a focal point during a move. Ensuring a smooth transition out of the Danish education system, whether it be for young students or adults, requires meticulous attention. Here’s a guide to ensure all educational avenues are properly addressed:

Notifying Schools and Institutions

Communication: Once you’ve finalized your departure, promptly inform the educational institution about the move. Whether it’s a primary school, high school, or university, each will have procedures for students leaving mid-term or at the end of an academic year.

Final Commitments: Ensure all outstanding assignments, exams, or projects are completed, and any school property (like books or equipment) is returned.

Obtaining Academic Records

Transcripts: Request official transcripts or grade reports for the duration of study in Denmark. These records are essential for transferring to another institution or for future academic pursuits.

Recommendation Letters: If moving to another educational institution, consider obtaining recommendation letters from teachers, professors, or academic advisors. These can be invaluable during admissions processes elsewhere.

Financial Considerations

Tuition and Fees: Ensure that all outstanding tuition or other associated fees are settled. If you’ve paid in advance, understand the institution’s refund policy.

Scholarships or Grants: If you or your child were receiving a scholarship or grant, notify the awarding body of your departure. Understand any implications or obligations this might carry.

Adult Education and Courses

Course Completion: If you’ve been part of adult education programs, evening classes, or any short-term courses, communicate with the course coordinators about your situation. They might provide options for early completion, online transition, or deferring.

Certificates: Ensure you receive certificates or recognition for any courses you’ve completed, as these can add value to your professional or personal growth.

Extracurricular and After-School Programs

If your child has been part of any after-school activities or clubs, notify the respective coaches or organizers. This ensures a seamless transition for the group and might even provide opportunities for similar engagements in your next destination.

Educational Resources and Materials

Consider what educational resources you’d like to keep, like textbooks or specialized equipment. Some might be pertinent to continue the curriculum in another country. However, ensure that there are no restrictions or obligations related to their removal.

Utilities and Services

Managing your utilities and other household services is a task that interlaces through your daily life in Denmark. As you’re on the cusp of leaving, efficiently wrapping up these services is essential, ensuring there are no lingering bills or commitments. Here’s how to systematically approach this part of your departure:

Electricity and Gas

Notification: Inform your utility providers about your planned departure date. This will typically involve giving them a final meter reading to ensure accurate billing.

Final Bills: Settle any outstanding payments. Depending on the terms of your contract, you might also be eligible for a refund if you’ve overpaid.

Water and Sewage

Closure of Service: Contact your water company to terminate services. As with electricity and gas, a final meter reading might be necessary.

Clearance: Make sure to settle any outstanding balances to prevent any future discrepancies.

Telecommunications

Mobile Services: If you’re on a contract with a mobile phone provider, check the terms for early termination or porting your number to an international carrier.

Internet and Cable: Notify your service providers of your departure date. Return any equipment, such as modems or set-top boxes, if they are rented or leased.

Waste Management and Recycling

Collection Schedules: Be aware of the final collection dates for waste and recycling, ensuring you clear out appropriately before your move.

Subscription Services: If you have subscribed to any specialized waste management or recycling services, terminate these contracts and settle any dues.

Subscription Services and Deliveries

Magazines and Newspapers: If you have subscriptions, notify publishers of your departure, and, if necessary, cancel any remaining delivery.

Monthly Boxes or Deliveries: Ensure you cancel any ongoing monthly box subscriptions, be it food, books, or any other goods.

Maintenance and Cleaning Services

Termination: If you employ house cleaning, gardening, or other maintenance services, notify them in advance about your move. Settle any outstanding payments or dues.

Postal Services

Mail Redirection: Consider using PostNord’s mail redirection service. This ensures your mail is forwarded to your new address abroad for a specified period, keeping you in the loop with any important correspondence.

Post and Communication

Even in our digital age, physical posts and other forms of communication play a crucial role in our lives, holding personal and official significance. Properly managing these channels as you prepare to leave Denmark ensures you stay connected and don’t miss out on any vital information. Here’s a guide to help you stay on top of this:

Mail Redirection

PostNord Service: PostNord, Denmark’s primary postal service, offers a mail redirection service. By registering with them, your mail will be forwarded to your new international address for a set duration. This gives you ample time to update your address with various institutions and personal contacts.

Duration: Decide on the length of the redirection based on your needs – typically, options range from a couple of months to a year.

Address Updates

Banks and Financial Institutions: Ensure your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial bodies are informed of your new address. This prevents sensitive financial information from going astray.

Subscriptions and Memberships: Update your address with any clubs, organizations, or magazines you’re subscribed to. If international delivery isn’t feasible, consider digital versions or cancellations.

Personal Contacts: Inform friends, family, and other personal contacts about your move. Share your new address so you can stay connected.

Digital Communication

Email Notifications: If linked to Danish services or online portals, ensure you have access to them from your new location. Update email preferences if you wish to continue or discontinue certain notifications.

Local Phone Number: If you plan to discontinue your Danish phone number, make sure to update two-factor authentication settings on any platform using it.

Social Media and Online Presence

Updates: Consider updating your location and contact details on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social networks to reflect your move.

Local Groups: If you’re part of Denmark-centric groups or forums, you can choose to remain for nostalgia or leave them to declutter your digital space.

Personalized Stationery

Change of Address: If you possess personalized stationery, business cards, or address labels reflecting your Danish address, think about updating or discarding them.

Feedback Channels

While moving away from Denmark, you might have insights or feedback for various services you’ve used. Consider leaving reviews or comments for future users or for the improvement of these services.

Transportation and Vehicles

If there’s one thing that consistently facilitates our movements, both in daily life and during significant transitions, it’s transportation. For those who’ve relied on various modes of transport or own vehicles in Denmark, ensuring all aspects of transportation are wrapped up correctly is vital. Here’s a comprehensive guide to managing these aspects as you plan your departure:

Private Vehicles

De-registration: If you own a car or motorbike, it may be necessary to de-register it with the Danish authorities before leaving, especially if you’re not planning to take it with you.

Sales and Transfer: If selling your vehicle, ensure you complete all required paperwork, report the sale to the authorities, and transfer ownership correctly.

International Shipping: Should you decide to take your vehicle with you, check international shipping requirements, customs regulations, and taxation rules for your destination country.

Public Transportation

Subscription Cards: If you have a subscription or monthly card for public transportation (like the Rejsekort), remember to cancel it. Depending on the terms, you might be eligible for a partial refund.

Deposits: Some cards, such as the aforementioned Rejsekort, come with a deposit. Ensure you reclaim any deposits before leaving.

Bicycles and E-scooters

Ownership: If you own a bicycle or e-scooter, decide whether you’d like to sell, donate, or ship it to your new location. For sales, numerous platforms and local shops can facilitate the process.

Rental Services: If you’ve availed of any long-term rental or sharing services, ensure you’ve terminated your contract or membership and settled any outstanding payments.

Driving License and Permits

International Driving Permit: If you possess a Danish driving license and are moving to a country outside the EU/EEA, consider obtaining an International Driving Permit. It’s recognized in many countries and can be a useful document until you acquire a local license.

License Exchange: Some countries have mutual agreements with Denmark, allowing you to exchange your Danish license for a local one without undergoing a full driving test. Research the specifics for your destination.

Parking and Tolls

Subscriptions: If you have subscribed to any parking facilities, remember to cancel your subscription.

Toll Tags: Devices like the BroBizz, which facilitates automatic payments for bridges and tolls, should be returned or deactivated. Ensure all outstanding bills are settled.

Future Travel Plans

If you anticipate returning to Denmark, whether for visits or potential re-establishment, consider the transportation options available. Familiarizing yourself with any changes or new services can make future trips smoother.

Wrapping up transportation and vehicle-related aspects ensures a hassle-free exit from Denmark. Whether it’s a beloved bike or a comprehensive transportation card, attending to these elements guarantees a smoother journey onward, wherever the road might lead you next.