The top 10 reasons NOT to move to Denmark - Why Denmark might not be a place for you to settle

In this video, I'm diving into a topic that might surprise you - the top 10 reasons NOT to move to Denmark. Yes, you heard that right. While Denmark is often painted as a utopia of high living standards and stunning landscapes, it's not the perfect fit for everyone.
From the unpredictable weather to the complex tax system, I'm unpacking everything you need to consider before deciding to call Denmark your new home. Make sure to watch till the end to get the full picture and decide for yourself if Denmark is right for you. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you never miss out on my latest videos!
🔹 Key Points Covered:
1. Unpredictable Weather: Constant wind, rain, and mediocre temperatures - Denmark's weather can be a dealbreaker for some.
2. Closed Culture: Experience the challenge of penetrating Denmark's notoriously closed social circles.
3. Limited Wild Nature: If you're looking for rugged wilderness, Denmark’s gentle landscapes might not thrill.
4. High Cost of Living: One of the world’s most expensive countries, find out how your budget could take a hit.
5. Complicated Tax System: High taxes and complex terms - Denmark’s fiscal policies are not for the faint-hearted.
6. Limited Welfare Benefits for Newcomers: Learn about the welfare benefits you won’t have access to as a newcomer.
7. Underwhelming Cuisine: Beyond smørrebrød, Danish cuisine might leave foodies wanting more.
8. Difficult Language: Tackle one of the most challenging languages to learn and pronounce.
9. Lack of Ambition in Tech: Discover why Denmark might not satisfy the most ambitious tech professionals.
10. ‘Small Culture’ Drawbacks: Consider the cultural investment that might not pay off if you plan to move again.
🔹 Who Should Watch?
Potential expats considering Denmark as their new home.
Travel enthusiasts interested in Scandinavian culture.
Anyone intrigued by the reality behind the expat life in Denmark.
🔹 Subscribe for More Insights:
Stay tuned for more honest travel and expat advice by subscribing to my channel. Whether you're moving abroad or just exploring from afar, I provide the real and honest scoop on what life in Denmark is truly like.
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🔹 Engage with me:
What's your take on living in Denmark? Have any points to add or disagree with? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
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🔹 Links mentioned in the video:
📕 How to make Danish Open Sandwiches
www.amazon.com/How-make-Danis...
📕 From Dating to Love (my book about dating in Denmark)
singletips.dk/from-dating-to-...
About financial advise in relation to DANISH TAXES, write me an email on [e-mail], and I will put you in contact with the combination of accountants and legal advisors you need.
🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for our channel to keep up with our latest videos and insights!
👉 Watch our related videos for more perspectives on Denmark and other destinations.
The chapter overview below shows what I cover in this video.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Start
1:20 - The weather
2:40 - The closed Danish culture
4:43 - No wild nature
5:55 - Denmark is expensive
6:50 - Danish taxes are high
8:25 - Foreigners cannot benefit from the welfare state
10:45 - Food is underwhelming
12:20 - Danish is hard to learn
13:45 - Culture is unambitious
15:00 - Denmark is a longterm investment
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ABOUT ME
My name is Steven Højlund. I have lived 30 years of my live in Copenhagen and other places in Denmark. But I have also lived in many other cities in Europe and the US. I have visited many parts of the world, and I decided to come back to live in Denmark despite the weather because of a lot of factors, - among them, Copenhagen that I find to be a very livable city.
I’m not the one saying that Denmark is the best country in the world to live in, or that Copenhagen is the best city to live in the world. I think that depends on the person you are and your needs. But I like it here, and I hope I can contribute to you getting the best out of your time here as well.

[@GilbertMartinezHarpsichord]

Nice video Steven! I beg to differ on # 2. I've been living in Valby (from California) since 2012 (I married a Danish citizen). I was assured I wouldn't make Danish friends. I quickly met random people at cafes, shopping near home, etc. Some have turned into very close friends. I've met young couples from their curious and friendly children who've tried to get my attention. I would say the open and truly curious, welcoming nature even beats places I've lived between the SF Bay Area and Los Angeles. Of course, there are frustrations, but there are in every realm, and people are just human. One could say I had a foot in the door socially, as I plugged into work by playing with the Copenhagen Philharmonic, Copenhagen Soloists and many other groups. My husband is Bosnian, but has been here for over 20 years and is well regarded in his field as an academic. However, I will say that 90% of my friends here are native Danes, and not related to my or my husband's work. Good luck with your channel! I stumbled on it totally at random.

[@expattips_denmark]

Sounds great! I'm so happy that you had that good experience 🙂

[@jensholm5759]

The first picture is from Copenhagen and not typical for Denmark at all. We live all over in smaller towns and the landskape between is a lot of farming. We are many islands and fjords. Its very visible. By that we also has a lot small and bigger bridges added ferries here. The rest of the video is very well done and not a tourist cartoon + + +

[@expattips_denmark]

Thank you, Jens 🙂

[@juanmanuelroldan1680]

This video is very accurate! I moved to Denmark for almost 4.5 years as a non-European expat (33 yo). Every experience is different, somehow not only in Denmark but also in other countries people are more curious about knowing more about specific nationalities and people with similar interests (for instance professionals with professionals, artists with artists etc., similar political inclinations, etc). I worked as an engineer with non-Danish command, it is an advantage compared to other non-English speaking countries. Unfortunately, 2 months ago, I moved out probably for some of the reasons you mentioned in the video and I will add 1 more: Migration policies. I wanted to start my own business as an entrepreneur and for that reason I came to Berlin, since Germany offers a much better integration and migration policy. Also, Getting Self-employment Visas is way easier. After watching your video, I realized that, probably I showed too much ambition part :D, great video! cheers Juan!!

[@expattips_denmark]

Thanks a lot for the kind words, Juan. Actually, the immigration policies is a good one that I should have included as a reason not to move to Denmark. The part about the entrepreneurship is also interesting, as Denmark is also a small starter-market, and the angel investor capital market does work best for you if you have connections. I'll look into the legislation about starting companies for a future video 🙂

[@toxies7174]

Imagen if we gave all who came to our country the excact same right as a Dane, we would be out of money in month, Denmark would a free ride if we did that. U gotta understand we all carry our society together. Danish mentality.

[@expattips_denmark]

True. It's a very generous welfare state, and that makes it prone to exploitation.

[@bountihuntervoc]

most of this describe zealand and not jutland. BUT most ppl that dont live in denmark wants to move to copenhagen so it is valid :)

[@Bertel-yr3yw]

As an expat who has lived in many places and speaks several languages, I would like to reply with a top 10 reasons to move to Denmark: 1. Growing up in Florida, people always ask me why I moved to Denmark. My answer is always “The weather”. This always gets a laugh. But after living here you really appreciate the weather when it is good, and when it is harsh you just need to dress properly, and it is spectacular to experience. There is soo much to do if you get your butt outside in all 4 seasons here in Denmark. Bathing all year round, long walks through nature all year round, boating all summer long, mushroom picking in the fall in the beautiful forests, gardening in the spring time and soo much more. 2. Yes, the Danes are very closed people and hard to get through to. But, when you do interact with them (and you need to go to them, because they will not come to you) you will get some of the most loyal friends you have ever had. I have never understood why someone moves to Denmark and whines about it. Your an expat, you have a citizenship elsewhere.....go back to your paradise. 3. The nature is similar throughout the country, and so is the nature in Florida, but it is beautiful. There are soo many things to go and see. This is an very old country. Go out and find some of the old burial sites, these are 2500 years older than the pyramids! 4. The cities are expensive, but no more than other cities in other countries. I am shocked at the prices in Florida when I go back. Denmark use to be 2-3 times more expensive, but now it is 1-1. But....now that I am living in the countryside in Denmark, I have pockets full of extra cash. I buy from the local farmers. All the produce and meats are unbelievably good. I pay a third of the price for my vegetables than I did at the supermarkets in Copenhagen, and they don´t taste like water. My property taxes are a quarter of what they are in Copenhagen, and I still own my house there, so I know. You can get a house for cash out in the country and fix it up yourself. Nothing for the bank to kill you with on interest. I think I will have paid my house 3 times over when I am done paying for it in Copenhagen. 5. I am guessing that this Dane has never filled out US taxes. 6. People moving to Denmark should support Denmark, it should not be the other way around. Everyone should do what they can to make where they live a better place. There are more benefits in place for newcomers than I would ever think there was. I can walk down and get an education, money to live on and full health benefits tomorrow. I could never do that in the USA. 7. Copenhagen is the new city in Europe for innovation for food. I am in the industry and sell my products throughout Europe. Copenhagen is in the spot light now. 8. Alright, alright....I agree 100% with the difficulty in language. It is damn hard, and the Danish humor is as dry as the Brits. 9. Has this Dane ever really looked into what is coming out of Denmark today? It is amazing. Companies come here because of the high level of education and the low corporate tax system. It is an amazing place for innovation. 10. Getting to know another culture is always rewarding. But I guess what he is saying is true, if you invest in something and you throw it out the window. If you have not learned from it, it could be a waste of your time.

[@expattips_denmark]

Hi Bertel. Thank you for this thorough reply. It's always nice with some perspective from someone, who experienced moving and settling here! Thanks for taking the time.

[@veronicajensen7690]

thank you from the bottom of my heart from a Dane, I agree 100% we have so much good food in Denmark the quality is way better than in many places lots of fresh food, the best bread, lots of organic food, and sure if you don't live in a big city there are not a lot of choice in restaurants but in Copenhagen Århus and Odense you can get everything, some people who aren't danish love traditional Danish food, but then there are new Nordic that is among the best food in the world, people are actually visiting Denmark just for the food these days, they did not do that 20 years ago! I also agree about the nature, not only mountains or huge forests you can walk in for days are beautiful sometimes a few hours are enough it is for most people, and innovation Denmark is known for being easy for startups that said I agree on what he said about investments and the weather and darkness that is certainly not for everybody and a lot of people cant cope

[@expattips_denmark]

@@veronicajensen7690 Thanks a lot! :-)

[@kennethsktt9838]

Dansk er ikke smukt? Hvad snakker du om, dansk/skandinavisk sprog er fyldt med føelser.... ❤

[@expattips_denmark]

Hej Kenneth. Det var mere i forhold til det fonetiske, hvor dansk ikke er kendt for at lyde særlig pænt.

[@kennethsktt9838]

@@expattips_denmark Kan vi til dels godt være enige om, det kan godt lyde harsk i nogles øre. 🤭👍 Sys bare personligt dansk er smukt. 🇩🇰