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📋 Registration & Immigration 🇩🇰🇸🇪

Moving to Scandinavia from Outside the EU — Checklist

Essential steps for non-EU citizens relocating to Denmark or Sweden, from visas to settlement.

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10 min read

Moving to Denmark or Sweden from outside the EU requires more paperwork, but the countries actively welcome skilled workers, researchers, and students. Here's your comprehensive checklist.

Before Applying

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    Determine your permit type: work, study, family reunification, or startup
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    Check salary requirements (Denmark's Pay Limit Scheme requires ~480,000 DKK/year)
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    Verify if your profession is on the Positive List (Denmark) or shortage list (Sweden)
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    Gather required documents: passport, diplomas, criminal record, health certificate
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    Get documents translated and apostilled
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    Research your destination city — use Movinn's guides

Denmark — Visa & Permit Process

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    Apply through nyidanmark.dk for your specific permit type
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    Pay the application fee (varies by permit type)
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    Submit biometrics at a Danish embassy or VFS center
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    Processing time: 1–6 months depending on permit type
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    Receive your residence card upon arrival
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    Register for CPR number at International Citizen Service
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    Attend mandatory Danish language and culture courses (integrationsprogram)

Sweden — Visa & Permit Process

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    Apply through Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) website
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    Work permits require a job offer meeting Swedish employment standards
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    Submit biometrics at a Swedish embassy
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    Processing time: 1–8 months (varies significantly)
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    Receive your residence permit card
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    Register at Skatteverket for personnummer
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    Sign up for SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) language program
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Housing Is Critical

Both Denmark and Sweden require proof of accommodation for your permit application. A Movinn booking confirmation can serve as your housing documentation, and our flexible terms mean you're not locked into a long lease before you've even arrived.

After Arrival

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    Register your address immediately (both countries)
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    Open a local bank account (requires CPR/personnummer)
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    Get digital ID (MitID in Denmark, BankID in Sweden)
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    Register with a healthcare provider
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    Understand tax obligations — you may need a tax advisor for the first year
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    Join expat communities — InterNations, local Facebook groups, Meetup events
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    Explore your neighborhood — Movinn's guides can help
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Personal Assistance from Our Team

Navigating immigration can feel daunting. The Movinn team is happy to assist with any inquiry — from housing documentation for your permit to local recommendations once you've arrived. Book a free 15-minute video call with one of our specialists.

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