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Healthcare

Denmark needs dedicated healthcare professionals with ad Danish authorisation

Are you a healthcare professional considering a career abroad? Denmark could be the perfect destination for you! In Denmark, you will work within a tax-funded, universal healthcare system that ensures equal access to healthcare services for all citizens.

Specialist healthcare professionals with Danish authorisation, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, dental assistants, and healthcare assistants specialising in elderly care, are in high demand due to Denmark’s expanding healthcare needs and ageing population.

Most employment opportunities in the healthcare sector are available within Denmark’s regional hospitals, local municipalities, or private clinics. Whether you are interested in working in a hospital setting, a private dental practice, or in elderly care, Denmark offers a variety of roles to suit your skills and aspirations.

Find your next healthcare job in Denmark here

What can I expect from working in the Danish healthcare system?

  • with a strong focus on a healthy work-life balance. You will also benefit from a collaborative and team-oriented approach that creates a culture with a flat hierarchy, open communication and shared responsibilities, allowing you to collaborate with different specialists and influence decision-making processes. The focus on patient-centred care is growing in Denmark, which means that you get to involve your patients in decision-making and tailor care to their individual needs.

  • ongoing education and professional development lets you stay updated on the latest medical advancements and best practices. 

  • with modern facilities and advanced technologies, allowing you to deliver high-quality care. The Danish healthcare system also offers efficient workflows and access to digital and up-to-date patient information, reducing your level of paperwork, manual data entry and administrative tasks. 

  • like collective agreements guaranteeing a 37-hour workweek, 5-6 weeks paid vacation, parental leave, a pension scheme, and much more. You also get free universal healthcare and language courses, guaranteed childcare, tuition-free education, and much more.

How can I obtain Danish authorisation?

If you intend to work as a healthcare professional in Denmark, you will need Danish authorisation.

It is advisable to apply for authorisation before arriving in Denmark, as the process may take some time, and delays are possible before receiving a response to your application.

You must apply for authorisation through the Danish Patient Safety Authority. The process varies depending on your specific profession and whether you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, or a non-EU citizen. For non-EU citizens, the duration of the authorisation process depends on how quickly you learn Danish, pass the required medical tests, and meet other conditions. Please be aware that obtaining Danish authorisation and permission to work independently may take several years for non-EU citizens.

One of the requirements for non-EU citizens is to secure employment for adaptation and training purposes (evalueringsansættelse). It is important to note that it is your responsibility to find an employer willing to offer this position. Please also be aware that not everyone succeeds in securing employment for adaptation and training purposes, as this depends, among other factors, on the capacity and staffing needs of the Regional Council.

You can find more information about the authorisation process for both EU and non-EU citizens, as well as apply for authorisation, via the link below.

The Danish Patient Safety Authority

Residence document for EU/EEA or Swiss citizens

EU/EEA or Swiss citizens who have obtained authorization in Denmark and signed a contract with a Danish employer, and who plan to stay in Denmark for more than three months, must apply for an EU residence document within three months of entering the country.

You can find further information and access the application via the link below.

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Residence and work permit for non-EU citizens

If you have been trained as a medical doctor, dentist or nurse in a country outside the EU/EEA and The Danish Patient Safety Authority have found your education equivalent to the corresponding Danish education, you can apply for a residence permit in Denmark for you to complete the requirements in the authorization process. 

If The Danish Patient Safety Authority have assessed that you are covered by the rules for specifically requested healthcare professionals, you can also apply for a residence permit in Denmark for you to complete the requirements in the authorization process. 

You can read more about the process for non-EU citizens and apply for residence and work permit via the link below.

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Will I need to speak Danish before arriving in Denmark?

You do not have to speak Danish before signing a contract – English or German will do.

However, most healthcare roles require a certain level of Danish proficiency. In most cases, language training are provided free of charge by your new employer as part of your contract. Sometimes a contract also includes language training for your spouse, and the municipality will offer your children special support when they start in daycare or school.

Most Danes speak English fluently, but learning Danish is necessary for all healthcare personnel, as clear communication is crucial in healthcare. 

If you have questions

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. 

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