Healthcare

Denmark needs dedicated healthcare professionals

Are you a healthcare professional considering a career abroad? Denmark might be the place for you! In Denmark, you get to work in a tax-funded, universal healthcare system that grants equal access to healthcare services to all citizens.

Specialized healthcare professionals with a Danish authorization such as doctors, nurses, dentists, dental assistants, and healthcare assistants for eldercare services are in high demand in Denmark due to expanding healthcare needs and an ageing population.

Most employment opportunities in the healthcare sector will be with Denmark’s regional hospitals, local municipalities, or private clinics. Whether you’re looking to work in a hospital setting, a private dental practice, or within eldercare services, Denmark offers a variety of roles that cater to different areas of expertise within the healthcare sector.

Find your next healthcare job in Denmark here

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

Unique working conditions

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.
A focus on professional growth

ongoing education and professional development lets you stay updated on the latest medical advancements and best practices.
A highly efficient and digitalized system

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.
Social benefits

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 a Danish authorisation in order to use my title?

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

It is an advantage to apply for authorisation before you arrive in Denmark as it may take time before you receive an answer to your application.

You have to apply for an authorisation with the Danish Patient Safety Authority, and the process varies depending on your specific profession and whether you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen or a non-EU citizen.

You can read about the process for both EU and a non-EU citizen and apply for authorisation via the link below.

The Danish Patient Safety Authority

Residence and work permit for EU/EEA or Swiss citizens

Citizens EU/EEA os Switzerland who has obtained authorisation in Denmark and signed a contract with an employer in Denmark need to apply for EU residence in order to work in Denmark.

This proces is administered by The Danish Agency for International Recriutment and Integration, and you can read more and apply 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, you can apply for a residence permit in Denmark which makes it possible for you to learn Danish and pass the professional tests etc. which are necessary in order to obtain a Danish authorisation.

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 any Danish before signing a contract – English or German will do.

However, most healthcare roles require a certain level of Danish proficiency. In most cases, Danish classes are provided free of charge by your new employer as part of your contract. Sometimes a contract even includes a language course 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 still necessary for all healthcare personnel, as clear communication is crucial in healthcare.