Denmark’s emphasis on family and work-life balance makes it a welcome destination for American emigrants. A 37-hour work week comes with a living wage and universal healthcare for most residents. The public childcare system teaches Danish and social skills to children before their first birthday, freeing parents to join the workforce. Surfers will find ample waves to catch, as you’re never more than 30 miles from the beach here. However, adapting to the local lifestyle takes time. Applying for your visa can be a lengthy—and sometimes futile—process. Most jobs require you to speak fluent Danish, while the cold and rainy weather fills most of the calendar, outside of an 8-week summer. Looking for furnished rentals will help you avoid surprises like empty kitchens. Those expats who can find joy in the gray skies should discover a robust new life here in this Scandinavian nation.

Eszter is an educator and cultural professional who relocated to Copenhagen with her French-American husband, their trilingual toddler, and a senior Boston Terrier (who made the journey from Texas to Denmark via Belgium). Originally from Hungary, she has lived in six countries and understands the emotional and logistical complexities of starting over abroad, especially with a young child. Whether you’re navigating school registration, adjusting to a new culture, or trying to reconnect with your creative identity, Eszter offers warm, practical support shaped by real experience.