Denmark 2025 might be known for its bikes, hygge, and high quality of life, but it’s also a surprisingly solid destination for students and young people looking to earn some extra cash. Whether you’re studying there or just taking a gap year adventure, getting a part-time job (or “student job”) is totally doable — if you know how.
Here’s a practical guide to help you find a job in Denmark, minus the fluff.
First Things First: Can You Work in Denmark?
Before you even start the job hunt, check your status:
- EU/EEA Citizens: You’re good to go. No work permit needed.
- Non-EU Citizens: You’ll usually need a student visa or work permit. Most student visas allow you to work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during holidays.
Make sure your papers are in order — Danish bureaucracy isn’t the fastest.
Where to Look: Top Job Platforms
Most jobs are posted online, and these websites are your best friends:
- Jobindex.dk – Denmark’s biggest job board (mostly full-time roles, but you’ll find student jobs too).
- Graduateland.com – Focused on students and recent grads.
- Studenterguiden.dk – Specifically for student jobs (in Danish).
- WorkinDenmark.dk – A government portal with English-speaking job ads.
- Facebook groups – Try searching “Jobs in Copenhagen” or “Student jobs Denmark.”
Tip: Many part-time jobs never get advertised online. Use your network (even if it’s small) and don’t be shy to ask around.
What Kind of Jobs Can You Actually Get in 2025?
Unless you’re fluent in Danish, your options will likely lean toward international or English-friendly environments. Popular options include:
- Hospitality: Bars, cafés, restaurants – often in tourist-heavy areas.
- Cleaning: Offices, hotels, or private homes.
- Retail: Some international stores hire English speakers.
- Warehouse & logistics: Picking, packing, sorting – especially during holidays.
- Freelancing: If you have digital skills (design, writing, marketing), freelancing can be a solid choice.
Bonus tip: Copenhagen is more international, meaning better chances of English-speaking roles.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
The Danish job market is pretty informal, but still professional. Here’s what helps:
- CV: Keep it short, clear, and simple (1–2 pages max).
- Cover letter: Personalized and direct. Skip the long intro about your childhood dreams.
- Language: If the ad is in English, reply in English. If it’s in Danish, try using Google Translate and ask someone to check it.
- Smile, but don’t oversell: Danes prefer honesty and low-key confidence over aggressive self-promotion.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Showing Up
Especially for service jobs, walk-ins still work. Prepare a short pitch about yourself and print a few copies of your CV. Then:
- Dress casually neat.
- Avoid rush hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon is best).
- Be polite and direct: “Hi, are you hiring part-time staff at the moment?”
You might not get an answer right away, but you’ll make an impression.
Language Barrier? Here’s the Deal.
You don’t have to speak Danish to find a job, but it definitely helps. Even learning the basics can show motivation and respect.
Apps like Duolingo or Babbel are a good start. And phrases like “Tak for i dag” (Thanks for today) or “Jeg lærer dansk” (I’m learning Danish) go a long way.
Quick Tips to Survive Working in Denmark
- Taxes: Get a tax card (skattekort) from SKAT — otherwise, you’ll get taxed heavily.
- NemID/MitID: You’ll need this digital ID to do almost anything administrative.
- Pay: Minimum wage isn’t fixed by law, but around 110–130 DKK/hour is common.
- Punctuality: Being late is a big no-no.
Understand the Rules (Yes, the Boring Part)
If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can work in Denmark without a permit. If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll usually need a student visa with a work allowance (typically 20 hours/week).
Also important:
- Get a CPR number – It’s your Danish ID and you need it to get paid
- Open a bank account – Salary payments go straight there
- Get a tax card from SKAT (the Danish tax authority) to avoid automatic high taxation