Challenges of moving from the Denmark to the UK involve complex immigration laws and visa applications. Just one misstep — delay or even denial of entry could affect your personal and professional plans. Let an expert team of immigration solicitors help you with your relocation. Leave all your worries behind and rest assured regarding having every aspect of your move managed efficiently and in compliance with UK regulations. From securing an appropriate visa to enter the country to understanding the minutiae of residency in the UK, our services help you to move seamlessly.
The Success Story: Read about how A Y & J Solicitors helped this Denmark client relocate to the UK and made the process easy, ensuring timely entry into the UK.
At A Y & J Solicitors in London, we've helped thousands of new and experienced business owners move to the UK from around the world. We understand the typical challenges that come along with your visa application for self-sponsorship UK and know how to mitigate them. We walk you through step by step, showing you how to self-sponsor a work visa in the UK. Instead of going it alone, let our lawyers take the weight off your shoulders, so you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to bring your business (and family) to the UK.
Kate Corey, Founder of 6 Degrees
We are specialists in immigration law and have supported more than 4,000 business owners and professionals around the globe to successfully navigate the British system. We work quickly, always responding to any queries within 24 working hours. And we work closely with the Home Office to pre-empt issues before they jeopardise sponsorship applications or breach compliance. We manage all United Kingdom immigration matters including visa applications under the new points-based immigration system, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Spouse Visas, nationality and more. We also handle complex cases of appeal, administrative reviews, judicial reviews and the many immigration challenges involving European Union law and human rights.
A Y & J Solicitors has more than 1,200 positive client reviews across Google and Trustpilot and is listed in The Legal top 500 best UK law firms, so you can rest assured your immigration challenges are in safe hands when you take these three simple steps:
"The team has been incredibly helpful and provided great support with regard to guiding me through the immigration process. Everyone was responsive, enthusiastic and diligent. I could not recommend them more."
"Excellent service, top-notch communication and a highly experienced, knowledgable team of solicitors. Would recommend to any one looking for peace-of-mind with their immigration."
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"I would like to share my great experience on the service I had. For my case, it is complicated and unusual but the attentive service and advice in every step from the lawyer: Mr. Imad made clearly process. My Visa has proved within just a week, OMG this is amazing. I can give just Five Stars because this is no star number Six. Thank you very much for your assistance.🙏"
Living in the UK as a Danish national offers a vast array of benefits. Firstly, the UK boasts an excellent transportation system, making it easy to travel to Denmark via road, rail, sea, or air. Additionally, the UK houses a robust and thriving economy, providing access to highly lucrative markets and a wide array of well-paid job opportunities. Moreover, the country’s streamlined administrative processes and minimal bureaucracy make it remarkably straightforward to establish and operate a business.
Culturally, the UK is rich in heritage and history, while its scenic landscapes, ‘chocolate box’ villages, mountains, hills, lakes, and countryside offer endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. Lastly, the UK is home to world-renowned educational institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, St Andrews, and University College London (UCL), which are known for their academic excellence and prestigious reputation.
The legal requirements for Danish citizens moving to the UK depend on the visa being applied for, as follows:
As a citizen of Denmark, if you wish to work in the UK for a British employer, you will need a work visa. The most popular visa is the UK Skilled Worker visa, which allows you to live and work for up to 5 years. At the end of this period, your visa can be extended further, or you can apply for permanent residency here. After a further 12 months, you can then apply to become a British citizen.
To be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker visa as a Danish national, you must:
To obtain a Student visa to study at a British university, college, or school as a Danish national, you will need to fulfil the following criteria:
Upon approval of your Student visa by the Home Office, you will be able to stay in the UK for the duration of your course. Following the completion of your studies, if you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a UK Graduate visa, which offers a two-year period during which you can seek employment opportunities.
The UK Innovator Founder visa is an attractive option for Danish entrepreneurs and business individuals with plans to set up a business presence in the UK. Opting for this immigration pathway offers the advantage of securing permanent residency after just three years, as opposed to the standard five-year period required for permanent residency. To apply for the UK Innovator Founder visa, you must meet the following criteria:
The above provides just a few examples of the various UK visas accessible to Danish citizens. To gain a complete understanding of all of the available immigration pathways for you and your family and to determine the most suitable options for your specific requirements, we recommend consulting with an expert immigration lawyer based in the UK.
The UK has a modern digital banking system, which makes setting up a new account here quick and easy. It is best to wait until you arrive, though, as UK banks require proof of identity and a permanent UK address.
Once in the UK, you will need to get a National Insurance (NI) number before you start working. When it comes to taxes, things are also pretty straightforward in the UK. Your employer will deduct any taxes at source through the ‘Pay As You Earn’ (PAYE) system. On the other hand, if you are self-employed, you will need to prepare and submit a ‘self-assessment tax return’ annually. A UK-based accountant can help make this process smooth sailing.
It is estimated that around 30,000 Danish nationals call the UK home, an increase of 10,000 from 2008, largely due to the freedom of movement within the EU. Danish nations have been drawn here for decades for the work and business opportunities but also for the historical and cultural aspects of the UK. Of course, the UK is no longer a member of the EU, but it is still possible for Danish nationals to work, study, or join family in the UK. In this guide, we will give you the low-down on moving from Denmark to the UK, including the legal requirements, the cost of living in the UK, and a relocation checklist to make the process smooth sailing. We also answer some of the most frequently asked questions on relocating from Denmark to the UK.
As most Danish nationals will be all too aware, the UK ceased to be a member of the European Union (EU) at 11pm GMT on the 31st December 2020. This also ended the free movement for citizens between the EU and the UK. Under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), EU nationals already living in the UK before the end of 2020 were able to stay indefinitely, while those who did not require a visa to live in the UK. Applying for a visa in the UK is generally straightforward, especially with the support and expertise of a UK immigration specialist who can handle the whole process for you.
Overall, prices in the UK are on par with those in Denmark when all costs are taken into account. According to the cost of living website Numbeo, consumer prices are in the region of 15% less in the UK compared to Denmark, but this is balanced out by the 15% higher rental prices in the UK. Restaurant prices are 23% lower in the UK, and food/grocery prices are 14% lower than in Denmark. It is important to remember that the cost of living and rental varies hugely across the UK. The most expensive areas tend to be in and around London and in the South of England. It is, therefore, important to research different areas in which to live in the UK and compare the cost of living and transport for each, which brings us to the emigration checklist.
Moving countries can feel overwhelming, but by doing your homework before you make the jump, you can make the process easier and less stressful. We recommend taking the following steps as early as possible:
The self-sponsorship route is ideal for Danish citizens who wish to relocate to the UK but without the stress and hassle of securing a job beforehand. This pathway allows individuals to establish their own businesses in the UK and act as both sponsor and employee. Our team can offer detailed guidance on navigating the self-sponsorship process, ensuring compliance with all of the legal prerequisites. Furthermore, this route offers a pathway to obtaining permanent residency in the UK and, eventually, British citizenship.
Emigrating to the UK as a non-Danish national
Like Danish nationals, non-Danish individuals are also required to apply for a visa to relocate to the UK. Non-Danish nationals have various immigration routes available, the most appropriate of which depends on their nationality, familial ties to the UK, and intended residency plans once they are here. For more details on the various migration options as a non-Danish citizen, feel free to consult with one of our knowledgeable and approachable UK Immigration Solicitors.
Joining UK Family Members as a Non-Danish National
To relocate to the UK to join your partner, spouse, parent, or child as a non-Danish citizen, you will need to apply for a UK Family visa. To qualify, your family member based in the UK must either be:
After 5 years of continuous residence on a UK Family visa, you can apply for permanent residency and British citizenship 1 year later.
The exact documents that you need to move to the UK as a Danish national will depend on the type of visa you require. For example, to apply for a work visa, you will need:
Your immigration Solicitor will provide you with a complete list of all the documents that you will need.
Yes, if you wish to apply for a work visa in the UK as a Danish national, you must be sponsored by a UK employer. Alternatively, you can consider the self-sponsorship route.
Here are just some of the considerations before moving back to the UK from Denmark:
Please see the legal requirements for moving from Denmark to the UK above.
Yes, however, Danish citizens and their family members require a visa to live in the UK. Please see the visa options explained above.
Yes, but you will require a job offer from a sponsoring employer, a certificate of sponsorship, and a work visa granted by the UK Home Office.
As a Danish national, you can apply for your UK visa online through the UK’s Home Office website. You will need to fully complete the application form, pay any required fees, and submit any documents required to support your case. You will also need to meet the requirements for the type of visa you are applying for. An immigration Solicitor in the UK can handle this process for you.
Please see the legal requirements for moving from Denmark to the UK above.
The length of time you can spend in the UK will depend on the type of visa you hold. Danish nationals can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. Work visas last up to 5 years and provide a route to permanent settlement. Student visas typically last for the duration of the course, but holders can then apply for a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for a further 2 years to find work.
Please see the cost of living section above.
Many UK nationals are moving back to the UK from Denmark following Brexit and the ending of UK/EU free movement. This is because UK nationals are now restricted to the number of days (90 days in every 180 days) they can spend in the EU. Other UK nationals are returning for work opportunities or to be with family members.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or at contact us today. We’re here to help!
