verybigimage
InternationalsPublished

ICS: The International Citizen Service

If you are a foreigner in Denmark, navigating the country’s bureaucracy can be challenging and overwhelming. That is why Denmark has set up an International Citizen Service (ICS) to help foreigners who want to live, work, or study there. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the ICS, how it works, and how it can benefit you.

Contents

What is the International Citizen Service?

The International Citizen Service is a one-stop shop for foreigners living in Denmark. It is a collaboration between the Danish authorities and local municipalities to provide services to foreigners.

The ICS provides information and assistance in a range of areas , such as:

  • Work and residence permits
    Depending on where you're from, you might need proper work and residence permits to live and work in Denmark legally. ICS can help with questions and help with applications. 
  • CPR registration
    One of the first things expats need to know when arriving in Denmark is to obtain a Danish CPR number. This number is used for everything from opening a bank account to signing up for health insurance. The ICS can help you register for a CPR number.
  • Registering your address in Denmark:
    Danish residents must register their address with the Danish government within 5 days of arriving in the country. ICS can assist with the process by providing information about what documents you must bring with you and how to fill out the registration form.
  • Taxation
    If you’re living and working in Denmark, you are required to pay taxes. You can contact ICS to gain information about the Danish tax system.
  • Learning Danish
    The ICS also provides information and guidance on how to learn Danish, including how to find Danish language courses, how to prepare for Danish language exams, what resources are available for learning Danish, and how to integrate Danish language learning into daily life.

The information and guidance will vary depending on whether you’re a Nordic citizen, EU/EEA/Swiss citizen - or a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. For example, you do not have to apply for an EU residence document if you're a Nordic citizen.

Tip: Read about Nordic citizens and Danish citizenship

How to access the ICS

The ICS operates in six cities across Denmark, including Aarhus, Aalborg, Copenhagen, Odense, Esbjerg, and Sønderborg.

You can find the nearest ICS office on the ICS website here.

FaQ about International Citizen Service

Who can use the ICS?

The ICS is available to all foreigners living in Denmark, including EU citizens, non-EU citizens, and refugees who plan to stay in Denmark for over 3 months. If you plan to live, work, or study in Denmark, the ICS can help you with your specific needs.

Moving to – or living in – Denmark? Don’t forget your Danish bank account

Lunar is a Danish, award-winning digital bank. If you become a user, you can open a free Danish bank account that includes a digital card as well as an easy-to-use banking app.

You can also open your NemKonto with Lunar, which you’ll need to receive payments from the Danish authorities and welfare system.

The sign-up process is easy and 100% digital, meaning you can do it from the comfort of your home.

Open a free Danish bank account

Last updated August 16, 2023. This article is based on general information, and there may be special rules and circumstances that you should be aware of. This should not be considered counseling.


You might also like...