Think tank report draws expatriate professionals to Denmark

If you don’t want to spend time ploughing through endless surveys to find your most suitable expat destination, the Legatum Institute think-tank’s Prosperity Index may have the answer.

Prosperity isn’t just about a country’s financial standing as it also includes social capital and economic quality, two categories which are important in defining liveability for would-be expats. In the institute’s latest report, Denmark came in at an admirable seventh place overall, with its lowest rankings out of 149 countries in the Health sub-category at 21st and the Natural Environment category at 19th. The Scandinavian country may not have year-round sunshine, but it’s an attractive blend of pristine landscapes, cultural cities and work-life balance. Danes enjoy a high standard of living, with government cash pumped into welfare and upping the longevity of its peoples as a result.

Professional expats are welcomed, living mostly in city-based modern apartments or suburban homes with gardens if they arrive with their families. Healthcare in Denmark is first world standard and considered first class, although taxes are on the high side due to the provision of free hospital treatments as well as local doctors’ surgeries. At present, the EHIC card gives access for expats, but the advent of Brexit may change this, making private health insurance mandatory. Education is free up to university level, starting at seven years old and continuing until 16, but the majority of Danish students go on to state-funded university or college.

Expat children are offered free Danish language lessons, and international schools are also provided, again subsidised by the government, meaning expat parents face very few costs as regards schooling. Another advantage is that Denmark’s work environment encourages a positive work-life balance, encouraging many expat professionals to choose the country for their next career step. Being able to speak Danish isn’t essential, as most Danish businesses use the English language as their primary tongue. Typical expat employment includes business services, healthcare, education, construction and transport and, in general, the cost of living is slightly higher than in the UK, with the exception of electricity, water and heating costs which are cheaper than in England.