Guide for Moving to Copenhagen

This guide is intended to help with moving to Copenhagen. I hope it will be useful in the future if I move to another city as a starting point.

1. Why Move to Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is an expensive city, so you need a solid reason to move here, such as:

• A job
• Enrollment in a university

Until you have at least one of these reasons, it's best to wait.
This means the first step to moving here is finding a job or getting admitted to a university.
Personally, I consider this the hardest step.

2. Finding a Place to Live

Once you've secured a reason to move, the next biggest challenge is finding accommodation.

Choosing a Location

• The search for housing should happen after securing work or university admission.
• Choose a location close to your university or workplace to save time, money, and avoid long commutes, especially in winter.

Setting Preferences

Before searching, prepare a list of essential requirements for your accommodation.
For example, my criteria when looking for housing in Copenhagen were:

Must-have Features:

• A private room
• Rent under 5000 DKK (including all expenses)
• Within 30 minutes of the university
  • If farther, rent should be under 4500 DKK
  • Never more than 1 hour away from the university
• Acceptable transportation options:
  • Metro
  • S-train (similar to a tram)
  • Bicycle
  • Walking
    🚫 I dislike buses.

Any place that doesn’t meet these criteria is not considered.

Nice-to-have Features:

• Living with other students
• A well-equipped kitchen (oven, freezer, plenty of utensils)
• A dishwasher (especially if there are 4+ people)
• A desk or table in the room
• At least 15 m² of room space
• A wide bed (120cm+)
• A comfortable living room

Other appreciated features:

• Balcony, garden, nice view
• Bike parking
• Dishwasher, dryer, microwave
• Speakers, gym, etc.

Writing a Personal Introduction

Since many students look for roommates, landlords often ask for a short self-introduction.
Prepare a short description about yourself to improve your chances of getting a place.

3. How to Find Accommodation

There are two main ways to find a place in Copenhagen:

1. Facebook Groups

You can find accommodation by messaging landlords and tenants on Facebook groups.
Some useful groups include:

• Find Room / Roommate in Copenhagen
• Room/Apartment/Housing/Student Accommodation in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Rent House / Apartment in Copenhagen
• Leje i København - Rooms for rent in Copenhagen

2. Housing Agencies

Another option is to use rental agencies, which provide a list of available apartments.
You select the ones you're interested in and join a waiting list.

• This is the safest and cheapest method, but it can take time.
• Never pay before viewing the apartment.

Some agencies require you to be a student:

• Housing Foundation – Expensive, but easier to secure a spot.
• Kollegiernes Kontor – More affordable.
• CIU – Also more affordable.

Most students find housing this way, so it's a common and reliable method.

4. Registering as a Resident

Once you've found a place to live, you need to register your residence.

Step 1: Get a Residence Permit

If you plan to stay in Denmark for more than 3 months, you must notify the authorities.
More details can be found here:
👉 SIRI - Residence Permit

Step 2: Get a CPR Number

The CPR number is equivalent to the Italian codice fiscale.

• Apply for a CPR number here:
  👉 International House Copenhagen
• Note:
  • The residence permit is requested in Copenhagen.
  • The CPR number is requested from the Kommune (municipality) where you live.

Step 3: Access Danish Services

Once you have a CPR number, you can:

• Use the MitID app to access all Danish services.
• Receive the sundhedskort (Danish health card), which allows you to:
  • Buy prescribed medication.
  • Get assigned to a general practitioner.

5. Final Steps

After obtaining the CPR number, you should complete a few additional steps to fully integrate:

1. Get a Danish phone number
2. Open a Danish bank account
   • Recommended: Lunar
3. Get a Rejsekort (public transport card)
   • This card makes traveling easier as it works for all Danish public transport.

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With these steps completed, you’ll be fully settled in Copenhagen! 🚀