Who are the Brits in Denmark – why are they here, and what do they do?

Brits in Denmark are not just an amorphous mass; statistics show a wide diversity in incomes and occupations

On this fateful day, prime minster Theresa May formally triggered Article 50, which will start the final negotiations for the UK’s divorce from the EU.

It is safe to say that whatever happens, it will have consequences for a significant number of people and some of those affected are British citizens living in Denmark. But who are they – and what does a typical expat Brit in Denmark look like – if there is such a thing?

According to figures from Danmarks Statistik, as of 1 January 2017, there were more than 17,000 British subjects in Denmark.

READ ALSO: More Brits wanting Danish citizenship in wake of Brexit

And what do you do?
As to what they do here, 5,105 came to Denmark for more than 20 years ago, so no data on their occupation or work status is available.

However, of the other 12,451, 4,535 are here to work, whilst 1,335 are studying. The remaining 6,581 are here for other reasons – perhaps because of family reunification in the form of marriage, or living together in another form of relationship.

Although British citizens as a group on average have proportionally high incomes, there are a large number with relatively low incomes.

In 2015, 19.9 percent were among the 10 percent in Denmark with the lowest incomes. On the other hand, Brits were over-represented at the higher end: 15 percent were among the 10 percent of people in Denmark with the highest incomes.

Compared to Danes, Brits are to a higher degree self-employed, highly-paid earners or unemployed. There are 6.3 percent of Brits who are self-employed, as opposed to 4.3 percent of Danes. Rather fewer Danes proportionately are unemployed: 16.2 percent as opposed to 24.5 percent of Brits.

Love, actually
Unsurprisingly, many of them are married to Danes – over one third, in fact. Interestingly, the number of British citizens who are married to Danes is greatest among those who came before 1997; 3,156 of them are married to someone with Danish citizenship.

Finally, regarding demographics, the number of British citizens in Denmark between 20 and 64 is proportionately higher than the number of Danes in the same age-groups. On the other hand, proportionately more children and young people, as well as those over 64, can be found in the Danish group.




  • Ellie Owens (Fleurdellie): “Internationals feel powerless, but soon realize no one wants to kick them out”

    Ellie Owens (Fleurdellie): “Internationals feel powerless, but soon realize no one wants to kick them out”

    Content creator Ellie Owens reveals the struggles and joys of expat life, from navigating a new culture to thriving as a parent in Denmark’s family-friendly society, while building a successful career on social media.

  • Pharma boom sparks Danish economy – yet consumers are worried about Trump

    Pharma boom sparks Danish economy – yet consumers are worried about Trump

    Denmark faces a contradiction. On the one hand, Danish economy is booming, and the pharma industry is contributing to massive investments in increased defense. On the other hand, consumers are very skeptical, even though all indicators should give reason for optimism

  • “Our Copenhagen on islands”

    “Our Copenhagen on islands”

    While local politicians are working on strategies for protecting the city against future flooding, architect groups interested in climate adaptation, are instead trying to re-think the very fundamentals of Copenhagen city planning. One of these groups is Schønherr with their project “Copenhagen Islands”.

  • New agreement secures important school year for international students

    New agreement secures important school year for international students

    It will still be possible for international schools to offer education in the school year corresponding to 10th grade, also called year 11. 10 million each year is allocated to maintain the offer for internationals with children in Danish schools

  • Denmark rearms: 120 billion DKK defense plan presented

    Denmark rearms: 120 billion DKK defense plan presented

    The Danish government is massively increasing investment in defense. According to the Prime Minister, the Chief of Defense must “buy, buy, buy.” A highly unusual announcement from the Prime Minister, who will have to find money for the purchases at some point.

  • Copenhagen under water

    Copenhagen under water

    Copenhagen is facing growing risks from rising sea levels and stronger storms, with large parts of the city potentially flooded in the future. While sea levels themselves will rise by approximately 54 to 74 cm, 500,000 houses and buildings are at risk of being flooded in the next 50 years. Is there a plan to address one of the biggest challenges in the city’s history?