Around 70% of internationals come here to work or study – And this is why retention is a problem

According to Danmarks Statistik, of the 83,216 who moved to Denmark in 2024, 54,614 people immigrated to either work or study. This means that low retention is a real problem.

International Citizen Days are among the most attended events by internationals. Photo: International Citizen Days

Bernardo Basilici Menini

Mar 26, 2025

More internationals are coming to Denmark, and most of them are here to work or study. In 2024, 83,216 foreigners came to Denmark. The numbers have started to grow again, after the period from 2021 to 2023 saw a decrease in the number of new internationals in Denmark. Over the next 1-2 years, Denmark is […]

Full version of this article is only available to subscribers.

Already a subscriber, sign in here:

Lost your password?

Gain unlimited access to all of The Copenhagen Post

Our independent reporting can only be published with support from our readers.

Monthly subscription

119

DKK/month.

(Billed once a month)

Give us a try

6 month subscription

99

DKK/month.

(Billed twice a year)

Save 120 DKK

Yearly subscription

79

DKK/month.

(Billed once a year)

Save 480 DKK

Save with a company subscription?

“The biggest problem is the recognition of foreign diplomas”: interview to Jens Kristian Lütken, Mayor of Copenhagen for Employment and Integration

On Monday afternoon, Copenhageners braved the rain to converge at Copenhagen Capacity’s office for the unveiling of the latter’s Expat Survey 2025. Findings were revealed, explanations shared, questions posed, and a panel discussion to address pain points held. Afterwards, we caught up with panel member, Jens Kristian Lütken for his exclusive take on the issue of internationals in Denmark.
Danish economy remains stable amid global trade risks, Economic Council’s Spring report finds

The Economic Councils’ Spring 2025 report finds Denmark’s economy stable with high employment, but warns of expansionary fiscal policy, global trade risks, and reduced competition from corporate mergers.
SIRI has published the full versions of the citizenship and permanent residence permit tests

Two days ago, the citizenship and permanent residency permit tests took place. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration later published the tests with all the questions. The next tests will be held in November.
Building belonging in Denmark: 100 people gathered to co-create community

Yesterday, an event called “Belonging in Denmark, co-creating a fællesskab of belonging” took place in Frederiksberg, hosted by nabo, Sustinary and Nordic Compass. It gathered no less than 100 people to reflect on ways to address a feeling shared by a lot of internationals: the one of not being part of Danish society
International workers are at higher risk of being exploited and becoming victims of social dumping

Yesterday, the Danish Center for Social Science Research published a report stating that foreign workers in Danish companies face a 40% risk of being subjected to social dumping. 3F’s secretary: This is unacceptable.
Mette Frederiksen: “Immigration is the greatest internal threat to the Nordic region”

Danish Prime Minister calls for reform of international conventions to enable more deportations, as immigration debate intensifies in parliament

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Career

“The biggest problem is the recognition of foreign diplomas”: interview to Jens Kristian Lütken, Mayor of Copenhagen for Employment and Integration

On Monday afternoon, Copenhageners braved the rain to converge at Copenhagen Capacity’s office for the unveiling of the latter’s Expat Survey 2025. Findings were revealed, explanations shared, questions posed, and a panel discussion to address pain points held. Afterwards, we caught up with panel member, Jens Kristian Lütken for his exclusive take on the issue of internationals in Denmark.
International workers are at higher risk of being exploited and becoming victims of social dumping

Yesterday, the Danish Center for Social Science Research published a report stating that foreign workers in Danish companies face a 40% risk of being subjected to social dumping. 3F’s secretary: This is unacceptable.
What keeps (or drives out) internationals in Denmark

Yesterday, Copenhagen Capacity presented the results of the “Expat Survey 2025” report. The focus was made on the satisfaction of internationals living in Denmark and the challenge of retention. Representatives from the organizing foundation and partners commented on the results and ways to address the issues identified

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Jobs