What are the barriers that internationals face in Denmark? Which factors influence their decision to stay or leave? A survey has studied this for weeks, and the results will be presented next week, along with a discussion about the role of internationals in Denmark.
On Monday, 26 May 2025, Copenhagen Capacity will present the results of the Expat Survey 2025 at an event in central Copenhagen. The event (fully booked) will bring together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to examine the current conditions for internationals living in Denmark.
The survey, conducted by Copenhagen Capacity, is the first of its kind since 2021. It focuses on the experiences of international professionals in Denmark, with particular attention to the barriers they face and the factors that influence their decisions to stay or leave. The findings are expected to inform future strategies for attracting and retaining global talent—a topic of growing relevance.
International workers are a significant part of Denmark’s economy. In the first six months of 2024 alone, foreign employees contributed more than 150 billion DKK to GDP and filled around 300,000 positions across various sectors. While these figures demonstrate the scale of the international workforce, the survey aims to go beyond the numbers and better understand the lived experiences of these individuals.
The event will also feature input from the City of Copenhagen, which will present data from recent reports on the situation of international residents and students in the capital area. These insights are intended to complement the national findings and provide a more detailed picture of local trends.
A panel discussion will conclude the event, offering perspectives from city officials, media, and policy professionals. Speakers include:
- Mia Nyegaard, Mayor of Copenhagen for Culture and Leisure
- Jens-Kristian Lütken, Mayor of Copenhagen for Employment and Integration
- Bernardo Basilici Menini, Editor-in-Chief of The Copenhagen Post
- Asbjørn Overgaard, CEO of Copenhagen Capacity
- Eva Devantier, Analyst and Finance Administrator at the City of Copenhagen
The panel will comment on the survey findings and discuss possible next steps.
The Copenhagen Post is the media partner for the survey and the event.
The survey aims to provide a basis for more informed debate and decision-making about how Denmark approaches international recruitment and retention.
While Monday’s event is not open to additional participants, the full results of the Expat Survey 2025 will be published in details here on The Copenhagen Post starting from Monday evening, with a coverage of the event and additional interviews.
