In-demand jobs for expats in Denmark

As Denmark continues to expand and innovate across multiple industries, skilled workers from abroad are increasingly sought after to support its growing workforce needs.

Let’s explore the industries where Denmark is looking for top global talent and the types of opportunities available for expats.

1. IT

Due to factors including a low number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates and strong competition for skilled workers, the technology sector has many available roles for expats.

A global leader in the development of robotics, Denmark has invested a huge €900 million in this field in the past decade.¹ The central hub for robotics in Denmark is in the northern city of Odense, home to well-established organisations and a growing number of start-ups.

Denmark is also experiencing job shortages within software development as demand for custom solutions has risen across multiple industries. The types of software roles that are on offer in Denmark include data engineers, full stack web developers and system analysts, where expats can gain a range of experience to support their professional growth.

Individuals with skills in cybersecurity are highly sought after as the world continues to digitalise at a rapid pace. Projects expats could make contributions towards incorporate creating and maintaining security infrastructure and the adoption of cloud environments, helping businesses keep their data secure.

2. Finance

For those considering a move to Denmark, finance is another industry that is experiencing job shortages.

The necessity for more employees in this sector has risen because of fewer STEM graduates and a rising need for specialised skills and expertise. As a result, banks and academic institutions have launched new pathways to encourage international to pursue a career in finance.

Compliance is an area that has grown in Denmark against the backdrop of a progressively complex regulatory landscape. Foreign nationals have the opportunity to support initiatives that can combat prevalent problems in the industry, including money laundering and data privacy.

Evolving regulatory requirements both nationally and globally has led to higher demand for roles in tax as well. Many exciting job opportunities within finance can be found in the country’s economic centre, Copenhagen, including in fintech, banking and accountancy.

Curious what life in Denmark is like for expats? Check out our blog for some useful tips on subjects like healthcare and visas so you can plan ahead.

3. Healthcare

Another sector that is experiencing skills gaps in Denmark is healthcare, and could have a shortage of 15,000 workers by 2035.² The country’s ageing population and workforce has contributed to a mounting need for more medical professionals, incorporating the following roles:

• Nurses

• General Practitioners

• Specialist doctors

• Midwives

There’s lots of jobs for expats in the field of medical research, an area which Denmark is renowned for. It’s received a huge amount of investment from the government, with initiatives like the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) and 2030 Life Science Strategy playing an important role in driving innovation.

In recent years, the Danish government has introduced several measures to address skills shortages in the healthcare sector. For example, they announced plans in 2024 to boost funding for vocational training for those interested in pursuing a career in health and social care. Additionally, they are working to attract skilled foreign workers to the sector by offering language training and competitive employment packages.

4. Science & engineering

Denmark is looking to hire international workers to fill roles within its booming science and engineering sector.

It’s a pioneer in green tech, with a huge 88.4% of the country’s energy powered by renewable sources in 2024.³ This has generated exciting opportunities for expats in engineering, who could contribute to projects such as the development of off-shore windfarms, green transport infrastructure, and sustainable architecture.

Denmark boasts a thriving science sector as well, featuring world-class universities and cutting-edge research institutions. In the Øresund region, Medicon Valley stands out as a leading life sciences hub, while Aarhus serves as a major centre for marine and environmental science.

Did you know that the Nordic region is consistently ranked a great place to live by expats? Discover the reasons behind this here.

5. Construction

There’s strong demand for construction workers in Denmark, with the sector predicted to be worth a staggering $65.86 billion by 2030.⁴

Metalworkers, particularly welders and specialist fabricators, are highly sought after in Denmark. Innovative infrastructure projects, such as the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link – an undersea tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany – require advanced metalworking skills and significant opportunities for expats in the sector.

Rewarding careers await expats as electricians, driven by strong growth in industries like  renewable energy and robotics. Their skills play an important role in ensuring these advanced systems operate safely and efficiently, supporting industries that are key in Denmark’s technological and industrial expansion.

As Denmark advances its transition to green heating systems and infrastructure, the need for skilled electricians has risen. With the government allocating $40 million for green heating installations and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045, expats with the right expertise can play a key role in shaping Denmark’s sustainability.⁵