LSC has been supporting the Danish Life Science Industry for over 20 years and has supported many consultants in advancing their careers and securing contracts within the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Medical Device sector in Denmark. Laura Hoey, Account Manager for our Denmark clients shares some great insights on what it is like to live and work in Denmark and what sort of opportunities exist for anyone who is considering a role there.
What sort of opportunities exist in Denmark?
Denmark offers a wide range of opportunities, especially in the engineering field. We see a lot of demand for roles in C&Q (Commissioning & Qualification), upstream, downstream, automation, process engineers, project engineering, E&I, and Mechanical Engineers.
One of the biggest areas we focus on is CQV—commissioning, qualification, and validation of equipment. These teams tend to be quite large, sometimes with over 100 people involved, so there’s always a demand for both hands-on engineers, leads and work package owners.
Most of the roles in Denmark are very hands-on. Clients are looking for engineers with 3-8 years of experience. They are also looking for those who can execute tasks like equipment validation and FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests) and SATs (Site Acceptance Tests).
If you’re someone who enjoys being on the ground and actively involved in these processes, Denmark is a great place to be.
For anyone looking to work Denmark, is it a requirement that they must have contracted before?
No, it’s not a requirement to have previous contracting experience before working in Denmark. However, what clients do prioritise is hands-on project experience.
When companies in Denmark are in the project phase, such as design, process, commissioning and qualification, they look for professionals with solid project experience. That hands-on involvement in bringing things to life is really key for them.
So, if you’ve got the right project experience, even if it’s from a permanent role, you’ll still be a strong candidate for opportunities in Denmark!
What do our consultants say about working in Denmark?
Denmark has become a popular destination for consultants, and one of the main reasons is the country’s strong focus on work-life balance. The Danes are all bout the “hygge” culture, prioritising downtime, holidays, and making sure that life outside of work comes first. Our consultants have shared that holidays are taken very seriously in Denmark. Many of them take three weeks off during the summer, and when they’re off, they’re completely offline—no work emails, no calls, just a proper break.
Flexibility is big perk in Denmark. Workdays can start as early as 7am and finish by 3pm or it can be the traditional 9-5pm.
Most in Denmark are fully onsite, but when the project schedule allows there is flexibility when it comes to personal arrangements. Managers are usually open to consultants traveling home once or twice a month, as long as it’s communicated upfront. We’ve even had consultants who commute home monthly. On the flip side, some of the younger contractors love it so much that they’ve stayed out there for over a year without visiting home.
Denmark has a strong Irish and UK expat network that helps newcomers settle in, offering support with accommodation and adjusting to local life. Companies like GTS Nordic even assist with housing, which is especially helpful given Denmark can be a bit pricey.
English is also widely spoken especially in project-based roles. We’ve had a few consultants who planned to learn Danish, but they quickly found that it wasn’t necessary.
What are rates like in Denmark?
Project rates are competitive in Denmark. If you have never worked in Denmark, you get to keep approximately 67% of your gross salary, maximising your earning potential. On the other hand, Denmark, can be expensive. There is a higher cost of living in Denmark, but the expat tax scheme helps with offsetting some of those costs.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a contract role in Denmark?
If you’re thinking about a role in Denmark, my advice is to do your research, especially on the expat tax. Don’t set yourself up on the Danish tax system before you move—make sure to get proper advice so you can qualify for the expat tax benefits. The process of moving, especially for Europeans, is very streamlined. You can get your visa and Danish tax number quickly, and while the cost of living is high, it’s balanced by the competitive rates. Just keep in mind that many apartments come unfurnished, so that’s something to plan for. Also, Denmark’s public transport and cycling culture make it easy to get around without a car. Overall, it’s a smooth and efficient transition.
Why should you talk to LSC if you are considering opportunities in Denmark?
If you’re thinking about working in Denmark, we’re the ideal people to talk to. We have great relationships with our Denmark clients and we have built strong connections with them over time. This gives us deep insights into the projects—when they’re starting, when resources are needed, and any potential delays. We’re always in the loop.
I also visit Denmark once a month, which allows me to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and get firsthand insights from the ground. This on-the-ground presence means we can give you real, current information that helps you plan your next move with confidence.
We understand the timelines, expectations, and any challenges that might come up during projects, which allows us to match you with the right opportunities at the right time.
If Denmark is on your radar, have a chat with us. We can offer advice on everything, from how to navigate the expat tax to understanding how to qualify for the expat tax benefits (a key tip: don’t set up your Danish tax status before speaking with us—it’s important for making sure you qualify for the expat tax).
With our experience and relationships, we’ll make sure you’re fully informed and ready to make the best decision!
If you are eager to explore avenues in Denmark take a look at some of our open roles here or contact us!