The principle behind the Danish welfare society, often known as “the Scandinavian welfare model” is that all citizens have access to social benefits regardless of their social or ethnic background. As a foreigner living in Denmark, you will benefit from the Danish welfare system, including the free public health service, the public educational system and the public but partly self-financed child care system.
Taxes are an important instrument in maintaining the Danish welfare society. Denmark has one of the highest personal income tax rates in Europe. The taxes finance a long list of welfare services as above mentioned.
 In Denmark, unimployment insurance is NOT covered by taxes or through the individual workplace. In order to collecte benefits if you become unemployed,you must join a Danish unemployment fund (A-kasse) before you lose your job.
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In Denmark, unimployment insurance is NOT covered by taxes or through the individual workplace. In order to collecte benefits if you become unemployed,you must join a Danish unemployment fund (A-kasse) before you lose your job.
Living expenses
A typical Danish family’s living expenses are distributed like this:
- Housing and maintenance 22%
- Food and beverages ( including tobacco)17%
- Transport and communication 17%
- Other products and services e.g. childcare 13%
- Leisure equipment, entertainment 11%
- Heating and electricity 7%
- Home supplies 6%
- Clothing and shoes 5%
- Medicine and medical expenses 2%
Source: Workindenmark (2011)