FOREIGN APPLICANT?

Are you interested in applying for a position at Aarhus School of Architecture? We have compiled some practical information that can be useful in connection with a possible move to Denmark.

1. Preparing to relocate to Denmark

At the website denmark.dk you can learn more about the Danish people and culture, Danish society and business and also about Danish innovation and design.

Newtodenmark.dk is the Danish Immigration Service and the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration’s official web portal about the rules for entering and residing in Denmark, to be used by foreign nationals who wish to visit, live or work in Denmark.

2. Documents to bring

There are a number of documents you need to bring to get registered in Denmark. If you are married or are bringing your family with you, you need to bring documentation from your home country in officially translated copies (German, English or Scandinavian languages).

We strongly recommend you to get your registrations done at the International Citizen Service (ICS). This will provide you with easy access to the public authorities and makes getting registered considerably easier compared to visiting the different authorities needed.

3. Money and banking

To receive your payment from Aarhus School of Architecture, you will need a bank account. In Denmark everyone has the right to open a basic bank account, however you need a CPR number to do so.

How to open a bank account:
Go to the bank of your choice and remember to bring:

Your CPR number
Passport
Employment contract or invitation letter
Yellow health insurance card
US citizens only: social security card (a requirement by FATCA)

You can designate your basic bank account as your Easy Account (NemKonto) for the receipt of public-sector payments such as child benefits.

When opening a bank account tell the bank advisor that you would like to receive information in English, otherwise you will automatically receive information in Danish. You should also mention that you are an employee or associated with Aarhus School of Architecture to smooth the process of opening an account.
You need a MitID to open a bank account and use online banking. MitID is replacing NemID during 2022. Until 2023 they are both used for public services and online banking. If you already have a NemID you can convert it to MitID and otherwise you need to visit the Citizens Service More on getting MitID and conversion of NemID. Let the bank know if you already have a MitID as you should not have more than one. More about MitID

Choosing a bank in Denmark
International Community has put together a list of banks in alphabetical order and included some of the services they offer. On this website you can also read more information about banking and opening a bank account. See a list of banks in Denmark

Salary and pension
When you are an employee at Aarhus School of Architecture you have employment in the Danish State Sector, which means that the basic wage and pension has been negotiated through collective agreements. The basic pay rates hold only a very small number of automatic seniority-related pay increases. Employees on the workplace choose a union representative who undertakes local negotiations on individual wage-issues and general work conditions with the employer. Locally agreed allowances comprise functions-related allowances, qualifications-related allowances and one-off payments. Furthermore, it is possible to agree performance-related pay schemes. You can read more about employment in the Danish State Sector in The Agency for the Modernisation of Public Administration publication ‘‘Employment in the Danish State Sector”.

You can read about the average salary for an architect employed in the public sector at Lønstatistik – Forbundet Arkitekter og Designere

In terms of pension scheme, international academic staff members have three different options. You need to decide which scheme you wish to be part of before starting your work at Aarhus School of Architecture.

Ordinary Pension Contributions Scheme – option for all international staff members employed according to the collective agreement for academics
International Pension Scheme (taxed immediately when transferred to your pension fund) – option for some academic staff members employed in accordance with the collective agreement for academics
Pension Exemption (pension contribution paid out as salary) – for a period of no more than five years – an option for some international researchers employed by the university on a fixed term contract

4. Taxation

You need to contact The Danish Customs and Tax Administration upon arrival in Denmark. This is important no matter where you live or how long you will be working in Denmark. Most people who work and/or live in Denmark become tax liable to Denmark and need to pay tax.
If you do not contact the Danish Customs and Tax Administration upon arrival in Denmark, you may get a large tax bill later on.

We therefore recommend all guest researchers, employed researchers, PhD students, etc. to contact the Danish Customs and Tax Administration to sort out their tax situation. The easiest is:

Visit your nearest International Citizen Service (ICS) – either on your own or as part of the Getting Started in Denmark event and enquire directly with the Danish Customs and Tax Administration whether you need to pay tax or not.
If you are not near an ICS, write the Danish Customs and Tax Administration (see under Contact) or fill out the form 04.063. Guest researchers are recommended to fill out the paper version of the form.

If you are on the researcher taxation scheme
If you are on the researcher taxation scheme and have additional income apart from your salary, you should also contact the Danish Customs and Tax Administration. When you live and work in Denmark, you are liable to pay tax on your global income, which means income from property, stocks, or other income besides your salary. We therefore also recommend people on the researcher taxation scheme to contact the Danish Customs and Tax Administration.

The Danish Customs and Tax Administration has made an online guide to taxation in Denmark in five different languages. The guide will help you with the steps to take upon arrival in Denmark, when working and living in Denmark and when your employment ends.