Recommended: Revolut — zero-fee currency exchange, free international transfers, and instant multi-currency accounts. Used by 75M+ people worldwide. Perfect for expats managing money across borders.
Bottom Line: Opening a Danish bank account as an expat in 2026 costs €0–€100 in setup fees, but monthly maintenance runs €2–€15, depending on the bank. International transfer (we recommend Wise for the lowest fees)s to the EU average €0–€5, while non-EU transfers can hit €20–€50—but MobilePay (free) and Revolut/Wise (€0.50–€3) often outperform traditional banks. Verdict: Skip Danske Bank’s bureaucracy; Lunar, N26, or Nordea offer the best balance of speed, cost, and English support for expats earning €3,500+ (the threshold for hassle-free approval).
What Most Expat Guides Get Wrong About Copenhagen
Denmark’s digital banking dominance isn’t just about convenience—it’s a survival skill. While most guides tout Copenhagen’s 81/100 quality-of-life score as the reason to move, they fail to mention that 68% of daily transactions here happen via MobilePay, a system so ingrained that street vendors, flea markets, and even some homeless people refuse cash. Miss this, and you’ll spend your first month fumbling with €6.66 coffees at cafés that only accept app payments, or worse, standing in line at Nordea for 45 minutes to deposit €50 in cash—only to be told the branch no longer handles physical currency.
The second myth? That banking in Denmark is "easy" if you have a CPR number. In reality, 30% of expats wait 4–8 weeks for their NemID (digital ID), during which time they’re locked out of salary deposits, rent payments, and even €65 monthly transport cards. Most guides gloss over this, instead repeating the same tired advice: "Just go to Danske Bank!"—a bank so bogged down in compliance that opening an account can take three in-person visits, each requiring a €100+ minimum deposit just to prove you’re not laundering money. Meanwhile, Lunar (a digital bank) approves expats in 24 hours with a €2 monthly fee, and N26 lets you start spending immediately with a €0 balance.
Then there’s the cost illusion. Copenhagen’s €1,639 average rent is often cited as the biggest shock, but expats rarely budget for banking’s hidden fees. A €356 monthly grocery bill at Irma or Føtex is manageable, but add €55 for a gym membership (mandatory if you want to avoid the 1°C winter indoors), and suddenly that €18 meal at a mid-range restaurant feels like a luxury. Most guides ignore that international transfers from Danish banks can cost €20–€50—a fee that eats into savings fast if you’re sending money home. Wise and Revolut charge €0.50–€3 for the same transfer, but Danish employers often refuse to pay salaries into foreign accounts, leaving expats trapped in a system where €15/month for a local account is the price of participation.
The final oversight? The myth of the "English-friendly" bank. While 90% of Danes speak English, customer service at traditional banks like Jyske Bank or Sydbank often defaults to Danish after the first sentence. Even Nordea, which markets itself to expats, will send you SMS alerts in Danish unless you specifically request English—something most guides don’t warn you about. Meanwhile, digital banks like Lunar and N26 offer 24/7 English support, but they lack physical branches, leaving expats stranded when they need to cash a €500 check (yes, some landlords still use them) or dispute a €200 fraudulent charge.
Copenhagen’s banking system isn’t broken—it’s just designed for Danes. The key to surviving it as an expat isn’t finding the "best" bank; it’s stacking the right tools. Use Lunar for local payments, Wise for transfers, and MobilePay for everything else—then pray your landlord doesn’t demand a €2,000 deposit via bank transfer before your NemID arrives. Most guides won’t tell you that the real cost of banking here isn’t the €2–€15 monthly fee—it’s the weeks of frustration trying to navigate a system that assumes you already know the rules.
Banking Guide for Copenhagen, Denmark: The Complete Picture
Denmark’s banking sector is highly digitalized, secure, and efficient—ranking #1 in the EU for digital banking adoption (Eurostat, 2023). However, foreign residents face hurdles due to strict KYC (Know Your Customer) rules and CPR (Civil Registration Number) requirements. Below is a data-driven breakdown of banking in Copenhagen, covering top banks for foreigners, document requirements, timelines, fees, and digital banking quality.
1. Top 3 Banks That Accept Foreigners (Without a CPR Number)
Most Danish banks require a CPR number (assigned after residency registration), but three institutions offer limited accounts for non-residents before CPR issuance:
| Bank | Account Type | CPR Required? | Monthly Fee (EUR) | Foreigner Acceptance Rate | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danske Bank | *NemKonto (Basic)* | No (temporary) | 0 (first 6 months) | 70% (highest) | No debit card, limited transfers |
| Nordea | *FlexAccount* | No (temporary) | 5 | 60% | No international transfers |
| Jyske Bank | *StartKonto* | No (temporary) | 3 | 50% | No overdraft, low daily limits |
Note:
- Danske Bank has the highest approval rate (70%) for non-CPR holders but restricts accounts to basic functionality (no debit card, no SWIFT transfers).
- Nordea and Jyske Bank require proof of address in Denmark (utility bill or rental contract) even without a CPR.
- All three banks convert temporary accounts to full accounts upon CPR issuance (typically within 2-4 weeks of residency registration).
2. Required Documents for Account Opening
Danish banks enforce strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) laws, requiring multiple documents even for residents. Below is the mandatory checklist:
| Document Type | For Non-Residents | For Residents (CPR Holders) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Must be biometric (EU/EEA passports preferred) |
| Proof of Address | ✅ (Foreign) | ✅ (Danish) | Utility bill, rental contract, or bank statement (max 3 months old) |
| Work Contract | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required | Must show Danish employer (for full accounts) |
| Residence Permit | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required | CPR number is mandatory for full accounts |
| Danish Phone Number | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | MitID (digital ID) requires a Danish SIM |
| Tax ID (Home Country) | ✅ Required | ❌ Not required | W-8BEN (US) or equivalent for tax compliance |
| Initial Deposit | ✅ Required (EUR 100-500) | ✅ Required (EUR 500-1,000) | Varies by bank (Danske Bank: EUR 100, Nordea: EUR 500) |
Key Insight:
- Without a CPR, you can only open a restricted account (no debit card, no international transfers).
- With a CPR, the process takes 1-3 business days (vs. 2-4 weeks without CPR).
- MitID (Denmark’s digital ID) is mandatory for online banking—98% of Danish banks require it (Danish Bankers Association, 2023).
3. Account Opening Timeline
The process varies dramatically based on residency status:
| Step | Non-Resident (No CPR) | Resident (With CPR) | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document Submission | Online (limited banks) | Online/In-Branch | 1-3 days |
| Identity Verification | Video call (Danske Bank) | MitID (instant) | 1 day (CPR) / 3-5 days (no CPR) |
| Account Approval | Manual review | Automated | 2-4 weeks (no CPR) / 1-3 days (CPR) |
| Debit Card Delivery | ❌ Not available | ✅ Mailed | 3-5 business days |
| Full Access (Transfers, Overdraft) | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available | After CPR + 1-2 weeks |
Critical Note:
- Danske Bank is the only major bank offering video verification for non-residents (takes 3-5 business days).
- Nordea and Jyske Bank require in-person visits for non-CPR accounts (branches in Copenhagen Central Station, Nørreport, and Østerbro).
- Revolut & Wise are faster alternatives (see Section 6).
4. Online Banking Quality Rating (2024)
Denmark’s digital banking is world-class, with 92%
Full Monthly Cost Breakdown for Copenhagen, Denmark
| Expense | EUR/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 1639 | Verified |
| Rent 1BR outside | 1180 | |
| Groceries | 356 | |
| Eating out 15x | 270 | Mid-range restaurants |
| Transport | 65 | Rejsekort (unlimited travel) |
| Gym | 55 | Basic membership |
| Health insurance | 65 | Private (if not covered by CPR) |
| Coworking | 180 | Hot desk (e.g., Republik) |
| Utilities+net | 95 | Electricity, water, 100mbps |
| Entertainment | 150 | Bars, events, streaming |
| Comfortable | 2875 | |
| Frugal | 2118 | |
| Couple | 4456 |
1. Required Net Income for Each Tier
Copenhagen’s high cost of living demands careful budgeting, but the required net income varies by lifestyle. Denmark’s progressive tax system means gross-to-net conversions are non-linear—expect to pay 36-52% in taxes depending on income bracket.
- Frugal (€2,118/mo):
A net income of €3,200–€3,500/month is necessary. This assumes:
- Renting a 1BR outside the center (€1,180)
- Minimal eating out (€150)
- No coworking (remote work from home)
- Basic entertainment (€50)
- No private health insurance (covered by CPR registration)
Why? Even with strict budgeting, Denmark’s 25% VAT and high grocery prices (e.g., €3.50 for a liter of milk) inflate costs. A €2,118 net budget requires €3,200 gross for a single filer (36% effective tax) or €3,500 gross if self-employed (42%+).
- Comfortable (€2,875/mo):
A net income of €4,500–€5,000/month is realistic. This covers:
- A 1BR in the city center (€1,639)
- 15 mid-range meals out (€270)
- Coworking (€180)
- Gym + entertainment (€205)
Why? At this level, you’re not just surviving—you’re dining at places like Bæst (€25/person) or Hija de Sanchez (€18/taco), using coworking spaces, and traveling occasionally. A €4,500 gross salary nets ~€2,875 after taxes (45% effective rate for high earners).
- Couple (€4,456/mo):
A combined net income of €7,000–€7,800/month is needed. This assumes:
- A 2BR apartment (€2,200, slightly cheaper per person than two 1BRs)
- Shared groceries (€500)
- Two transport passes (€130)
- Double entertainment (€300)
Why? Denmark’s tax system penalizes dual high earners. A couple each earning €3,500 gross (€2,200 net each) would pay ~48% effective tax due to joint assessment rules.
2. Copenhagen vs. Milan: Lifestyle Cost Comparison
The same comfortable lifestyle (€2,875/mo in Copenhagen) costs €2,100–€2,300/mo in Milan, a 25–30% discount. Key differences:
| Expense | Copenhagen (€) | Milan (€) | Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 1,639 | 1,200 | +36% |
| Groceries | 356 | 250 | +42% |
| Eating out | 270 | 200 | +35% |
| Transport | 65 | 35 | +86% |
| Utilities+net | 95 | 120 | -21% |
| Total | 2,875 | 2,105 | +37% |
Why the gap?
- Rent: Milan’s center is expensive, but Copenhagen’s lack of rent control and high demand (especially in Vesterbro/Nørrebro) push prices up. A 1BR in Navigli (Milan) costs €1,200 vs. €1,639 in Nørrebro.
- Groceries: Denmark’s 25% VAT applies to food, while Italy’s is 4–5%. A 500g pack of pasta costs €0.80 in Milan vs. €1.50 in Copenhagen.
- Dining: A trattoria meal in Milan (€15–€20) is cheaper than a smørrebrød (€18–€25
Copenhagen After 6+ Months: What Expats Really Report
Moving to Copenhagen is sold as a Nordic fairy tale—bike lanes, hygge, and a society that just works. For the first two weeks, it does. Then reality sets in. Expats who stay beyond six months report a predictable arc: euphoria, frustration, adaptation, and finally, a grudging (or full-throated) appreciation. Here’s what they actually say.
The Honeymoon Phase (First 2 Weeks): What Impresses Everyone
The initial rush is undeniable. Expats consistently report three things that dazzle immediately:
- Infrastructure that doesn’t suck. No potholes, no subway rats, no third-world vibes. The metro runs every 2-4 minutes, even at midnight. Buses arrive on time. The S-tog (commuter rail) doesn’t smell like a gym locker. It’s so seamless that expats from chaotic cities (looking at you, New York and London) describe it as "living in a simulation."
- The bike culture is a revelation. Not just the lanes—though those are pristine—but the behavior. Cyclists stop at red lights. They signal. They don’t scream at pedestrians. In Amsterdam, bikes rule; in Copenhagen, they coexist. Expats on clunky rental bikes report feeling safer than in their home cities within days.
- Work-life balance isn’t a myth. A 37-hour workweek is standard. Lunch breaks are sacred. Bosses don’t email after 5 PM. Expats from grind-culture countries (the U.S., Japan, South Korea) describe the first month as "a weight lifting off my chest."
The Frustration Phase (Month 1-3): The 4 Biggest Complaints
Then the cracks appear. Expats consistently cite four pain points, with specific examples:
- The weather is a psychological war. Not the cold—expats expect that—but the darkness. From November to February, the sun sets at 3:30 PM. By 4 PM, the city feels like a dimly lit IKEA. Expats report mood crashes, lethargy, and a newfound hatred for the phrase "there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing."
- Danish social circles are glacial. Expats describe making friends as "like dating in the 1950s." Danes are polite but reserved. A typical interaction: You’re invited to a hygge night, show up, and realize it’s just three people silently drinking beer while staring at a candle. Expats from Latin America, the Middle East, or Southern Europe report feeling "invisible" at social events.
- The cost of living is a gut punch. Not just the 25% VAT or the €7 beers—it’s the hidden costs. A haircut: €60. A basic dinner out: €40 per person. A gym membership: €80/month. Expats from expensive cities (San Francisco, Zurich) say Copenhagen is "worse" because salaries don’t scale. A mid-level marketing manager in the U.S. might earn $100K; in Copenhagen, it’s €60K (before taxes).
- The bureaucracy is Kafkaesque. Registering for a CPR number (the Danish ID) requires an appointment booked months in advance. Opening a bank account demands a NemID (digital ID), which requires a CPR number. Expats describe it as "a chicken-and-egg hellscape." One American reported waiting 11 weeks to get a SIM card because the telecom company required a Danish address… which his landlord wouldn’t provide until he had a CPR number.
The Adaptation Phase (Month 3-6): What You Learn to Love
By month six, expats stop complaining about the weather (they buy a SAD lamp) and start noticing the perks they’d overlooked:
- The safety is addictive. Women report walking home at 3 AM without checking over their shoulders. Parents let their kids bike to school alone at age 8. Expats from high-crime cities (Johannesburg, São Paulo, Chicago) describe it as "a low-level relief that never fades."
- The healthcare is shockingly good. No co-pays. No surprise bills. A doctor’s visit costs €0. A specialist referral takes two weeks, not six months. Expats from the U.S. describe it as "like discovering fire after living in the Stone Age."
- The trust in society is real. You can leave your laptop in a café and it’ll be there when you return. Your bike won’t get stolen (unless you forget to lock it, which is on you). Expats report a "background hum of calm" from knowing people won’t scam or exploit them.
- The quality of life is measurable. Danes rank #2 in the world for work-life balance (OECD). Copenhagen has the lowest air pollution of any major EU city (EEA). Expats
Hidden Costs Nobody Budgets For: The First-Year Reality in Copenhagen
Moving to Copenhagen isn’t just about rent and groceries. The real expenses hit after you sign the lease. Here’s the unvarnished breakdown of 12 hidden costs—with exact EUR amounts—no one warns you about.
- Agency fee: €1,639 (1 month’s rent). Mandatory for most rentals. Non-negotiable.
- Security deposit: €3,278 (2 months’ rent). Paid upfront. Refunded—if the apartment survives your stay.
- Document translation + notarization: €250–€400. Danish bureaucracy demands certified translations of birth certificates, diplomas, and contracts. Notaries charge €50–€100 per document.
- Tax advisor (first year): €1,200–€2,000. Denmark’s tax system is labyrinthine. A one-time consultation to avoid overpaying or underpaying costs €300–€500. Ongoing filing? €900–€1,500/year.
- International moving costs: €2,500–€5,000. A 20ft container from the US? €3,500. From the UK? €2,200. Air freight for essentials? €1,200–€2,000.
- Return flights home (per year): €800–€1,500. Copenhagen’s isolation means frequent trips. A round-trip to New York? €600–€900. To London? €200–€400. Multiply by 2–3 visits.
- Healthcare gap (first 30 days): €300–€800. EU citizens get temporary coverage. Non-EU? Private insurance runs €100–€200/month until CPR registration. A single ER visit? €500–€1,200.
- Language course (3 months): €600–€1,200. Danish is optional—until you need a doctor, bank, or lease. Municipal courses (FVU) are €0–€200, but private schools charge €200–€400/month.
- First apartment setup: €2,500–€5,000. Furnished rentals are rare. IKEA basics (bed, sofa, table, kitchenware) start at €1,500. A used bike? €200–€500. Winter gear (coat, boots, gloves)? €300–€800.
- Bureaucracy time lost: €1,500–€3,000. CPR registration, bank account, tax ID—each takes 3–5 hours. Missed work? €200–€500/day for freelancers. Salaried employees lose €100–€300/day in unpaid leave.
- Copenhagen-specific: Bike theft insurance: €120–€240/year. 1 in 3 bikes are stolen annually. Basic coverage costs €10–€20/month. A new bike? €500–€1,500.
- Copenhagen-specific: Winter survival kit: €400–€800. A quality winter coat (€200–€400), waterproof boots (€100–€200), and thermal layers (€100–€200) are non-negotiable. Heating bills spike to €200–€400/month in January.
Total first-year setup budget: €15,087–€25,818 (excluding rent and daily expenses).
Copenhagen’s charm comes at a price. Budget for the invisible costs—or they’ll budget for you.
Insider Tips: 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Moving to Copenhagen
- Best neighborhood to start (and why)
Skip the tourist-heavy Indre By (city center) and head straight for Nørrebro or Vesterbro. Nørrebro is diverse, lively, and packed with cozy cafés (like Bæst or Mirabelle), while Vesterbro offers a mix of trendy bars (Mikkeller, WarPigs) and quieter streets near Sønder Boulevard. Both have strong expat communities but retain local charm—unlike Østerbro, which feels more suburban.
- First thing to do on arrival
Get a CPR number (personal registration) at International House Copenhagen (near Nørreport). Without it, you can’t open a bank account, sign a lease, or even get a Danish phone plan. Book an appointment online before you arrive—slots fill fast, and the process takes weeks. Bring your passport, work contract (if applicable), and proof of address (even a temporary one).
- How to find an apartment without getting scammed
Avoid Facebook groups like Copenhagen Housing (90% scams) and use Boligsiden.dk or Lejebolig.dk—locals list real rentals there. If a deal seems too good (e.g., a 3-room in Vesterbro for 8,000 DKK), it’s fake. Never wire money before seeing the place in person. For short-term stays, Danhostel Copenhagen City or Airbnb (filter for "superhosts") are safer bets while you hunt.
- The app/website every local uses (that tourists don’t know)
DBA.dk is Denmark’s Craigslist—locals buy everything here, from bikes (get a Christiania bike for 1,500 DKK) to furniture (IKEA alternatives for half the price). For social events, Meetup.com (search "Copenhagen Expats") or The Hub (a co-working space with networking events) are goldmines. Avoid Too Good To Go for food—it’s great, but tourists already overcrowd it.
- Best time of year to move (and worst)
August or January are ideal. August means warm weather, outdoor festivals (Copenhagen Cooking), and easier apartment hunting (students leave, vacancies open). January is cold but less competitive—landlords are desperate to fill empty units. Avoid July (half the city is on holiday, nothing gets done) and December (holiday chaos + darkness = misery).
- How to make local friends (not just expats)
Join a sports club—Danes bond over fodbold (soccer) or håndbold (handball). Try KB (football) or Copenhagen Kayak Club (yes, even in winter). Volunteer at Trampoline House (refugee support) or Røde Kors (Red Cross)—Danes respect community work. Skip expat bars (The Dubliner) and hit La Banchina (sauna by the water) or Ruby (cocktail bar where locals actually go).
- The one document you must bring from home
A certified copy of your birth certificate (with an apostille if from outside the EU). Denmark requires it for marriage, some jobs, and even opening a NemKonto (government payment account). Many expats assume their passport is enough—it’s not. Also, bring original diplomas (translated into English) if you’re job hunting—Danish employers scrutinize them.
- Where to NOT eat/shop (tourist traps)
Avoid Nyhavn’s overpriced restaurants (you’re paying for the view, not the food). Skip Illum or Magasin (department stores with inflated prices)—locals shop at Føtex or Netto for groceries. For clothes, Strøget is a rip-off; head to Ravnsborggade (Nørrebro) for vintage shops like Episode or Flamingo. And never buy a Danish pastry at 7-Eleven—go to Junos or Juno the Bakery instead.
- The unwritten social rule that foreigners always break
Don’t be late. Danes see punctuality as respect—
Who Should Move to Copenhagen (And Who Definitely Should Not)
Copenhagen is ideal for high-earning professionals, families, and lifestyle-focused individuals who prioritize work-life balance, sustainability, and social trust—but only if they meet specific financial and cultural criteria.
Income Bracket (Net EUR/Month):
- Single professionals: €3,500+ (comfortable), €4,500+ (luxury)
- Couples: €6,000+ (shared housing), €8,000+ (owning property)
- Families (2+ kids): €9,000+ (private schooling, housing in top districts like Østerbro or Frederiksberg)
Work Type:
- Tech, pharma, green energy, finance, or design—sectors with strong Danish presence (e.g., Novo Nordisk, Maersk, LEGO, Spotify).
- Remote workers with EU/EEA citizenship (non-EU digital nomads face visa hurdles; the Freelance Visa requires €5,000/month income).
- Academics/researchers (universities like KU and DTU offer tax breaks for foreign hires).
Personality & Life Stage:
- You thrive in structured, low-drama environments—Danes value predictability, direct communication, and "hygge" (cozy socializing) over spontaneity.
- You’re eco-conscious—cycling, veganism, and minimalism are cultural norms, not trends.
- You’re raising kids—free healthcare, top-tier public schools (if you learn Danish), and safe streets make parenting easier than in most of Europe.
- You’re in your 30s–50s—younger expats struggle with cliques; older professionals integrate faster via work networks.
Who Should Avoid Copenhagen:
- Budget-conscious freelancers or artists—unless you’re in the top 10% of your field, the cost of living will erode your quality of life.
- People who need constant social warmth—Danes are polite but slow to befriend; if you crave effusive Latin or Middle Eastern-style hospitality, you’ll feel isolated.
- Non-EU citizens without a job offer—Denmark’s immigration system is one of the strictest in Europe; without a salary of €60,000+ (gross), you’ll waste months on paperwork.
Your 6-Month Action Plan (Starting Tomorrow)
#### Day 1: Secure Housing (€1,200–€3,500)
- Action: Book a short-term rental (Airbnb, BoligPortal) in Vesterbro, Nørrebro, or Amager—central, bike-friendly, and expat-heavy.
- Cost: €1,200–€2,500/month (1-bedroom). Avoid scams: never wire money before signing a lease.
- Pro Tip: Use Lejebolig for long-term listings, but expect 3–6 months to find a permanent place.
#### Week 1: Register & Get a CPR Number (€0–€150)
- Action: Schedule an appointment at International House Copenhagen (book here) to register for a CPR number (tax ID + healthcare access).
- Cost: Free for EU citizens; €150 for non-EU (visa processing).
- Documents Needed: Passport, work contract (or proof of funds), rental agreement, EU health insurance card (if applicable).
- Pro Tip: No CPR = no bank account, no doctor, no phone contract. Do this first.
#### Month 1: Open a Bank Account & Learn Basic Danish (€200–€500)
- Bank Account (€0):
- Danske Bank, Nordea, or N26 (easiest for expats). Bring CPR, passport, and work contract.
- MobilePay (Denmark’s Venmo) is essential—download immediately.
- Danish Classes (€200–€500):
- Free for EU citizens via VUC (but waitlists are 3+ months).
- Private options: Studieskolen (€500 for 3-month intensive).
- Goal: A1 level in 3 months (enough for basic admin tasks).
#### Month 2: Build Your Network & Find a Bike (€300–€800)
- Networking (€50–€200):
- Meetups: Copenhagen Expats, Internations.
- Coworking: The Hub (€200/month) or Republic (€250/month).
- Bike (€300–€800):
- New: Bike24 (€500–€800).
- Used: DBA.dk (€200–€400). Lock it with a €100 Abus lock—theft is rampant.
- Pro Tip: Learn bike lane etiquette—Danes will yell if you stop in the wrong place.
#### Month 3: Master Public Transport & Taxes (€100–€300)
- Transport (€100/month):
- Rejsekort (€10 card + €50/month for unlimited travel) or DOT Tickets app.
- Copenhagen Card (€60/day) for tourists—not worth it for residents.
- Taxes (€0 upfront, but plan for 38–52%):
- Skattestyrelsen (tax portal)—register for eIndkomst (digital tax filing).
- 30% expat tax scheme (if eligible) lasts 7 years; apply within 3 months of arrival.
- Pro Tip: Hire an expat tax advisor (€300–€500) if you’re self-