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A new life in Denmark

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gws53
  9/1/2013 16:35 EST

We are an older, married gay male couple currently living in the USA, one with three college degrees in classical music and performance, the other a high school graduate, both with an extensive background in the retail industry. What can we do to make this dream a reality?

GeorgiaPeach
  9/3/2013 14:52 EST

I would recommend doing A LOT of research first.

I am an American and I am married to a Dane and getting my residency card was a total NIGHTMARE!!! The Danish Immigration process is difficult at best. They protect their social system very well. They don't discriminate, but they will do you no favors that is for sure. It took me over 5 months after we were married to receive my temporary residency card and that was after we had to fight with the Ministry because they were going to kick me out of Denmark based on misdirection from the Immigration Department.

Denmark is EXTREMLY expensive, your choices of food, personal health care items and in some instances clothing is very limited. Germany is the best place to shop for things at a decent price.

Health care is free, but you have NO choice as to who, what, when, where and why. The Drs. truly believe in the "Old Ways" are the best ways, so if you need a pain pill, forget it, ain't happening. They don't even know what Neosporin is.

I am not sure why you have a dream to live in Denmark, but I know there are many other countries to choose from that have way better weather. The majority of the people are nice, but making friends and getting into a group of people is very difficult as they are not trusting of strangers.

Jobs are 0 to none if you do not speak fluent Danish and the language is the second hardest language to learn outside of Japanese ( I know this because I am learning it).

My husband and I have moved to the USA and are very happy with our relocation. We had no issues with his immigration process compared to mine, have settled into our new community just fine and are both gainfully employed.

There may come a time in our lives that we end back in Denmark, and if this is the case the only way I would go back is if I was moving to Copenhagen, I think there is more opportunity for a US Citizen there.

I would say if you could apply for a job while still in the US in the education system in Copenhagen, you may have a shot, but your partner with the retail industry background would have a much more difficult time finding employment, ANYWHERE.

Yes the country recognizes Gay marriage and has since the 80's, but being that you are not DANISH it really does nothing for you. Danes love Danes and think very little of other nationalities and this is reflected very much so in their immigration process. They do not want anyone moving into the country to live off of the Social System and I would guess not since the average Dane pays over 65% in taxes to the Tax Man.

Good luck if this is what you choose, but I will tell you think twice and keep on fighting for your rights in the USA. Maybe one day the stupid USA politicians will realize that Gay marriage is none of their business and that it actually promotes the economy, but this is another topic in itself.

Good Luck!

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DarlingLisa
  9/28/2013 21:50 EST

hate to say, Georgia Peach is right - no idea if being in a civil partnership makes any difference, but the Danes make it hard to "get in" to the system. And yes, you must be in the system to live here. Its not an aggressive rudeness, of course, it is, as GP said, their idea of not letting "spongeing" foreigners in (not you two, of course) and a lack of... empathy? personalization of the process? - not sure how to illustrate it. Its a bureaucratic cold shoulder.

Rich0148
  10/6/2013 04:57 EST

I would be very very careful on moving here. On the surface it is a tolerant looking country but fitting in and looking the same is very important. Personally, I would look for more liberating countries with more open views. Denmark is for the Danes and the also generally think down of everything not Danish and the rest of the world is just wrong, so this actually underlies the Danish culture.

In all honestly, look elsewhere. You will on a whole have a lower standard of living, live among people who are very intolerant to anything not Danish approved and constantly be reminded why you are lucky to live here. . .

Look outside...

greatdane3
  10/14/2013 17:08 EST

All answers are right, what on Earth do you want to do in Dk.
I'm a citizen and have spend most of my life here except a few wonderful years in the USA.
Only thing I disagree on is Immigration, if you are not from an so called undeveloped country, try getting a visa to the USA!
If you still intend to settle here we (my wife and I) will gladly help you with questions. But again RECONSIDER!

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