Moving to Spain from Denmark: Complete 2026 Guide
Danish citizens enjoy full EU freedom of movement rights in Spain. No visa required. Escape the Nordic winters and join the growing community of Danes enjoying Spains Mediterranean lifestyle.
Key Facts for Danish Citizens
- Visa: Not required (EU citizen)
- Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
- Citizenship: 10 years residency required
- Dual Nationality: Denmark allows dual citizenship (since 2015), but Spain requires renunciation
EU Free Movement Rights
As a Danish citizen, you have the fundamental right to live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit. This freedom of movement is guaranteed by EU treaties. You can enter Spain with your Danish passport or national ID card and stay indefinitely.
While no permission is needed to relocate, registration with Spanish authorities is mandatory if your stay exceeds 90 days. This straightforward process grants you official resident status and access to Spanish public services.
Why Danes Choose Spain
Spain has become increasingly popular among Danes seeking an escape from Nordic winters or a complete lifestyle change:
- Climate: Exchange Denmarks cold, dark winters for Spains 300+ days of sunshine
- Cost of Living: Significantly lower than Denmark, especially housing and dining
- Direct Flights: Excellent connections from Copenhagen to major Spanish cities
- Healthcare: High-quality healthcare system accessible to EU residents
- Outdoor Living: Year-round possibilities for outdoor activities, from beaches to mountains
- Retirement Destination: Popular choice for Danish retirees seeking warmer climates
- Remote Work: Growing community of Danish digital nomads and remote workers
Registration Process
EU citizens must complete several administrative steps when establishing residence in Spain:
To register as an EU citizen, youll need to demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, pension income, or savings.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Danish citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement for most EU nationalities.
Important dual citizenship consideration: Denmark has allowed dual citizenship since September 1, 2015. However, Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement with Denmark. This means that if a Danish citizen acquires Spanish citizenship, Spain will require renunciation of Danish citizenship.
Since Denmark allows dual citizenship, you would not automatically lose Danish citizenship from Denmarks perspective, but you would need to formally renounce it to satisfy Spanish requirements. Many Danish residents in Spain choose to maintain their Danish citizenship and EU residence rights rather than pursue Spanish citizenship.
Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:
- 10 years of legal, continuous residence
- Clean criminal record in Spain and Denmark
- Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
- Proof of integration into Spanish society
Spanish Consulates in Denmark
Spain maintains diplomatic representations in Denmark:
Note: Visits to the Spanish Embassy in Copenhagen are strictly by appointment.
Tax Considerations
Denmark-Spain Tax Framework
Both Denmark and Spain are EU member states and follow EU tax coordination rules. A comprehensive Double Taxation Agreement exists between the two countries.
Key Points:
- Danish Pensions: Treatment depends on pension type. Coordination between Danish and Spanish tax authorities required
- Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
- Tax Rate Differences: Spanish tax rates are generally lower than Danish rates, potentially beneficial for retirees and high earners
- Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
- Wealth Tax: Spain has a wealth tax. Important consideration for high-net-worth individuals
- Social Security: EU coordination rules apply. You generally pay into one system only
Frequently Asked Questions
Is English sufficient to live in Spain?
English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities, but learning Spanish will significantly improve your quality of life and is essential for dealing with bureaucracy, healthcare, and full social integration.
Can I keep my Danish citizenship if I become Spanish?
Denmark allows dual citizenship, but Spain requires renunciation of Danish citizenship when naturalizing. Most Danes in Spain choose to maintain their Danish citizenship rather than pursue Spanish nationality, as they already have full EU rights.
Where do most Danes live in Spain?
Popular areas include the Costa Blanca (especially around Alicante), Costa del Sol, the Canary Islands, and Mallorca. Barcelona and its surrounding areas also attract many Danish residents.
Can I access Danish healthcare while living in Spain?
As an EU resident in Spain, youll typically access the Spanish healthcare system. With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC), you can receive emergency treatment when visiting Denmark. For permanent relocation, youll transition to the Spanish system.
We Handle Everything
Relocating to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Danish citizens navigate Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.
We assist with:
- NIE registration and EU residence documentation
- Tax residency planning and optimization
- Social security coordination between Denmark and Spain
- Property purchase procedures
- Business establishment in Spain
- Citizenship applications (with full dual nationality implications advice)
This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Denmark as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.