Teach English in Denmark

You can teach English in Denmark, but it is a small and competitive market. Danes speak excellent English, so most jobs are in international schools, private language schools and business English, mainly in Copenhagen and Aarhus. Employers usually want a degree and a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours. EU and EEA citizens can work freely, while UK, US and other non EU teachers need a work permit, and most TEFL salaries fall below the 2026 Pay Limit Scheme threshold of DKK 552,000 a year.

Teaching English in Denmark at a glance

Is it hard to find English teaching jobs in Denmark?

Yes, harder than in most of Europe. Danes learn English from an early age and speak it fluently, so there is little demand for general English classes, and state schools employ Danish teachers. Pay and working conditions are good, so teachers who find a post tend to stay, which keeps vacancies low. The realistic routes are international schools, business English and language schools, and your chances are far better if you hold an EU passport and already live in Denmark.

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Denmark?

International schools. Denmark has around 25 international and bilingual schools, mostly around Copenhagen and Aarhus, serving expat and Danish families. They want qualified teachers with a teaching licence and experience, and pay well.

Business English. The most active part of the TEFL market. Language schools and training firms teach professional and specialist English to staff at Danish companies, often in company offices.

Language schools and adult education. Private schools and evening institutions teach adults and exam candidates. Much of the work is part time and paid by the hour.

Private students. Exam preparation and conversation practice for professionals, usually added on top of other work.

How much do English teachers earn in Denmark?

Hourly pay at language schools and in business English often runs at about DKK 200 to 350 an hour, and international schools pay monthly salaries on Danish scales. Denmark has no statutory minimum wage; pay is set by collective agreements between employers and unions. Living costs, especially rent in Copenhagen, are among the highest in Europe, and income tax is high too, so full-time work matters. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index, or read how much TEFL teachers make.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Denmark?

Most employers want a degree and a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours, and the competition means a Level 5 TEFL or CELTA and experience make a real difference. International schools ask for a teaching qualification and experience, and universities usually a master’s degree. You do not need to speak Danish to teach at a language or international school, though state school posts require Danish and a recognised teaching qualification, and learning Danish helps with daily life. The Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa do you need to teach English in Denmark?

EU, EEA, Swiss and Nordic citizens, including Irish passport holders, can live and work in Denmark freely and register once they arrive. UK citizens lost that right after Brexit. UK, US and other non EU teachers need a residence and work permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). The main route, the Pay Limit Scheme, needs a salary of at least DKK 552,000 a year in 2026, and the supplementary scheme DKK 446,000, so most TEFL roles do not qualify, though some international school posts do. Young people from countries with a Danish working holiday agreement, including Canada, may be able to work temporarily. Check current rules on New to Denmark and our Visa Desk before you apply.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Denmark?

Copenhagen has most of the international schools and business English work and the highest rents. Aarhus, the second city, has a large university and growing international community. Odense and Aalborg have smaller markets and lower living costs.

What is it like living in Denmark?

Denmark regularly ranks among the happiest countries in the world, with a strong work and life balance, short working weeks and long holidays. Cycling is the main way to get around, cities are safe and clean, and the idea of hygge, a cosy and relaxed way of life, shapes daily life through long, dark winters. Classes are informal and students expect discussion rather than lectures.

Last updated: 2 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate typical ranges, not quotes. Work permit thresholds change every January, so confirm current requirements with SIRI before you apply.