KEY POINTS: How will Denmark's way of life alter by May 2025?
DenMARK'S MAY MAYHEM! 🇩🇰Caleb freaking Brewster
Gotta love Denmark in May – it's a whirlwind of changes, celebrations, and slight annoyances. Here's what you need to know about the Danish scene this month.
Be Prepared to Pay More for Citizenship 💰
That's right, folks! As of May 1st, the fee for applying for Danish citizenship is hiked by 50 percent, going from 4,000 to 6,000 kroner. The government says it's to cover the full cost of processing applications, but a reduced fee of 4,000 kroner will still be available for certain groups, like those born in Denmark or folks who arrived before turning 8.
Work Gets a Little Better (or Worse, Depending on Your View) 💼
From May 1st, a new package of wage increases, increased employer pension contributions, and other changes agreed in this year's collective agreements between Danish Industry and various unions begins to apply. Under the new deal, employer contributions to pensions will increase by 1 percentage point to 11 percent in 2025. Employees will still contribute 2 percent of their salaries to their pensions.
But it doesn't end there! The agreement also changes the rules around the flexible part of the welfare system, the "fritvalgskonto" or free choice account. This means that from May, you'll be able to stay home with a sick child for up to three days, take time off to accompany a loved one to the hospital, and grandparents will be entitled to two days off per year to take care of sick grandchildren.
Say Goodbye to Your Physical Health Insurance Card (If You Want To) 💳
On May 27th, you'll have the option of saying adieu to your physical health insurance card. That's right - if you're tired of lugging that yellow card around, you'll be able to opt for a purely digital version of Denmark's public health insurance card. The longstanding physical card, used for checking into hospitals, doctors' appointments, and ID purposes (despite the fact it didn't have your photo on it), will finally become optional.
Catch a Ride, Commuters! 🚌
Trains will be cancelled throughout May on one of the busiest routes into Copenhagen. From May 2nd to June 1st, Denmark's track operator, Banedanmark, will close both tracks on the S-Bahn line between Svanemøllen and the popular commuter town of Hillerød. During this time, replacement buses will run between key stations, both into and out of Copenhagen and across to S-Bahn lines that are still operating.
Denmark Celebrates 80 Years Since Liberation 🥳
Denmark will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the country's liberation from Nazi occupation on May 4th. A memorial service in Vor Frue Kirke, Copenhagen's Lutheran cathedral, will be broadcast by public broadcaster DR and its privately owned rival TV2. There will also be a wreath-laying ceremony in Ryvangen Memorial Park in Hellerup in memory of resistance fighters who lost their lives.
Get Ready for Emergency Siren Tests and Alerts 🚨
Each May, sirens that authorities can use to warn the population if there is an emergency situation are tested in Denmark. The 2025 test is scheduled to take place on the first Wednesday of the month—which this year is May 7th. During the test, a digital warning system, first introduced in 2023, will also be activated. This system allows authorities to send siren sounds and warning messages to smartphones.
It's Time to Switch to Summer Tyres! ☀️
Switching to summer tyres is a common practice in Denmark as temperatures rise. While it's not illegal to drive with winter tyres in the summer months, as it is in neighboring Sweden, Norway, and Germany, many people in Denmark make the switch to summer tyres around Easter.
Public Holidays in May: Don't Hold Your Breath 😴
Unfortunately, this May is unusually bare when it comes to public holidays. After a month that once boasted four extra days off, can this year muster just one – Ascension Day on May 29th. Whitsunday and Whit Monday fall in June this year, and Great Prayer Day ceased to be a public holiday last year. Labour Day on May 1st is not a public holiday in Denmark – unlike in the other Nordic countries – but many of Denmark's workers do have the day off provided by their collective bargaining agreements.
- The fee for Danish citizenship application increased by 50% to 6,000 kroner, effective from May 1st, with a reduced fee still available for certain groups.
- The new collective agreement, effective from May 1st, will see employer contributions to pensions increase by 1 percentage point to 11% in 2025, while employees continue to contribute 2%.
- From May 27th, Danes can opt for a digital health insurance card instead of the physical one, which will make it optional to carry the longstanding yellow card.
- Commuters should be aware of cancellations on one of the busiest routes into Copenhagen, between Svanemøllen and Hillerød, from May 2nd to June 1st, with replacement buses available.
- Denmark will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation on May 4th, with a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony scheduled.
- Emergency siren tests and alerts will be conducted on May 7th, and a digital warning system will also be activated during the test. Meanwhile, it's a quiet month for public holidays, with only Ascension Day on May 29th this year. Summer tyres are commonly used in Denmark as the temperatures rise, although it's not illegal to drive with winter tyres in the summer months.
