3.7 Cross-border mobility in employment, entrepreneurship and vocational opportunities
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Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility
This section describes the main top-level programmes/schemes funded or arranged by public authories through which young people can work, train and gain entrepreneurial experience abroad.
Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility
Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) connects Danish entrepreneurs and startups with global innovation hubs, investors, and industry leaders. Representing the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Higher Education and Science, ICDK provides tailored advisory services, networking opportunities, and access to funding for those looking to scale their businesses internationally.
With seven centres in Munich, Bangalore, Shanghai, Seoul, Tel Aviv, Silicon Valley, and Boston, ICDK offers:
- Strategic guidance on international expansion and innovation.
- Access to top investors, tech leaders, and talent pools.
- Global networking and matchmaking with key industry players.
- Opportunities for funding at home and abroad.
A highlight is the Silicon Valley Startup Programme, where Danish startups spend a week meeting investors, tech leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs, gaining insights and partnerships to accelerate global growth. Whether seeking mentorship, funding, or market access, ICDK equips entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed on the international stage.
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE)
Denmark participates in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme, an EU-funded initiative that enables new and aspiring entrepreneurs to gain entrepreneurial experience abroad. The programme facilitates cross-border exchanges where participants collaborate with experienced entrepreneurs in small businesses across Europe and selected non-EU countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Singapore.
EYE allows new entrepreneurs to undertake a traineeship with a host entrepreneur in another country, helping them develop essential business skills and industry insights. In return, host entrepreneurs benefit from fresh perspectives, potential collaborations, and market expansion opportunities.
In Denmark, the programme is facilitated by two Local Contact Points:
- InterCollege ApS
- University College of Northern Denmark
These organisations provide guidance on application processes, match participants with suitable host entrepreneurs, and offer ongoing support throughout the exchange.
The programme is funded by the EU. Participants receive financial support to cover travel and subsistence costs, with grant amounts varying based on destination and duration. Danish authorities do not provide direct national funding but support participation through the designated contact points.
Nordjobb
Nordjobb is a Nordic cross-border mobility programme aimed at increasing work opportunities for young people aged 18 to 30 in the Nordic region. The programme offers summer jobs in various sectors, including farming, hospitality, cleaning services, factory and warehouse work, nursing homes, and transport.
In addition to employment, Nordjobb provides housing assistance and organizes cultural and leisure activities to enhance the exchange experience. The programme is non-profit and free of charge for both employers and participants. Young people from any EU or Nordic country are eligible to apply.
Work Placements Abroad (Oplæring i Udlandet – OPU)
Work Placements Abroad (OPU) is an international traineeship programme designed to enhance the internationalisation of vocational education and training (VET). The programme allows students to complete part or all of their traineeship abroad as an integrated part of their education.
Every eligible young person receives funding, meaning there is no fixed financial allocation limit. Each year, approximately 1,500 students participate in an OPU-funded traineeship abroad, with over 40% coming from commercial upper secondary schools.
OPU is funded by the Employers’ Reimbursement Fund (AUB), a mandatory education contribution paid by all employers in the VET sector. The fund covers expenses related to apprenticeships, both in Denmark and abroad, ensuring financial support for students undertaking international traineeships.
The Denmark-USA programme supports transatlantic cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (VET). Its aim is to enhance internationalisation, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and contribute to the development of education systems in both countries.
The programme offers grants for:
- Danish students, teachers, and leaders from vocational colleges to visit U.S. community colleges and companies for education and training purposes.
- Board and committee members affiliated with Danish vocational institutions.
- American community college staff to guest lecture in Denmark.
The initiative is based on a Memorandum of Understanding between the Danish Ministry of Education and the U.S. Department of Education, first signed in 2000 and extended multiple times since.
The DK-USA programme is publicly funded, with a 2025 budget of 1,450,000 DKK. Additionally, Danish students participating in studies abroad may be eligible for state education grants during their stay.
For more information about these two programmes and for a full list of mobility programmes see section 6.5
Support and guidance available
Support and guidance on cross-border mobility in employment, entrepreneurship and vocational training for young people is available through several initiatives.
Eures Denmark
Eures Denmark is part of a European cooperation network between EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, designed to facilitate the free movement of workers within the EEA. It is implemented through the portal www.jobnet.dk, which is the official website for public job centres in Denmark. Jobseekers can search for thousands of job vacancies and find information on how to apply, as well as details about residence and work permit regulations for working abroad. While the primary focus is on job opportunities in Europe, young people can also find relevant information on global job opportunities.
Grib Verden
Grib Verden is a website dedicated to young people, offering information and inspiration about mobility opportunities for studies or apprenticeships abroad. The site provides details on various mobility programmes, employment opportunities, and other relevant resources. It also connects with young people through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Grib Verden is managed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science and aims to promote international experience among Danish youth.
Eurodesk
Eurodesk is responsible for the European Youth Portal, a platform designed specifically for young people seeking work, study, or volunteer opportunities in other European countries. Eurodesk provides comprehensive information on mobility options across Europe and supports young people by offering guidance on finding suitable opportunities, understanding regulations, and connecting with relevant programmes and initiatives.
Denmark participates in the programme, Your First EURES Job, which is an EU-funded programme aimed at helping young people (18–35 years old) find employment opportunities in another EU country. The programme offers financial support to both jobseekers and employers, covering travel and relocation costs, as well as providing guidance on job applications, work permits, and legal requirements.
The programme is fully funded by the EU, with no additional national funding from Denmark involved.
Europass
Denmark participates in Europass, which is an EU initiative that helps young people present their qualifications, skills, and experience in a clear, standardized format that is recognized across Europe. It supports vocational cross-border mobility by making it easier for young people to apply for jobs, apprenticeships, or internships in other EU countries. Europass provides tools like the CV template, Language Passport, and Diploma Supplement, which help job seekers showcase their abilities and qualifications to potential employers abroad. This makes it easier for young people to navigate the international job market.
State educational grant (SU)
The Danish state educational grant (SU) can be awarded for a study period abroad if the Danish institution recognises the period as part of the current study programme and grants credits. If, for example, a 12-month study abroad is credited as 6 months, the grant is only given for those 6 months.
Students can also receive the SU for a full study programme abroad if it is recognised by Danish authorities and listed on a fast-track list.
Higher education students can apply for special support during their time abroad, including for full degrees, credit mobility, or traineeships. The support will match the SU they would receive in Denmark.
Additionally, students can apply for a scholarship of up to 2 years to cover tuition fees for specific programmes abroad, provided they are eligible for the Danish SU.
Legal framework for Young Workers, Trainees and Entrepreneurs
Denmark has a structured legal framework governing incoming and outgoing young workers, ensuring social security, healthcare access, and employment rights.
Incoming Young Workers and Trainees
Young workers from EU/EEA countries are eligible for Danish social security benefits under EU regulations, while non-EU workers must be financially self-sufficient. Employers are required to provide occupational injury insurance, covering workplace-related injuries. However, unemployment insurance (A-kasse) is voluntary and requires separate registration.
You can learn more about work and residence permits on New to Denmark, which is the official portal for foreign nationals who wish to visit, live, or work in Denmark.
Residents and EU/EEA citizens under coordination rules are entitled to Danish public healthcare, while those temporarily in Denmark must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state medical services. Work and residence permits depend on nationality, with Nordic citizens enjoying unrestricted rights, EU/EEA citizens allowed up to three months before requiring registration, and non-EU workers needing permits issued via Danish embassies.
Taxation follows Denmark’s global income principle, requiring all earnings to be declared to the Danish tax authorities. Denmark has double taxation agreements to prevent income from being taxed twice.
For more information on taxation in Denmark, see Your guide to working in Denmark from the Danish Tax Agency and the Danish tax system on Life in Denmark.
Outgoing Young Workers and Trainees
Danish workers in the EU/EEA are generally covered by local social security schemes, though some may retain Danish coverage through an A1 certificate. Unemployment benefits can be extended for three months while job-seeking abroad.
Young Danes working or studying in EU/EEA countries are covered by EHIC, while those relocating permanently must register with local health insurance. Private health insurance is required for stays outside the EU/EEA.
Nordic citizens can live and work freely within the region, while EU citizens must apply for residence documents after three months. Work and residence permit requirements for non-EU countries vary, so young Danes should check with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure.
Danish students receiving State Education Grants abroad are subject to Danish tax regulations. Salaried work abroad is taxed locally, though double taxation agreements help reduce financial burdens. Apprentices employed by Danish companies while abroad remain taxed under Danish law.
Read more about social security when working abroad at borger.dk.