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Greenland · Relocation guide

Moving to Greenland: permission and practical setup

Greenland is outside the EU free-movement and Schengen systems for these purposes. Nordic citizens and other nationals follow different rules; most other foreign workers need a Greenland-specific residence and work permit before starting.

Content updated 12 September 2026. Individual source-check dates are listed below.

Do not apply mainland Denmark assumptions

SIRI says Nordic citizens do not need a permit, while EU free movement does not apply automatically in Greenland. Other foreign workers generally need Greenland-specific residence and work permission. The permit is tied to the approved job and employer; a new role can require a new application.

Do not apply mainland Denmark assumptions
PlanRouteImportant distinction
Ordinary jobWork in GreenlandGreenland-specific job and permit
Approved fast-track caseFast Track GreenlandEmployer and scheme requirements
Accompanying familyAccompanying Family in GreenlandSeparate family permission
Study or PhDHigher Education or PhD Study in GreenlandInstitution and study status

Coordinate SIRI and employer evidence before travel

Prepare passport, contract, job description, qualifications, employer and any municipal labour approval required by the route. Family members need relationship and support evidence. Confirm the Greenland-specific visa for travel rather than assuming an ordinary Schengen visa is enough.

Secure housing before the flight where possible

Housing is a central feasibility constraint and may be employer-provided. Confirm the exact unit, waitlist, heating, utilities, internet, furnishings and termination consequences if the job ends. Complete municipal population registration and obtain the local identity and tax records instructed after arrival.

Connect tax, payroll and banking in sequence

Ask the employer and Greenland Tax Agency to confirm the tax card and payroll record before the first salary. Banks need identity, address, tax and source-of-funds evidence; keep a working external payment method because onboarding and transfers can take time in a remote location.

Plan healthcare, school language and evacuation

Confirm registration with the local health service and how specialist referrals or evacuation work from the chosen town. Ask the municipality about childcare or school placement and Greenlandic or Danish language support. A family permit does not automatically resolve employment for a partner.

Design freight and pet travel around the settlement

Most towns are not road-connected, so driving may be irrelevant while flights, boats and weather determine daily logistics. Obtain Customs and veterinary instructions before shipping goods or a pet, and confirm what happens to freight and housing if employment ends.

Your moving checklist

Tick off the tasks that apply to you. The timing is a planning order, not a substitute for the deadlines on your permission or an official instruction.

0 of 13 tasks completed

Before you move
On arrival
Your first month
Later and before renewal

Sources and checks

The linked authorities set the rules. VisaAtlas explains how the steps fit together; planning suggestions are not a decision on your immigration status, tax residence or entitlement to services.

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