Administrative Procedures for Settling and Living in Greenland

Published on May 4, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Greenland isn’t just a matter of catching a flight to Nuuk and throwing on a parka. This vast Arctic territory, self-governing within the Kingdom of Denmark, has its own immigration rules, a unique tax system, and specific procedures for housing, healthcare, employment, and banking. In a country where towns aren’t connected by road and the cost of living ranks among the highest in the world, a poorly prepared arrival can quickly turn into an administrative—and financial—headache.

Understanding the General Framework Before Moving

Greenland, or Kalaallit Nunaat, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, but it is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area. Its government, called the Naalakkersuisut, has broad internal authority, particularly over healthcare, taxation, housing, and much of day-to-day administration. The capital, Nuuk, concentrates a large share of public services, skilled employment, the main hospital, and the university.

Entering, Working, and Residing: Visas and Permits

Living in Greenland first requires clarifying your immigration status. The territory applies a regime separate from that of Denmark and the rest of Europe.

Who Needs a Permit to Live in Greenland?

Citizens of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) can live and work freely in Greenland without a residence or work permit. For all others—including EU/EEA nationals—a residence and work permit is generally required to settle and work as a salaried employee.

Most travelers transit through a Schengen country (often Denmark). A Schengen visa may be necessary for the transit leg, but it does not grant entry or residence rights in Greenland itself. When a visa is required, there is a specific Greenlandic visa. Additionally, visa-exempt individuals can, depending on their nationality, stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but not for work.

The Role of SIRI and Greenlandic Authorities

Work and residence permit applications are processed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), which acts on behalf of the Greenlandic authorities. The Greenlandic government (Naalakkersuisut) must give prior approval.

– Standard salaried employment;

– Internships and practical training;

– Short-term assignments;

– Family reunification (spouse and children);

– Studies and research.

In most cases, it is impossible to obtain a permit without a concrete job offer in Greenland.

Work Permits: Tied to Employment and Duration

A key point to remember is that permits are closely tied to a specific employer and position. Salary and working conditions must comply with local standards and collective agreements.

Before being able to hire a foreigner, the employer must obtain a labor authorization from the municipality, after verifying that no qualified Greenlandic candidates are available. These municipal authorizations can be valid for up to two years.

Towards Permanent Residence: Conditions and Timelines

Obtaining a temporary permit does not automatically grant permanent resident status. This step requires a separate application to the Greenlandic police or the Danish Immigration Service, with specific forms depending on the basis of the initial stay (work, studies, family reunification, former Danish citizen, etc.).

Two main paths emerge:

1. Permanent residence after family reunification A person who came to join a spouse or partner can generally apply for permanent residence after three years, provided they continue to meet the initial permit criteria. Adults must, among other things, have no outstanding public debt beyond a certain threshold (over approximately DKK 97,000 in 2026 levels). When the initial permit concerns a child, the foreign parent must themselves hold a permanent permit.

In all cases, if the conditions for permanent residence are not (yet) met, you must file an extension application for the temporary permit before it expires.

Naturalization and Citizenship

Citizenship remains managed within the Kingdom of Denmark. The standard paths to naturalization generally require at least nine years of residence and a sufficient level of Danish, with requirements that remain aligned with Danish law. Since 2015, the Kingdom allows dual nationality, enabling you to keep your original citizenship under certain conditions.

Registering, Becoming Administrative: CPR, Address, and Local Permits

Settling in Greenland also means entering the local registries: without an identification number, you cannot pay taxes, access most public services, or open a bank account.

The CPR, Personal Identification Number

Every resident is assigned a civil registration number, the CPR (Central Person Register Number). This 10-digit number uses the date of birth in DDMMYY format, followed by a unique sequence for each individual. It is essential for:

– Taxation and income filing;

– Access to the public healthcare system;

– Certain social and administrative procedures;

– Opening bank accounts.

The CPR is generally assigned automatically at birth for those born in the territory. For new arrivals, it is generated after obtaining a residence permit and local registration (with passport, proof of stay, etc.).

Business Registration: The CVR

For professional projects, another essential administrative building block is the CVR, the Central Business Register number. This eight-digit number identifies the company for all its tax, social, and legal obligations. It also serves as a VAT number when necessary, even though Greenland does not have a classic VAT system like the EU.

Before hiring, the company must also register with the Sulinal employer register, which enables the remittance of payroll withholding taxes.

Specific Permits: Zoning, Construction, Activities

Greenland does not have private land ownership in the classic sense. Land belongs to the community, and the use of a plot is based on a site allocation, a kind of occupancy authorization. To build or use land, you must first apply for a site allocation from the municipality, and then, in a second step, obtain a building permit.

– Extraction of mineral resources, metals, or gemstones;

– Commercial exploitation of ice or water;

– Tourism or research activities in protected areas, on glaciers, mountains, or national parks (with permits sometimes issued by the Danish Polar Centre).

These steps are in addition to the standard immigration formalities and must be integrated into the timeline of your move project.

Finding Housing: The Most Tricky Step

Housing is often described as the main pitfall for anyone wanting to live in Greenland, especially in Nuuk. The shortage is structural, costs are high, and waiting lists for public housing are endless.

A Chronic Housing Shortage

The Greenlandic real estate market suffers from a significant lack of supply. Construction is complex and costly due to the Arctic climate, logistics, and permafrost, while demand is concentrated in a few major towns, first and foremost Nuuk.

In the capital, waiting times for public housing can reach 10 to 12 years. In this context, for new arrivals, the main issue is not so much the price as simple availability.

The main features of the market can be summarized in the table below.

Employer-Provided Housing and Temporary Solutions

Faced with this shortage, many employers—especially in healthcare, construction, or the public sector—offer employer-provided housing (service housing) to employees recruited from outside. The right to occupy this housing is generally tied to the employment contract and ends when the job ends.

The main public or quasi-public housing operators are:

– INI A/S, the largest public housing provider in the country;

– Iserit, which manages part of the housing stock of the Sermersooq municipality (Nuuk, Paamiut, Tasiilaq, Ittoqqortormiit);

– Illuut (Agerskov Consulting), property management in Nuuk.

Private Market, Buying, and Costs

For those who do not have employer-provided housing, the private rental market, although limited, remains an option. Listings appear through small agencies or local sites, as well as newspapers, bulletin boards, and specialized Facebook groups.

In Nuuk, rents vary greatly depending on the neighborhood, size, and condition of the property. As rough guidelines, international estimates report fairly wide ranges:

*Converted and indicative figures, highly variable depending on availability.

Beyond the purchase price, you must account for:

– Very high energy costs (heating, electricity) in winter;

– Utilities and insurance;

– Possible climate adaptation works (insulation, oil or electric heating).

Practical Organization for Your Search

In such a context, advance preparation is crucial. It is not advisable to arrive in Greenland without a housing solution, even a temporary one. Common mistakes include underestimating waiting times, ignoring heating costs, or not paying attention to lease clauses (duration, penalties, notice periods).

Using local websites, Facebook groups, professional contacts, as well as mobilizing your employer and municipal housing services are essential levers for finding a roof.

Working and Paying Taxes: Taxation and Labor Law

Greenland has its own tax system, separate from Denmark’s, and largely based on withholding tax at source. Understanding these rules is one of the essential steps upon arrival.

Who Is Taxable and on What?

The administration distinguishes two main regimes: full tax liability (tax resident) and limited tax liability (non-resident taxpayer with Greenland-source income).

– Full tax liability: Applies to individuals who settle in Greenland or stay there for at least six months (with only brief absences). They are taxed on their worldwide income, except for income and expenses related to real estate located abroad.

– Limited tax liability: Applies to those who do not meet these criteria but receive certain income in Greenland (e.g., salaries for work performed in the territory). For very short stays of fewer than 14 consecutive days without a local employer and in the absence of a double taxation agreement, there may be no limited liability.

Tax Rates and Withholding Structure

Income tax operates with an overall rate between approximately 42% and 44% depending on the municipality, composed of three layers: a national tax, a municipal tax, and an intermunicipal tax.

Each municipality sets its rate within this range. For example, Avannaata and Qeqertalik are around 44% total, while Qeqqata and Sermersooq (which includes Nuuk) are around 42%.

The system also includes special provisions:

– A gross taxation regime at 35% for certain workers in the oil, gas, mining sectors, or on specific construction sites outside towns (without deduction possibilities);

– Personal allowances, standard deductions, and an employment allowance calculated as a percentage of earned income, with ceilings updated annually.

Returns, Tax Cards, and Withholding at Source

Tax is withheld directly by the employer, based on a tax card (A-tax card) issued by the tax administration (Skattestyrelsen). Without a card, the employer must withhold a high flat rate, around 45%, until regularization.

The main steps are as follows:

For those receiving income not subject to withholding (B-income), monthly B-tax installments are to be paid in 12 installments.

Social Protection, Contributions, and Pensions

The Greenlandic system does not include social security contributions paid by individuals. However, employers pay a labor market contribution (AMA) on the payroll, the rate of which has recently increased (e.g., from 1.1% to 2.1% depending on the year), as well as a small contribution to a supplementary pension scheme (ATP).

Working Conditions and Salaries

The labor market is structured around collective agreements negotiated notably with the main union SIK. Normal working hours are around 40 hours per week, with an average ceiling of 48 hours for overtime, which must be compensated by a premium or time off.

Some benchmarks:

– Average net monthly salary in Nuuk: approximately DKK 32,500 (about USD 5,000);

– Average personal annual income around DKK 269,000, with variations between municipalities;

– Minimum hourly wage in the range of DKK 130–140 depending on qualifications.

Employees generally receive three weeks of paid vacation per year, supplemented by about a dozen public holidays, as well as entitlements to maternity leave (approximately 17 weeks) and paternity leave (approximately 3 weeks).

Getting Healthcare: Health Procedures and Insurance

Greenland took control of its healthcare system in 1992 and now operates with a universal public service. But the Arctic geography implies a very specific organization that every new arrival must absolutely understand.

Access to Care for Residents

Individuals registered as residents are entitled to free or heavily subsidized care, including:

– Visits to a general practitioner;

– Hospitalization in public hospitals;

– Public dental care (with some limits);

– Specialist care;

– Prescription medications;

– Home nursing care;

– In some cases, necessary medical transport.

There are no private clinics or hospitals. Services are distributed among: public hospitals, health centers, and ambulances.

– A national hospital in Nuuk, Queen Ingrid’s Hospital (Dronning Ingrids Hospital), the only facility with a full technical platform (CT scanner, MRI, specialized surgery);

– Five regional hospitals in towns like Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Qaqortoq, and Tasiilaq;

– Health centers in smaller towns, with doctors present but limited resources;

– Health posts in villages and hamlets, often staffed by nurses or paramedics linked remotely to a doctor (telemedicine).

Health Insurance and Medical Evacuation

For a registered resident, access to basic care is covered. However, costs for heavy medical transport, particularly evacuation by plane or helicopter to Nuuk or to Denmark, can be very high and are not always fully covered. Only one dedicated air ambulance (a Beechcraft King Air type) is available, with limited capacity, and rescue operations can take several days in remote areas. The bill is sent to the rescued person.

For shorter stays, when you are not officially a resident, international health insurance covering evacuation is absolutely essential. Even for residents, many official sources recommend supplementary coverage for care abroad and possible repatriation.

European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are not valid in Greenland, even though it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. However, Nordic social security conventions may cover certain situations for nationals of those countries.

Maternity, Dentistry, and Medications

Maternity care is available but often concentrated in the best-equipped centers. In Nuuk, pregnant women should contact Queen Ingrid’s Health Center for follow-up and assignment to a midwife. In coastal towns with a hospital, follow-up is organized locally, while in villages, health posts act as relay points.

Dental care is generally of good quality, but the supply of specialists is scarce. In small settlements, mobile clinics provide basic procedures. Some complex treatments may be referred to practitioners in Denmark.

Prescription medications are only distributed through regional hospitals or Nuuk Hospital. The selection is limited, and some specialized medications may be hard to obtain. It is generally recommended to bring a personal supply and a prescription, checking import rules in advance.

Managing Your Money: Opening a Bank Account and Daily Life

The cost of living in Greenland is very high, especially in Nuuk, which ranks among the most expensive 15% of cities worldwide. To cope, it is strongly advised to open a local bank account, understand the withholding system, and plan a tight budget.

Opening a Bank Account: Conditions and Documents

The main banks include BankNordik and the Bank of Greenland. To open an account, you must meet the requirements of anti-money laundering legislation, which obliges banks to know the customer’s overall situation.

In practice, the procedure involves:

Banks may also ask you to confirm that you do not wish to receive marketing communications.

Foreign Currency Accounts and Tax Constraints

It is possible to open accounts in foreign currencies, including multi-currency accounts. These allow you to hold several currencies in a single account, which can reduce exchange rate risk for those paid in foreign currency or businesses with international flows.

Some points to watch out for:

– Foreign currency deposits do not always enjoy the same protection as DKK accounts;

– Some banks require a high minimum balance or charge significant monthly fees;

– Currency exchange through traditional banks is often more expensive than through neobanks or specialized international transfer services;

– Tax authorities may require reporting of foreign accounts above a certain value threshold (e.g., above DKK 1,000), hence the value of consulting a tax advisor.

Living Budget: Cost of Living and Everyday Expenses

The cost of living in Nuuk and major towns is driven up by: geographic isolation, high transport costs, dependence on imports, high salaries, and high standard of living.

– Rents, especially in the capital;

– Food costs, heavily affected by import dependence (fresh fruits and vegetables are particularly expensive);

– Transport, whether domestic flights, boats, or private vehicles (fuel, maintenance, insurance);

– Services and leisure activities.

Testimonials from residents suggest that a single person can easily spend between DKK 18,000 and 35,000 per month, or even more, depending on their lifestyle and type of housing. A personal monthly expense study shows a total of about USD 2,200 to 2,300 per month for one person, including food, housing, utilities, transport, and activities, in a profile that is both reasonable and comfortable.

Anticipation, cooking at home, bulk buying, using local ingredients, and limiting eating out are typical strategies for keeping costs manageable.

Driving, Getting Around, and Registering a Vehicle

In Greenland, there is no road network connecting towns. Roads are limited to the immediate surroundings of settlements, and intercity travel is by plane, boat, helicopter, snowmobile, or dogsled. However, in towns like Nuuk, Sisimiut, or Qaqortoq, cars are common and subject to hybrid regulations, mixing local rules and Danish law.

Driver’s License: Obtaining and Converting

The minimum age to obtain a category B driver’s license (cars, small vans) is 18. The process includes:

– Theoretical instruction on signage, traffic rules, and road safety (with an emphasis on winter conditions);

– An official theoretical exam;

– Practical training with an instructor, including driving on snow and ice;

– A practical driving test;

– A vision test, with possibly other medical exams for certain categories or older drivers.

Licenses must be renewed approximately every ten years. Drivers with certain medical conditions may be subject to more frequent medical checks.

For foreigners, the rule depends on the origin of the license:

Traffic Rules and Safety

Traffic regulations largely follow Danish and international rules: speed limits of 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on roads outside towns, which is the maximum on the rare wider roads. It is mandatory:

– To have headlights on at all times, even during the day;

– To wear seat belts in the front and back;

– To use appropriate child seats for children under 135 cm;

– To use a hands-free device for phone calls;

– To wear a helmet on mopeds and scooters.

Winter conditions make winter tires mandatory, and 4×4 vehicles are often needed on unpaved roads. Many roads are gravel and can become impassable due to snow, ice, or strong winds. Reindeer or musk oxen on some roads also require extra caution.

Vehicles must be registered with the Greenlandic road authority, insured at least for third-party liability, and subject to regular technical inspections, especially beyond a certain age.

Public Transport and Alternatives

Urban public transport exists in the form of bus lines in the largest towns, with monthly passes possible but sometimes limited service. Taxis are available but expensive.

Many residents prefer walking, cycling (in season), or carpooling for short trips. For connections between settlements, you rely on local airlines, passenger boats, helicopters, as well as snowmobiles and dogsleds in remote areas.

Customs Procedures, Moving, and Importing Goods

Moving to Greenland often involves shipping your personal effects by sea or air. Customs regulations are strict on certain products, particularly alcohol, tobacco, weapons, animals, and foodstuffs.

Personal Effects and Moving Formalities

Personal belongings more than six months old are generally exempt from customs duties and taxes, provided you can prove prior use. However, port or airport handling fees remain due.

Standard documents for an international move include:

– Passport;

– A detailed declaration of contents (nature of goods, value, quantity) in an accepted language (often English or French);

– Completed labels affixed to each package.

Dangerous goods (chemicals, solvents, paints, gases, etc.) are subject to strict regulations and must be declared as such, with safety data sheets provided.

Traveler Allowances and Regulated Products

The duty-free allowances for travelers arriving from abroad—including from Denmark and the Faroe Islands—are detailed by Greenlandic customs. For an adult over 18, typical duty-free quantities include:

Exact quantities and categories should be verified with the tax and customs administration (Skattestyrelsen), which publishes detailed lists by product type, including duty rates for alcohol, tobacco, vehicles, perfumes, gaming machines, and certain food products.

Prohibited or restricted products are numerous: weapons, explosives, drugs, certain animals, uncertified plants, pornographic material, large amounts of currency, etc. Importing certain items derived from Arctic animals (polar bears, seals, whales) may be legal locally but prohibited in other countries, notably the United States.

Language, Integration, and Daily Life

Beyond strictly administrative procedures, integration also involves familiarity with the local language and culture. Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) dominates daily life, even if Danish remains very present in administration and education, and English is progressing in larger towns.

Learning Greenlandic: An Administrative and Social Asset

Greenlandic belongs to the Eskimo-Aleut family and is characterized by its polysynthetic structure: words are formed by adding many suffixes to a root, which can result in very long words. The language is used in institutions, schools, and media, and is a central marker of national identity.

For a foreign resident, especially long-term or planning to work in the public or health/social sector, learning at least the basics of Kalaallisut is a powerful integration tool. Numerous resources exist, for example:

A realistic estimate suggests around 300 hours of study over a year to acquire a basic vocabulary and understand word formation mechanisms.

Cost of Living, Family, and Education

Families should budget for:

– School supplies and equipment related to public school (free but not without incidental costs);

– Private daycare and kindergartens, whose cost can exceed USD 600 per month per child;

– International primary schools, with annual fees potentially over USD 8,000.

Mental Health, Safety, and Social Cohesion

Crime is generally relatively low, although social issues exist. The country faces a high suicide rate, which has led to the establishment of 24/7 helplines accessible by phone or SMS. A compensation program for crime victims is also in place.

Laws prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities, even if actual accessibility of infrastructure, especially older buildings, remains uneven. Same-sex relationships face no legal restrictions, and no official barriers hinder LGBT+ events or organizations.

Engagement in local life—associations, clubs, cultural events—remains one of the best ways to build a network and find your strong bearings.

In Summary: Anticipate, Document, Rely on Institutions

Living in Greenland is not just about facing the cold and isolation: it’s also about navigating a unique administrative framework where Greenlandic institutions and Danish bodies coexist, and where residence, work, housing, and health procedures are constantly intertwined.

To maximize your chances of success, three principles stand out:

1. Anticipate Start permit applications well before departure, secure a written job offer, resolve the housing question before arrival, and accurately estimate your budget considering the cost of living and taxation.

3. Rely on Institutions and Networks Use the resources of SIRI, the tax administration, municipalities, local banks, as well as employers, unions, housing organizations, and expatriate associations. In a small country with limited infrastructure, networking plays a central role.

With meticulous preparation, a good understanding of the rules, and a certain taste for administrative adventure as well as human adventure, settling permanently in Greenland becomes not only possible but also rich in professional, cultural, and personal opportunities.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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