US Citizens Working in Denmark
See what you actually take home after US and Denmark taxes: whether you're already working abroad or planning a move.
Here's what matters most for US citizens working in Denmark:
- •Denmark has progressive income tax rates up to 55.8%
- •FEIE can exclude up to $132,900 from US taxation in 2026 if you meet the physical presence test
- •Very high tax rates but comprehensive social benefits
- •US-Denmark tax treaty helps prevent double taxation
Calculate your take-home pay
See your real take-home pay with currency conversion and cost of living adjustments.
Who taxes you?
As a US citizen working in Denmark, you're subject to taxation by both countries. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income, but the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income in 2026 if you meet the 330-day physical presence test. Denmark taxes its tax residents on their worldwide income, with progressive rates up to 55.8%, one of the highest in the world. While tax rates are very high, Denmark provides comprehensive social benefits. The US-Denmark tax treaty provides foreign tax credits to prevent double taxation.
Common pitfalls
- Danish tax rates are among the highest in the world, with top marginal rate of 55.8%
Is there a US-Denmark tax treaty?
Yes. The US-Denmark income tax treaty is in force, and foreign tax credits cover what it does not.
Getting paid in Danish Krone
Salaries in Copenhagen are paid in Danish Krone (DKK). A 100,000 US-dollar salary is roughly 645,000 DKK at current rates. That matters twice over: your US return is always filed in dollars, so the rate on each payday feeds straight into what you report, and a currency that moves against the dollar changes what the same nominal salary is worth to you without your pay changing at all.
Coverage level
Partial coverage with general tax guidance. Calculations are approximate.
Frequently asked questions
Not on the same income: a treaty is in force. You pay the higher of the two rates, not both.
The Danish Krone (DKK). A 100,000 US-dollar salary is about 645,000 DKK at current rates. Your US tax is always calculated in dollars, so the exchange rate on the day you are paid feeds directly into what you report, and into how far the same nominal salary goes in Copenhagen.
Denmark has one of the highest tax rates in the world, with combined rates up to 55.8%. The system includes bottom tax (bundskat), municipal tax, state tax, and top tax. You can claim foreign tax credits on your US return to offset taxes paid to Denmark.
Denmark has among the highest tax rates in the world but provides comprehensive social benefits including universal healthcare, education, and social security. The high tax rates fund these services and maintain one of the world's most extensive social safety nets.
Official resources
Primary sources:
Calculate your take-home pay
See your real take-home pay with currency conversion and cost of living adjustments.
Working in the US? Use our main calculator:
US Take-Home Pay Calculator →