Moving to Denmark as a foreigner comes with a long list of logistics to handle—and some of the trickiest tasks don’t show up until you’ve finally settled into your new home. One common but unexpectedly complex issue is finding qualified, reliable electricians. Whether you’re renovating an apartment in Copenhagen, repairing a circuit breaker in Aarhus, or installing lighting in a newly bought home in Odense, electrical work demands expert assistance. And if you’re unfamiliar with Denmark’s strict safety regulations, local standards, or even the language, the process of choosing the best electricians in Denmark for foreigners can be overwhelming.
Denmark ranks among the top 10 countries globally for infrastructure quality, but that doesn’t mean every service interaction is seamless—especially for foreign residents. According to Statistics Denmark, over 800,000 foreign-born residents now call the country home. And yet, accessing quality, foreigner-friendly technical services like electrical work remains a challenge for many. Adding to that, nearly 70% of expats in Denmark report difficulty navigating local systems due to language barriers and lack of English-language support.
Here are the key points on the best electricians in Denmark for foreigners:
- Foreigners in Denmark face unique challenges when hiring electricians: language barriers, legal requirements, finding certified providers, and understanding pricing structures.
- Denmark has strict laws regarding electrical work—only certified electricians can legally conduct installations and rewiring.
- Transparent pricing, English-speaking support, and experience with international customers are key qualities to seek.
- Trusted platforms like 3byggetilbud.dk and companies like Elcon, CityTeknik, and Green Tech Center stand out for their accessibility and professionalism.
- Related services such as plumbing and smart home installation are often needed in parallel with electrical improvements.
Find the Best Electricians in Denmark for Foreigners
You don’t have to read to the end to know who the right electrician in Denmark for you is. We have gathered a collection of essential links to online services that can help you find the best electricians in Denmark for foreigners.
Why Finding a Good Electrician in Denmark Is More Challenging for Foreigners
Language Barriers Are Often the First Obstacle
In many parts of Denmark—especially in smaller cities or towns—tradespeople may primarily speak Danish. While many young Danes are fluent in English, a surprising number of electricians and contractors operate their businesses entirely in Danish—from their websites to their invoices. This makes it hard for foreigners to:
– Explain technical problems or safety concerns
– Understand pricing, terms, and warranties
– Book services through Danish-only digital portals
Unless you speak or read Danish at an intermediate level, something as simple as browsing reviews or comparing quotes can feel confusing and frustrating.
Understanding Permits and Regulations Can Be Daunting
Electric work in Denmark is highly regulated. For instance, any electrical job beyond changing light bulbs (such as installing sockets or modifying wiring) must be performed by a certified electrician. According to Sikkerhedsstyrelsen (the Danish Safety Technology Authority), failing to hire authorized electricians can result in fines or insurance rejections.
Foreigners unfamiliar with these national safety laws might accidentally book unlicensed help, not realizing they’re violating regulations. Additionally, foreigners often don’t know that certain tasks (like installing underfloor heating or home automation systems) require permits managed via municipal offices—all of which generally communicate in Danish.
Limited Availability and Long Wait Times
Denmark is known for its well-regulated labour market, which includes high demand but limited supply in technical professions—especially in the construction and electrical sectors. This leads to long wait times.
Expats unfamiliar with how early they need to book an electrician may struggle to find one when they need urgent repairs. Worse still, the process of vetting professionals for timely service that also caters to English speakers limits your choices even further.
Foreigners May Be Charged Higher Rates
Sadly, anecdotal evidence and expat testimonials suggest that foreigners sometimes receive higher quotes than locals when service providers suspect a lack of local knowledge. Without knowing the local pricing benchmarks or standard rates, foreign customers may unwittingly overpay for standard services.
Also, electrician rates in Denmark typically range from DKK 500 to DKK 750 per hour (approximately €67–€100), depending on the region and task. Knowing when these costs are reasonable—or when you’re being taken advantage of—is vital for making informed decisions.
Why You Should Use a Foreigner-Friendly Electrician in Denmark
Choosing an electrician who actively caters to international residents doesn’t just save you money—it saves time, legal headaches, and a good deal of stress. Working with professional electricians who:
– Speak English fluently
– Provide invoices and quotes in English
– Understand the problems common in international households (e.g. plug compatibility, foreign appliances, etc.)
…can make all the difference. It simplifies communication, improves trust, and ensures that safety standards are followed to the letter.
And while there are challenges, there are also modern solutions. Moreover, new platforms and expat-friendly companies now exist to directly cater to non-Danish speakers looking for trustworthy, certified pros.
Best Electricians in Denmark for Foreigners
Navigating electrical services in Denmark as an expat requires more than just Googling the nearest electrician. Between legal requirements, pricing transparency, and the language gap, foreigners often need more from a service provider than locals might. Besides, electricians who serve expats well typically offer English-language support, understand the local building codes inside and out, and are accustomed to navigating cross-cultural expectations.
Here’s what you should keep in mind when hiring an electrician in Denmark—and a vetted list of the companies most trusted by the expat community.
Key Considerations For Hiring the Best Electricians in Denmark for Foreigners
1. Always Verify Authorization (Aut. El-installatør License)
In Denmark, only certified electricians holding the “Autoriseret Elinstallatør” (authorized electrical installer) credential are legally permitted to perform most electrical work—not just for safety, but for insurance and financial liability purposes. Before you book anyone, ask to see their authorization license or look them up on the Danish Safety Technology Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen) website.
2. Ask for English-Speaking Staff
A professional electrician doesn’t just need technical competence—they need to communicate clearly, especially when it comes to diagnosing issues, scheduling work, and explaining your rights as a consumer. Many expat-friendly companies will provide English-speaking support, but don’t assume; always ask in advance.
3. Look for Transparent, Fixed Pricing
Hourly rates for electricians in Denmark generally range from DKK 500–750 (approx. €67–€100), and you should never proceed without a written quote. Furthermore, the best companies will send you a detailed invoice and quote in English outlining:
– Hourly rate or project price
– Materials and travel costs
– VAT (moms) inclusion
– Emergency or after-hours fees
In addition, getting all of this in writing helps avoid being overcharged or confused by hidden costs.
4. Understand GST (Moms) and Corporate Tax Structure
Foreigners unfamiliar with sales tax in Denmark might be confused about “moms” (VAT), which is 25% on most services. Make sure your quote specifies whether VAT is included—this can make a big difference in pricing. For example, a DKK 800 hourly rate without VAT becomes DKK 1,000 with it.
5. Always Ask About Warranty and Compliance
By law, Danish electricians must comply with stringent electrical codes, and most reputable companies offer a service warranty. For instance, if a socket fails after installation or a system overloads, you should be covered. But warranties vary in length and scope—ask upfront what’s included and put it in the contract.
Top 5 Electrician Services in Denmark for Foreigners
We’ve analyzed hundreds of reviews, contacted providers directly, and used expat forums to identify the most reliable electrician services in Denmark that actively cater to foreigners. Here are five top-rated services for 2024:
1. 3byggetilbud.dk
Nationwide platform – Compare quotes from certified electricians
One of Denmark’s largest digital platforms for finding certified craftsmen, 3byggetilbud.dk allows you to submit a request (available in English) and receive up to 3 quotes from licensed professionals in your area. What’s more, this platform is ideal for newcomers who want to:
– Avoid the hassle of cold-calling electricians
– Receive English-speaking service
– Ensure that only certified (Aut. El-installatør) companies contact them
More than 1 million Danes and expats have used the platform to gather bids for renovation and repair jobs across Denmark.
2. Handyhand.dk
Budget-friendly—but proceed with caution
Handyhand is a popular Danish platform for hiring freelancers or solo electricians for small, non-permit jobs like installing lights or repairing sockets. Though not always certified for complex tasks, many English-speaking locals and handymen use it to offer their services.
It’s better for simple services where certification isn’t mandatory but be mindful of accountability. Ask directly for credentials and insurance proof before hiring.
3. Elcon
Established electrician company with branches across Denmark
With over 20 locations across Denmark, Elcon provides comprehensive electrical services including new installations, data networks, smart home tech, and emergency support. Their website includes English content, and you can request English-speaking electricians for both residential and commercial projects.
Elcon stands out for:
– Exceptional documentation and compliance
– Strong after-care and service warranties
– 24/7 customer support in larger cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus
4. Green Tech Center (Smart Home & Eco-Energy Specialisation)
Best for eco-conscious expats and smart-home projects
If you’re upgrading your home with smart thermostats, solar panels, EV charging stations, or high-efficiency lighting systems, Green Tech Center connects you to electricians specializing in energy and automation. Based in Vejle but with services in Copenhagen and Aarhus, they’re accustomed to international clients and fluent in English.
Expect premium pricing, but also get high-end consultation, digital project planning, and energy-saving recommendations tailored to Danish regulations.
5. CityTeknik – Copenhagen Based Electricians
Trusted by urban expats and international residents
Operating mainly in Greater Copenhagen, CityTeknik has earned a reputation for being attentive to English-speaking clients and providing same-day interventions, which is rare in Denmark’s competitive trades sector.
– Fair, transparent pricing
– Modern website in Danish and English
– Specializes in apartment rewires, heavy-duty appliance fitting, and fuse box upgrades
Customers praise their responsiveness, communication skills, and clean documentation practices.
Bonus Tip for the Best Electricians in Denmark for Foreigners: Ask Expats and Use Facebook Groups
One thing that has proven useful for many newcomers to Denmark is to ask in city-specific Facebook expat groups (e.g., “Expats in Copenhagen” or “Foreigners in Aarhus”).
Other Related Services Foreigners in Denmark Might Need
While finding a reliable electrician is a top priority when setting up or maintaining a home in Denmark, it often goes hand-in-hand with other types of home services—especially for newcomers. Whether it’s a full-scale renovation or just making your home legal and livable, supporting services must also meet the strict regulations and expectations of Danish life. Most expats discover that they simultaneously need help from plumbers, carpenters, or moving services, while others delve into smart-home integration or appliance installations that require coordination with electricians.
If you’re managing a move, upgrading a rental, or customizing your new home, here are other services commonly needed by foreigners in Denmark:
– Plumbers in Denmark: Essential for kitchen or bathroom upgrades and radiator installations.
– Carpenters and joiners: For built-in furniture, kitchen cabinets, or structural modifications.
– Moving services: Specialized expat movers can assist with customs forms and furniture setup.
– Smart home installation professionals: For WiFi-enabled lights, security systems, and thermostats.
– Cleaning services: Especially for move-in or move-out needs, often required to meet landlord standards.
– Handyman and general repair technicians: Cost-effective for small-scale jobs not requiring authorizations.
Conclusion: Best Electricians in Denmark for Foreigners
Hiring an electrician in Denmark isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a matter of safety, compliance, and peace of mind. For expats and foreigners, the process can be intimidating. From understanding Danish legal requirements to navigating services without language fluency, the margin for error is high. However, this doesn’t mean good service is out of reach.
FAQs: Best Electricians in Denmark for Foreigners
1. How can I find English-speaking electricians in Denmark?
Use platforms like 3byggetilbud.dk which let you specify your language needs in the service request. Companies like Elcon and CityTeknik also offer excellent English-speaking customer support.
2. Do the best electricians in Denmark for foreigners provide written quotes and warranties?
Yes, reputable providers will always issue a written quote before starting work. You should also ask about service warranties—many Danish electricians offer them, typically lasting 1–2 years.
3. How long do I have to wait for an appointment with the best electricians in Denmark for foreigners?
Wait times vary, but for standard appointments it can take 1–2 weeks in urban areas. Emergency or same-day services are available but come at a premium.
