Your Ultimate Guide to Moving to Greenland Permanently

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide on How to Move to Greenland Permanently: the icy paradise on Earth, full of endless landscapes of ice, snow, and rock formations, and home to a unique culture that has stood the test of time. Moving to Greenland from anywhere else in the world can be quite daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with obtaining the necessary documentation, finding work, and navigating a foreign culture. But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know step-by-step on how to fulfill your dream of moving to Greenland permanently.

Geography and Climate of Greenland

Greenland is the world’s largest island, mostly covered with snow and ice, and located between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Its extreme weather conditions are not for the faint of heart, with temperatures regularly dropping below -50°C in winter. However, the summer months offer mild temperatures and stunning scenery for those up for the challenge. Before thinking of moving to Greenland, it is essential to understand what you’re getting into, including packing the right clothes for the weather conditions. Besides, it is wise to research and familiarize yourself with the unique culture of the Greenlandic people.

Obtaining a Visa

The first thing you’ll need before moving to Greenland is a visa. Since Greenland is part of Denmark, there are different visa requirements depending on your nationality, although it is relatively easy for European Union citizens to obtain visas. Unless you are a Danish citizen, you’ll need a permit to enter Greenland. A visa allows you to stay in Greenland for a maximum of ninety days if you are a tourist or for six months if you are a permanent resident. You’ll need to fill out the visa application forms and submit them to the Danish embassy in your country of residence. Your application may take up to ninety days for processing, so make sure you submit it well in advance.

Employment Opportunities

Most people who move to Greenland permanently do so for work reasons. The economy of Greenland is primarily based on fishing, mining, hunting, and tourism, with the majority of its population living within small towns scattered along the coast. The most common way to find work in Greenland is through networking, so it is best to start making connections before you move there. You can look up companies that are hiring on job portals such as Jobindex, but keep in mind that the competition for jobs is fierce.

Finding a Place to Live

Greenland’s housing market is incredibly tight due to its small population and limited availability of land. Most properties are state-owned and allocated to residents based on their employment status. If you’re not a Greenlandic citizen, it is challenging to obtain permanent housing, and you might consider renting for a while before finding your own space. Given this situation, it is best to start looking for a place to live well in advance. You can find rental properties advertised on various online platforms such as BoligPortal and Lejebolig.

Education and Healthcare

Greenland’s education system is heavily influenced by Denmark’s education system, with most schools offering instruction in Danish. There are a handful of schools that teach in Greenlandic and English. As far as healthcare goes, Greenland has a national health insurance scheme, providing medically necessary services to all residents for free. However, medical care is limited, and the standard of medical facilities is not as high as in other developed countries.

Culture and Lifestyle

Greenland has a unique culture that is unlike anything else in the world. The people of Greenland, known as Greenlanders, have their language, Inuit culture, and traditions that have been passed down for generations. One of the most important aspects of Greenlandic culture is hunting, which is essential for their subsistence. Most towns in Greenland hold annual festivals centered around hunting, such as the Qeqertarsuaq hunting and culture festival and the Nalunaq music and cultural festival. It is essential to respect the culture of the Greenlandic people and to be open to learning about their customs.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Greenland permanently is not easy, but the rewards are incredible. From the idyllic landscapes to the unique culture and traditions, Greenland is a paradise for those who are willing to embrace a different way of life. It is essential to take the necessary steps to fulfill your dream, starting with obtaining a visa, finding a job, and a place to live. Ensure you prepare yourself for the harsh climate and research the unique culture and customs of the Greenlandic people. And remember that moving to Greenland permanently is not just a change of scenery; it’s a complete lifestyle change.