Short answer: Moving to Greenland from the United States or Canada is not easier than from other countries. Immigration rules are the same regardless of nationality, and long-term residence usually requires employment or family ties.
Interest in Greenland has increased among people in North America due to geographic proximity, media coverage, and strategic discussions.
This guide explains what moving to Greenland from the United States or Canada actually involves, and which assumptions are incorrect.
Important: Greenland applies the same immigration framework to all foreign nationals.
Why people from North America consider Greenland
People from the US and Canada often explore Greenland because:
- It appears geographically close
- It is part of the Arctic region
- Media attention increases awareness
- There is perceived US presence in Greenland
These factors influence curiosity, but they do not change legal reality.
Does geographic proximity make relocation easier?
No.
Geographic proximity does not affect immigration eligibility.
- Flights are limited and expensive
- There are no road connections
- Travel logistics are complex
Distance alone does not simplify relocation.
Immigration rules apply equally to all nationalities
Greenland does not offer nationality-based advantages for immigration.
- No special visas for North Americans
- No preferential residence programs
- No simplified permits for nearby countries
Long-term residence typically requires:
- A confirmed job offer from a Greenlandic employer
- Family reunification
- Specific legal grounds defined by regulation
Moving to Greenland from the United States
For US citizens, the process involves:
- Applying for the appropriate visa or permit
- Securing employment before relocation
- Complying with Danish and Greenlandic immigration rules
Common misconceptions include:
- Assuming US presence affects immigration access
- Expecting simplified entry due to strategic cooperation
These assumptions are incorrect.
Moving to Greenland from Canada
For Canadian citizens, the process is the same.
- No special cross-border arrangements exist
- No Arctic or regional exemptions apply
- Work permits are still required
Proximity to Greenland does not grant immigration advantages.
What actually differs for North American applicants
Differences are practical, not legal.
- Flight routes may be shorter
- Time zones are closer
- Cultural expectations may differ
None of these factors change residence eligibility.
What does not change based on nationality
- Work permit requirements
- Residence permit rules
- Housing shortages
- High cost of living
- Limited infrastructure
These constraints apply to all foreign residents.
Is Greenland suitable for digital nomads from North America?
Generally no.
- There is no digital nomad visa
- Remote work does not replace residence permits
- Internet access is limited and expensive
Short stays do not equal legal residence.
Quick questions
Is it easier to move to Greenland from the US or Canada?
No. Immigration rules are the same for all foreign nationals.
Does US strategic presence affect relocation?
No. Defense cooperation does not change immigration law.
Can North Americans live in Greenland without a job?
No. Long-term residence typically requires employment or family ties.
Related immigration guides
- Immigration to Greenland
- Working in Greenland
- Digital nomads in Greenland
- Why Greenland is strategically important
Last updated: January 2026
This page is intended to provide factual, non-promotional information for planning and decision-making.