Doing Business in Greenland: 3 Essentials You Should Know Before You Go

Recently, I was asked to describe the business culture and opportunities in Greenland. I paused for a moment — where do you even start?

I have only been to Greenland twice, but those visits left a deep impression. It is one of those places that stays with you — the kind that is easier to feel than to explain.

So, I decided to write this short piece — not as a full answer, but as a beginning. A way to share what makes doing business in Greenland so unique.

Have you ever thought about doing business in Greenland? If not — maybe it is time.

Imagine standing under the Arctic sun, snow-capped mountains glowing around you, and the cold wind fresh on your face. It’s quiet — the kind of quiet that feels grounding. Wherever you turn, there’s raw beauty — and people who are calm, grounded, and deeply connected to their land.

That same authenticity flows through the way business is done in Greenland: direct, respectful, and rooted in trust.

If you ever plan to explore business opportunities in Greenland, start by talking to the locals. They are generous with their knowledge — and their guidance will help you understand how things truly work. Here are three essentials to keep in mind.

1. Getting There & Getting Around

Greenland may look far on the map, but getting there is easier than it seems — just plan for flexibility.

If you’re flying from Copenhagen, Air Greenland offers direct flights to Nuuk that take just over four hours. It is fast and efficient… unless nature decides otherwise. Weather is part of the adventure here, and flight schedules can change quickly.

✈️ Tip: Add 2–3 buffer days to your travel plan and enable flight notifications. My last flight actually left three hours earlier due to a storm!

All domestic travel in Greenland happens by air or by boat/ferry (June–October), so if you’re planning to visit cities beyond Nuuk, it’s wise to schedule your trips well in advance. A good tip: bring plenty of patience and be ready for Arctic conditions—snowstorms and fog can easily disrupt flights and ferries. 

Or, sometimes, they don’t—nature makes the rules here, a gentle reminder that not everything in life can be planned.

2. Doing Business in Greenland

One of the things I love about Greenlandic business culture is its simplicity and sincerity. Getting a meeting is straightforward — a short email introducing yourself, your company, and your value proposition usually does the trick.

Include a link to your LinkedIn profile, be clear about your offer, and respect people’s time.

A few good-to-know tips:

• Like with any new market, preparation is key—do your homework before diving in.

• Be prepared to clearly show how your product or service creates value, and request meetings with a focus on mutually beneficial outcomes. 

• The business network in Nuuk is small and tight-knit — trust and consistency matter more than big talk.

• Greenland spans multiple time zones, so the time difference depends on which part of Greenland you’re travelling to. Nuuk: Time Zone: Greenland Standard Time (GMT-3). During Daylight Saving Time (DST, late March to late October): GMT-2.

• Avoid booking meetings after 16:00 or weekends.

• 🤝 Next large networking opportunity in 2026 (in Nuuk): Future Greenland Conference, 19–20 May 2026.

• Build connections & add value through LinkedIn. 

• In short: be genuine, well prepared, and reliable. That is how long-term partnerships grow here.

3. Getting to Know the Culture 

To truly do business in Greenland, take time to understand its people and history. Greenland is more than its landscapes — it’s a culture rich in storytelling, resilience, and community.

One of the best ways to experience this is through art. A visit to the Nuuk Art Museum offers a glimpse into Greenland’s identity — from traditional carvings to modern Arctic expressionism. It’s a space that beautifully connects the country’s past and present through creativity. 

Spending time there gives you a deeper sense of how Greenlanders see their world — something that can shape how you connect and communicate in business as well.

If you speak Danish, I highly recommend reading Grønland – En rejse fra de tidligste tider til et moderne samfund by Bo Lidegaard, Mira Maria Jo Kleist, and Jens Heinrich. The book takes readers on a fascinating journey through Greenland’s history, challenges common clichés and stereotypes, and offers a thoughtful look at the country’s future.

Practical Tips Before You Go

💳 You can pay with card everywhere in Nuuk (prices are in Danish kroner). 

🗣️ Language: Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) is the official language, and Danish is also widely spoken. Most people also speak of course excellent English— but learning a few Greenlandic words shows respect and earns smiles.

🚖 Getting around: Most taxis need to be booked by phone rather than hailed on the street. I used Nuuk Taxi call +299363636

📶 Wifi is available in hotels and public spaces — but an eSIM for your own data is smart. 

🗣️🤝Never underestimate the power of an informal chat over coffee or during a community or networking event. Relationships often grow in those moments, not just in meeting rooms. Learn from locals: (20+) Facebook. 

📍 Things to do in Greenland Home - Visit Greenland & Nuuk: visitnuuk.com Boat trips: Nuuk Water Taxi

Where to eat & meet:

• 🥩 Hotel Hans Egede – great view, great steak, and available conference rooms.

• 🍷 Restaurant Nivi – cosy atmosphere with a delicious tasting menu.

• 🥗 Kylling & Co – casual lunch and fresh salad bar.

Doing business in Greenland isn’t just about new markets — it’s about perspective. 

You quickly realise that nature, people, and business are deeply intertwined. Things move at their own rhythm, and trust grows from presence, not pressure.

So, if you ever get the chance — go. 

Bring curiosity, patience, and an open mind & heart. Greenland will do the rest. 

👉 Have you ever been to Greenland or done business in the Arctic? I’d love to hear what you’ve learned along the way. 

And if you call Greenland home — what do you wish more people understood before doing business there?

** No article can fully capture Greenland — its depth unfolds through experience. Stay curious, explore with an open mind, and connect with locals who can show you the heart of it.