Work Permits and Employment-Based Residence
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Denmark offers several work permit schemes designed to attract skilled workers. All non-EU/EEA nationals need a work and residence permit before they can begin employment.
The Positive List scheme targets occupations where Denmark has a documented shortage of qualified workers. The list is updated twice a year and includes professions like engineers, IT specialists, healthcare workers, and teachers. No minimum salary requirement applies beyond the standard for the position. The permit is issued for up to 4 years.
The Pay Limit scheme (Beløbsordningen) is available to anyone with a job offer paying at least DKK 465,000 per year (approximately 62,400 euros, 2024). The position does not need to be on the Positive List. The permit is issued for up to 4 years.
The Fast-track scheme allows certified companies to bring in highly skilled workers, trainees, or employees for short-term assignments with a simplified and faster process. Certification requires the company to meet certain requirements regarding size and compliance.
Start-up Denmark is for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea approved by an expert panel. The permit is issued for 2 years, renewable for 3 years.
The application fee for most work permits is DKK 3,345 (approximately 450 euros). Processing time varies: 1–2 months for Fast-track, 2–4 months for Positive List and Pay Limit schemes. Applications are submitted to SIRI (the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration).
When does it apply?
- You have a job offer from a Danish employer in an occupation on the Positive List.
- You have a job offer with a salary of at least DKK 465,000/year (Pay Limit scheme).
- You are being recruited by a certified Fast-track company.
- You have an innovative business idea and want to start a company in Denmark (Start-up Denmark).
- You are a researcher employed at a Danish university or research institution.
What to Do If You Have a Job Offer and Need a Danish Work Permit
- Identify the right scheme — check the Positive List on nyidanmark.dk, calculate if your salary meets the Pay Limit threshold, or explore Start-up Denmark.
- Apply online through SIRI's case portal (nyidanmark.dk) — your employer may need to submit part of the application.
- Gather required documents: employment contract, educational qualifications, passport, and passport photo.
- Pay the application fee of DKK 3,345 — processing does not begin until payment is received.
- After arrival, register with the International Citizen Service for CPR number (civil registration) and tax card within 5 days of arrival.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not start working before your permit is granted — even if you have applied, working without the permit is illegal.
- Do not enter Denmark on a tourist visa to seek employment — you must apply from outside Denmark for most schemes.
- Do not change employers without applying for a new work permit — your permit is tied to the specific employer and position.
- Do not forget to renew — apply for renewal at least 3 months before your current permit expires.
Common Questions
When does it apply — work permits and employment-based residence?
You have a job offer from a Danish employer in an occupation on the Positive List.You have a job offer with a salary of at least DKK 465,000/year (Pay Limit scheme).You are being recruited by a certified Fast-track company.You have an innovative business idea and want to start a company in Denmark (Start-up Denmark).You are a researcher employed at a Danish university or research institution.
What should I do if I have been offered a job in Denmark and need to apply for a work permit through SIRI?
Identify the right scheme — check the Positive List on nyidanmark.dk, calculate if your salary meets the Pay Limit threshold, or explore Start-up Denmark.Apply online through SIRI's case portal (nyidanmark.dk) — your employer may need to submit part of the application.Gather required documents: employment contract, educational qualifications, passport, and passport photo.Pay the application fee of DKK 3,345 — processing does not begin until payment is received.After arrival, register with the International Citizen Service for CPR number (civil registration) and tax card within 5 days of arriva...
What should you NOT do — work permits and employment-based residence?
Do not start working before your permit is granted — even if you have applied, working without the permit is illegal.Do not enter Denmark on a tourist visa to seek employment — you must apply from outside Denmark for most schemes.Do not change employers without applying for a new work permit — your permit is tied to the specific employer and position.Do not forget to renew — apply for renewal at least 3 months before your current permit expires.
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