Work Permits in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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 has several work-permit schemes designed to attract skilled labour. All third-country nationals need a work and residence permit before they may start a job.
The Positivlisten (Positive List) targets occupations where Denmark has a documented shortage of skilled labour. The list is updated twice a year and covers professions such as engineers, IT specialists, healthcare staff and teachers. There is no salary minimum beyond the usual level for the position. The permit is granted for up to 4 years.
The Beløbsordningen (Pay Limit Scheme) is open to anyone with a job offer paying at least 552,000 kr. a year (2025 figure, adjusted annually — approx. 65,000 euros). The position need not be on the Positive List. The permit is granted for up to 4 years. Important attachment requirement (2024 reform): Applicants from certain non-Western countries must also document a sufficient attachment to Denmark or the EU/EEA — e.g. previous study or work in an EU/EEA country, language skills or ties through a partner — before a permit can be granted under the lower supplementary pay-limit scheme. Check SIRI's country list before relying on the Pay Limit Scheme.
The Fast-track Scheme allows certified companies to bring in highly qualified employees, trainees or staff for short assignments through a simplified and faster procedure. Certification requires the company to meet certain size and compliance requirements.
Start-up Denmark is for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea approved by an expert panel. The permit is granted for 2 years and can be extended by 3 years.
The application fee for most work permits is 3,345 kr. (approx. 450 euros). Processing time varies: 1-2 months for Fast-track and 2-4 months for the Positive List and the Pay Limit Scheme. 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 a position on the Positive List.
- You have a job offer with a salary of at least 552,000 kr./year (the Pay Limit Scheme).
- You are recruited by a certified Fast-track company.
- You have an innovative business idea and want to start a business 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
- Find the right scheme — see the Positive List on nyidanmark.dk, calculate whether your salary meets the Pay Limit Scheme threshold, or look into Start-up Denmark.
- Apply online via SIRI's case portal (nyidanmark.dk) — your employer may need to submit part of the application.
- Gather the necessary documentation: employment contract, educational certificates, passport and passport photo.
- Pay the application fee of 3,345 kr. — processing only begins once the fee is paid.
- After arrival, contact International Citizen Service for a CPR number (civil registration) and tax card no later than 5 days after arrival.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't start working before your permit is granted — even if you have applied, working without the permit is unlawful.
- Don't enter on a tourist visa to look for a job — as a rule you must apply from a country outside Denmark.
- Don't change employer without applying for a new work permit — your permit is tied to the specific employer and position.
- Don't forget to renew — apply for an extension no later than 3 months before your current permit expires.
About Immigration & Residence in Denmark
Danish immigration law rests on udlændingeloven (the Aliens Act), administered by Udlændingestyrelsen (the Danish Immigration Service) (and SIRI for work and study). EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have freedom of movement; Nordic citizens need not register at all. Third-country nationals need a residence and work permit — the main routes are the Positivlisten, the Beløbsordningen (Pay Limit Scheme), the Fast-track Scheme and Start-up Denmark. Temporary permits run 2-4 years, permanent residence can be obtained after 8 years (4 years with supplementary conditions), and citizenship after 9 years — with demanding requirements on language, civic understanding and self-support.
Common Questions
What is the salary requirement in the Danish Pay Limit Scheme?
Approx. 552,000 kr. a year (2026), equivalent to approx. 65,000 euros. Unlike the Positive List, no shortage assessment of the position is required. A 2024 reform introduced an attachment requirement for applicants from certain non-Western countries under the lower supplementary pay-limit scheme — check SIRI's country list before relying on this route.
What does a Danish work permit cost?
3,345 kr. — approx. 450 euros. Processing only begins once the fee is paid. Processing times vary: approx. 1-2 months for Fast-track (for certified companies) and 2-4 months for the Positive List and the Pay Limit Scheme. Applications are submitted to SIRI via nyidanmark.dk.
Can I enter on a tourist visa to look for work?
No. As a rule you must apply for a work permit from a country outside Denmark, and you may not start working before the permit is granted. Changing employer requires a new work permit — your existing permit is tied to the specific employer and position. Apply for an extension no later than 3 months before expiry.
What is the work permits and employment-based residence right in Denmark?
Denmark has several work-permit schemes designed to attract skilled labour. All third-country nationals need a work and residence permit before they may start a job.The Positivlisten (Positive List) targets occupations where Denmark has a documented shortage of skilled labour. The list is updated twice a year and covers professions such as engineers, IT specialists, healthcare staff and teachers. There is no salary minimum beyond the usual level for the position. The permit is granted for up to 4 years.The Beløbsordningen (Pay Limit Scheme) is open to anyone with a job offer paying at least...
When does it apply — work permits and employment-based residence?
You have a job offer from a Danish employer in a position on the Positive List.You have a job offer with a salary of at least 552,000 kr./year (the Pay Limit Scheme).You are recruited by a certified Fast-track company.You have an innovative business idea and want to start a business in Denmark (Start-up Denmark).You are a researcher employed at a Danish university or research institution.
What should I do if I have a job offer in Denmark and need to apply for a work permit with SIRI?
Find the right scheme — see the Positive List on nyidanmark.dk, calculate whether your salary meets the Pay Limit Scheme threshold, or look into Start-up Denmark.Apply online via SIRI's case portal (nyidanmark.dk) — your employer may need to submit part of the application.Gather the necessary documentation: employment contract, educational certificates, passport and passport photo.Pay the application fee of 3,345 kr. — processing only begins once the fee is paid.After arrival, contact International Citizen Service for a CPR number (civil registration) and tax card no later than 5 days after...
What should you NOT do — work permits and employment-based residence?
Don't start working before your permit is granted — even if you have applied, working without the permit is unlawful.Don't enter on a tourist visa to look for a job — as a rule you must apply from a country outside Denmark.Don't change employer without applying for a new work permit — your permit is tied to the specific employer and position.Don't forget to renew — apply for an extension no later than 3 months before your current permit expires.