Denmark employment
visas

27 May 2021

Denmark offers a high standard of living compared to many other countries, and came second in the 2019 World Happiness Report.

The country’s economy is based on the ‘flexicurity’ model, which combines a strong welfare system supporting those out of work with the freedom of companies to hire and fire without many constraints. Like other Nordic countries, Denmark doesn’t have a national minimum wage, but minimum wages are set through collective agreement at sector level.

Do you need a visa to work in Denmark?

Most EU nationals do not require a visa or work permit in order to work in Denmark.

Foreign workers from non-EU / EEA and non-Scandinavian countries are generally required to hold a residence and / or work permit before entering Denmark. Work permits are generally issued based on an individual’s qualifications and sometimes, Danish labour market considerations.

Denmark, along with the UK & Ireland, do not participate in the Blue Card scheme. However, the Danish government has several schemes in place to allow highly skilled professionals to obtain residence and work permits in Denmark quickly and easily. The process of applying for a work visa and permit is speedy and uncomplicated in comparison to the other EU states.

The following is an overview of the visa options and key areas.

Pay-limit Scheme

  • This scheme is design for high-income foreign nationals earning annual salaries above a specific threshold. The current minimum threshold is DKK 000 salary and work conditions correspond to Danish standards with salary paid to Danish bank account
  • For indefinite job contracts, the duration of permit can be issued for maximum of 4 years and thereby can lead to permanent residency. Spouses issued a dependent visa under this category can also have access to labour market and require no separate employment permit
  • Processing timeline is 1 month

The Positive List

  • The Positive list is a list of professions where there is currently a skills shortage in Denmark. Examples include engineers, doctors and medical consultants, auditors etc. Individuals must meet the minimum educational requirements and the employment conditions must meet Danish standards in order to to qualify under this scheme.
  • For indefinite job contracts, the duration of permit can be issued for maximum of 4 years and thereby can lead to permanent residency. Spouses issued a dependent visa under this category can also have access to labour market and require no separate employment permit.
  • Processing timeline is 1-3 months due to the current pandemic situation.

Fast-track scheme

  • Denmark Fast-track Scheme is an accessible proposal for certified companies to hire overseas immigrants with good qualifications or skills to live and work in Denmark. A residence and work permit under the Fast-track scheme can be granted for a period of up to 4 years. To apply under the Fast-track scheme, the employer should submit the work and residence permit online.
  • The employer must make sure that the employment conditions correspond to Danish standards.
  • Fast-track Scheme offers an alternate between working in Denmark and working abroad. If an individual applies from abroad, they will be granted one-month validity prior to the beginning of their work. However, if the individual applies in Denmark, their duration of residence permit will begin the day they start working.

Looking to work in Denmark?

If you have any Danish immigration queries please contact the SSW global immigration team. We are able to provide full immigration support. With the help of our global network, we can navigate international law and ensure that local immigration rules are met thereafter.

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