Denmark Work Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Denmark's renowned work-life balance, coupled with its abundance of high-paying jobs and the fact it’s one of the top three happiest countries in the world, has attracted a thriving expat community, making it a top destination for skilled professionals seeking career advancement and personal fulfillment.

Backed further by the country's generous parental leave policies and emphasis on employee well-being further solidify its appeal. If you're looking to make a move, explore Denmark's Startup Visa program, your gateway to innovation and opportunity.

 

What are the Denmark Work visa schemes?

The Denmark Work Visa is typically used as an umbrella term for multiple visa types. The one suitable for you will depend on what kind of work you're doing and what you're offering to Denmark's economy.

The main options as of 2024 are:

• The pay limit scheme: The Pay Limit Scheme is designed for high-income earners who have secured a job offer with an annual salary of at least DKK 448,000 (approximately €60,180). It offers a streamlined path to residency and work authorisation for individuals with significant earning potential.
• The positive list: If your profession is listed on Denmark's Positive List, which identifies occupations experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals, you may be eligible for this scheme. The list is updated twice yearly and includes professions such as engineers, doctors, medical consultants, and auditors. This scheme typically offers faster processing times and a smoother application process.
• Fast-track scheme: The Fast-Track Scheme is for individuals with special qualifications who have received a job offer from a company certified by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). It offers a fast and efficient pathway to residency and work authorisation, allowing you to start your new job quickly.

• Other schemes: Denmark also offers several other work visa schemes catering to specific situations, such as:

  ◦ Trainee

  ◦ Herdsmen and farm managers

  ◦ Researchers & guest researchers

  ◦ Sideline employment

  ◦ Employment for adaptation and training purposes

  ◦ Work permit for accompanying family members

  ◦ Special individual qualifications

  ◦ Labour market attachment

Carefully assess your qualifications, experience, and job offer to determine which scheme best suits your circumstances.

Each scheme has its own specific requirements and benefits, so choosing the right one can significantly impact your chances of a successful visa application.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Denmark Work visas?

While each Denmark Work Visa scheme has its own specific requirements, some general criteria apply to all applicants:

• Job offer from a Danish employer: You must have a concrete and valid job offer from an employer based in Denmark. This offer should clearly outline the terms and conditions of your employment, including your job title, salary, working hours, and contract duration.
• Valid passport: You need to possess a valid passport from your country of origin. Ensure your passport is valid for at least the duration of your intended stay in Denmark and has sufficient blank pages for visa stamps.
• Health insurance: You must have comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Denmark for the entire duration of your stay. This ensures you have access to healthcare services if needed.

Scheme-specific requirements:

In addition to these general criteria, each work visa scheme has its specific eligibility requirements. Some of these include:

• Minimum salary threshold: The Pay Limit Scheme requires a minimum annual salary of DKK 448,000 (approximately €60,000) as of September 2024.
• Profession on the Positive List: The Positive List scheme requires your profession to be listed on the official Positive List of shortage occupations.
• Company certification: The Fast-track scheme requires your employer to be certified by SIRI.
• Specific qualifications or experience: Some schemes, such as the Trainee scheme or the Special Individual Qualifications scheme, may have specific requirements related to your qualifications, experience, or field of expertise.

What is the application process for the Danish Work visa?

Whichever Work Visa you're applying for, you'll need to undergo a multi-step process that combines online and in-person components. The process is relatively straightforward, but careful attention to detail is crucial for a successful application.

Step 1: Choose a Denmark Work visa scheme

The first step is to carefully assess your qualifications, experience, and job offer to determine which Denmark Work Visa scheme best suits your circumstances. Each scheme has its own eligibility criteria and benefits, so choosing the right one is essential.

Step 2: Create a Case Order ID

Once you've selected the appropriate scheme, you must create a Case Order ID on the SIRI website. This involves providing your personal information, passport number, and email address.

Step 3: Pay the Denmark work visa fee

After creating your Case Order ID, you must pay the applicable visa fee. The 2024 fee list is as follows:

• Positive Lists and Pay Limit schemes: DKK 6,290 (approx. €840)
• Extension of Positive Lists and Pay Limit schemes: DKK 6,290 (€840)
• Fast-track scheme: DKK 6,290 (€840)
• Extension of Fast-track: DKK 6,290 (€840)
• Certification of company: DKK 6,290 (€840)
• Extension of certification of company: DKK 6,290 (€840)
• Other schemes in the area of work: DKK 6,290 (€840)
• Extension of other schemes in the area of work (incl. permits for self-employment granted before January 1, 2015): DKK 6,290 (€840)
• Researchers and guest researchers: DKK 6,290 (€840)
• Extension of researchers and guest researchers: DKK 6,290 (€840)

Ensure you pay the correct fee and keep the payment receipt for your records and for proof of application.

Step 4: Compile the Denmark Work visa document checklist

Gather all the necessary documents for your chosen visa scheme. These typically include:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid and have at least two blank pages.
• Copy of your passport: Provide copies of all relevant pages of your passport, excluding blank pages
• Health insurance: You'll need proof of health insurance coverage for your entire stay in Denmark
• Passport-size pictures: These photos must adhere to the Schengen photo guidelines
• Proof of visa fee payment
• Completed form of power of attorney (if applicable): This is only required if you're authorising someone else to submit the application on your behalf
• Employment contract or job offer: The contract or offer should be no older than 30 days
• Diploma or academic qualifications: Provide evidence of your qualifications for the position

Step 5: Submit the application

You have three options for submitting your application:

• Online: You can complete the application entirely online through the SIRI website. However, this option may not be available for all visa schemes or nationalities.
• Abroad: Submit your application to a Danish diplomatic mission or an application centre in your country of residence.
• In Denmark: If you already legally reside in Denmark, you can submit your application at a SIRI branch. Make sure to book an appointment beforehand.

Step 6: Take your biometrics

Within 14 days of applying, you must have your photo and fingerprints taken at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad, even if you applied online.

Step 7: Wait for a response

The standard processing time for a Denmark Work Visa is 30 days. However, some schemes, like the Fast-track scheme, may have shorter processing times. You'll receive an email or SMS notification when a decision has been made.

After approval

Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Denmark and begin your employment. Remember to register your Danish address at the local municipality to obtain your CPR number (personal registration number), which is essential for various administrative purposes in Denmark.

What is the valid duration of a Denmark Work visa?

The duration of your Denmark Work Visa is intrinsically linked to the nature of your employment contract and the specific visa scheme you've applied under.

• Indefinite job contracts: If you have an open-ended or indefinite employment contract, your work permit can be granted for up to four years. This gives you long-term stability and the opportunity to establish yourself firmly in the Danish workforce.
• Limited or temporary job contracts: If your employment contract is for a limited or temporary period, your work permit's validity will align with the duration of your contract, plus an additional six months. This extra time allows for a smoother transition if you need to find new employment or make other arrangements after your contract ends.

Extension

• You can apply for an extension of your residence and work permit if your current licence is nearing its expiration date and you wish to continue working in Denmark.
• Eligibility for extension requires that you maintain the same job with the same employer and under the same terms of employment as specified in your original application.
• The processing time for an extension application is typically three months. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your current permit's expiry to avoid any gaps in your legal status and work authorisation.
• If you change employers or your employment terms change significantly, you must apply for a new work permit rather than an extension.

What can family members of the main visa applicant do?

Denmark recognises the importance of family unity and allows you to bring your loved ones when you relocate for work. If you're granted a residence and work permit based on a job in Denmark, your family members may be eligible to join you.

Eligibility

The following family members can apply for a residence permit as accompanying family members:

• Your spouse or registered partner.
• Your cohabiting partner provided you can demonstrate that you have been living together in a genuine and durable relationship.
• Your children are under the age of 18.

Application process

• Family members can apply for their residence permits alongside your work visa application or separately at a later time.
• The processing time for these applications is typically two months.
• There is a fee of DKK 1,615 (approximately €210) for each family member's application.

Work permit for family members

• If your residence and work permit is valid for more than six months, your accompanying family members over 16 years old can also obtain a work permit, allowing them to seek employment in Denmark.

Required documents for accompanying family members

In addition to the general documents required for any visa application, accompanying family members will need to provide:

• Proof of the paid fee
• Copy of all pages of their passport, including the cover
• Copy of your marriage or partnership certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of cohabitation (if applicable), such as lease contracts, insurance policies, bank statements, or joint payments
• Copy of birth certificate (for children)
• Consent from the other custodial parent if they are not coming to Denmark (for children)

Considering a career move to Denmark? The work visa is the answer, but there are a lot of moving parts and things to think about, which can make it complex.

A visa consultant could make things easier, both simplifying the application and increasing your chances of success.

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