Denmark maintains a structured system for foreign nationals seeking to live and work within its borders. This system involves various visa and permit categories designed to attract skilled labor and facilitate international business while ensuring compliance with national regulations. Navigating these requirements is essential for both individuals planning to work in Denmark and companies looking to employ international talent.
Understanding the specific permit types, application processes, and ongoing obligations is key to a smooth and successful employment relationship. The requirements can vary significantly based on the individual's nationality, qualifications, and the nature of the employment offered.
Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers
Denmark offers several primary work permit schemes for non-EU/EEA citizens, each with specific criteria tailored to different situations.
- Pay Limit Scheme: This scheme is for individuals offered a job with a high annual salary.
- Eligibility: Requires a job offer with an annual salary exceeding a specified threshold (this threshold is subject to change annually). The job must be full-time and the salary must be paid into a Danish bank account.
- Duration: Permits are typically granted for up to four years initially.
- Positive List Scheme: This scheme targets professions experiencing a shortage of qualified workers in Denmark.
- Eligibility: Requires a job offer in a profession listed on the official Positive List. The list is updated periodically. Specific educational qualifications related to the profession are usually required.
- Duration: Permits are typically granted for up to four years initially.
- Fast Track Scheme: Designed for certified companies, this scheme allows for quicker processing and more flexible rules for certain employees.
- Eligibility: The employing company must be certified by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). It covers various tracks, including research, pay limit, and highly educated individuals.
- Duration: Varies depending on the specific track used.
- Researcher Scheme: For researchers and PhD students.
- Eligibility: Requires an offer of employment or enrollment from a recognized research institution or university.
- Special Individual Qualifications: For individuals with unique skills or qualifications not covered by other schemes.
| Scheme | Primary Requirement | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Limit Scheme | High annual salary job offer | Up to 4 years |
| Positive List Scheme | Job offer in a shortage profession | Up to 4 years |
| Fast Track Scheme | Employment with a certified company | Varies by track |
| Researcher Scheme | Offer from research institution/university | Varies |
| Special Qualifications | Unique skills/qualifications not otherwise covered | Varies |
Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures
The application process for a Danish work permit generally involves both the employee and the employer.
- General Procedure:
- The employer initiates the process by creating a power of attorney and, for some schemes like Fast Track, submitting part of the application online.
- The employee then submits their part of the application online and provides biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at a Danish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in their country of residence or legal stay.
- SIRI processes the application.
- Key Requirements & Documentation:
- Valid passport.
- Completed online application form.
- Proof of payment of the application fee.
- Employment contract or job offer detailing salary, position, and terms of employment.
- Documentation of educational qualifications and professional experience (diplomas, transcripts, CV, reference letters).
- For the Pay Limit Scheme: Documentation proving the salary meets the threshold.
- For the Positive List Scheme: Documentation proving qualifications match the required profession.
- For the Fast Track Scheme: The employer's certification number and details of the specific track used.
- Power of attorney from the employer.
- Fees: Application fees vary depending on the permit type and are subject to change. Fees are non-refundable.
- Processing Times: Processing times can vary significantly based on the scheme and the complexity of the application. The Fast Track scheme is generally the quickest. SIRI publishes expected processing times on its website, but these are estimates. It is advisable to apply well in advance of the intended start date.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Individuals who have legally resided in Denmark on certain types of temporary permits, such as work permits under the Pay Limit or Positive List schemes, may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
- General Requirements:
- Legal residence in Denmark for a specified period (typically 8 years, but can be reduced to 4 years under certain conditions).
- Continuous employment and income meeting a certain level for a specified period (e.g., the last 4 years).
- Passing a Danish language test (usually at least A2 or B1 level).
- Knowledge of Danish society (often demonstrated by passing a citizenship test or completing a course).
- No serious criminal convictions.
- No outstanding public debt.
- Reduced Residence Requirement (4 years): This often requires meeting additional criteria, such as higher income, passing a higher level Danish language test, or having been employed in a shortage profession.
Dependent Visa Options
Holders of certain Danish work permits can apply for their close family members to join them in Denmark.
- Eligible Family Members: Typically includes spouse or registered partner and children under 18 years of age.
- Application Process: Family members usually apply for a residence permit based on family reunification with the main permit holder. The application is often submitted online, and biometric data must be provided.
- Requirements:
- Proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates).
- The main permit holder must meet certain requirements, including having adequate housing in Denmark and the ability to financially support the family members.
- Both the main applicant and the family member must meet general requirements, such as not posing a threat to public security.
- Duration: The residence permit for family members is usually granted for the same duration as the main permit holder's work permit.
Visa Compliance Obligations
Both employers and employees have significant obligations to ensure compliance with Danish immigration law.
- Employer Obligations:
- Ensure the foreign employee has the correct and valid work and residence permit before they start working.
- Adhere to the terms of the employment contract submitted with the permit application (salary, working hours, job title).
- Notify SIRI of any significant changes to the employment terms (e.g., change in salary below the threshold, change in job title/duties, termination of employment).
- Maintain records related to the employee's permit and employment.
- For certified companies under the Fast Track scheme, maintain certification requirements and report changes.
- Employee Obligations:
- Maintain a valid passport and residence/work permit.
- Adhere to the conditions of their permit (e.g., only work for the specified employer in the specified role).
- Notify SIRI of changes in personal circumstances (e.g., change of address).
- Apply for an extension of their permit in a timely manner before the current one expires.
- Inform the employer of any changes to their permit status.
Failure to comply with these obligations can result in fines, revocation of permits, and difficulties in future applications for both the employer and the employee.
