If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country or a Nordic country, you must apply for a residence and work permit before working in Denmark. This regulation applies to both part-time and unpaid work. The processing authority is SIRI (Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration).
- Positive List Scheme: limited by occupational categories, lower salary requirement.
- Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen): no occupational limitations, high salary requirement.
Positive List Scheme
The Positive List enumerates occupations where Denmark is experiencing a shortage of labor. If your job and qualifications match an entry on the list, you may apply for a work permit with a lower salary requirement than the Pay Limit Scheme.
- Positive List for people with higher education: applies to specialist/academic positions requiring a university degree.
- Positive List for skilled work: applies to trades/crafts requiring specific vocational certificates.
- The list is updated every 6 months, so it is necessary to check the current categories before submitting your application.
Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen)
The Pay Limit Scheme does not restrict occupations or qualifications but requires a high salary: a minimum of DKK 446,000 per year, based on the 2026 rate, adjusted annually on January 1st. The calculated salary includes fixed salary, fixed allowances/bonuses, employer contributions to pension schemes, and holiday pay; it does not include lunch allowances, company car, phone/internet, or housing support.
- The job must be advertised on Jobnet and the EURES portal for a minimum of 2 weeks (and no more than 6 months) before submitting the application.
- Salary must be paid into a Danish bank account in your name, opened within 180 days of approval or entry into Denmark.
- The job must be full-time (37-40 hours/week).
- Application processing fee: DKK 6,810. Standard processing time is approximately 2 months, potentially up to 5 months if additional information is required.
Warning: The salary of DKK 446,000 per year is the rate applicable for 2026 and is adjusted annually — always check the latest figures on nyidanmark.dk before submitting your application.
How to Apply
- Submit your application online at nyidanmark.dk.
- Prepare: employment contract, passport, relevant degrees/certificates (depending on the scheme), and payment of the processing fee.
- Typical processing time is approximately 1-3 months, depending on the application type.