You need a concrete job offer that fits one of SIRI’s schemes, for example a Positive List or the Pay Limit Scheme. You and your employer apply via nyidanmark.dk, and SIRI decides. You may not start working before the permit is granted.
Work permit
Work permit in Denmark: the main schemes explained
Who needs a work permit in Denmark, the main schemes (Positive Lists, Pay Limit, Fast-track) and how to apply via SIRI – explained simply.
Ask Lena about your situation
Lena is our free AI advisor for working in Denmark. She answers in your language, asks about your citizenship first and links to the official rules.
Step-by-step guide
- 1
Check whether you need a permit
EU/EEA, Swiss and Nordic citizens do not need a work permit. Everyone else normally does, unless they already hold a residence permit that allows them to work, for example as accompanying family.
- 2
Get a concrete job offer
Most schemes require a job offer or a signed contract. Pay and terms of employment must match Danish standards for the job.
- 3
Find the scheme that fits
The most used are the Positive List for people with a higher education, the Positive List for skilled work, the Pay Limit Scheme (and the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme), the Fast-track Scheme for employers certified by SIRI, the Researcher Scheme and the Establishment Card for graduates of Danish universities.
- 4
Apply via nyidanmark.dk
You and your employer each fill in part of the application, and you pay the fee to SIRI. As a rule you may not start working until the permit has been granted.
- 5
Plan for family and job changes
A spouse or partner and children can often apply as accompanying family and usually get the right to work. If you want to change jobs, check the rules first, because the permit is tied to the job.
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Lena answers your questions about working in Denmark – free and in your language.
Frequently asked questions
There are two Positive Lists: one for jobs that require a higher education and one for skilled work. The jobs change regularly depending on where Denmark lacks workers, so check the current lists on nyidanmark.dk before you apply.
Usually not without a new permit, because the permit is tied to a specific job and employer. Read the rules for your scheme on nyidanmark.dk before you accept a new job.
No. Only SIRI can decide that. Lena explains the schemes, helps you find the ones to look into and links to the official pages – in your own language.
Official sources
Rules, lists and amounts change. Always check the current rules on the official pages.