Denmark is not only a popular study-abroad destination, but also one of the best places to work internationally. Denmark ranks high when it comes to income and gender equality making it a welcoming destination for people from diverse backgrounds. However, if you’re considering working in Denmark as an international professional, obtaining a Danish work visa is a crucial step in the process.
Denmark offers a range of work visa options for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to contribute to the country’s dynamic economy. While the application process can be detailed, understanding the various visa categories, eligibility criteria, and required documents can help make the process smoother.
Let us look at how to get a Danish work visa in the article below to help you secure the right permit and begin your career in Denmark.
Types of Danish Work Visa
Denmark offers several work visa options depending on what you are going to do in the country. Let’s explore some of the work visas in the table below.
| TYPE OF WORK VISA |
DESCRIPTION |
| Fast track |
This is given to applicants who receive an employment contract with a SIRI-certified (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) Danish company. |
| Pay Limit scheme |
If you make at least DKK 465,000 per year, then this visa is the right choice for you as it is reserved for high-earning applicants. |
| Positive Lists scheme |
This is for applicants whose job is among those in short supply in Denmark. You can check the list often to see if your skills or profession is in demand. |
| Researcher |
This is for those looking to work as researchers in public or private research facilities in Denmark. |
| Employed Ph.D |
You apply for this visa if looking for employment in a study program at a Danish educational institute. |
| Volunteer |
This visa is for those looking to work as volunteers either for unpaid humanitarian work or as social workers. |
| Start-up |
If you have an innovative idea and are looking to start a business in Denmark, this visa is the right choice for you. |
Apart from the above seven types of visas, there are other work visas to sample if you intend to work in Denmark. Ensure you pick one that best describes what you want to do in Denmark.
Steps on Applying for a Danish Work Visa
Now that you have an idea of the type of work visa in Denmark, let’s look at the process of applying for one.
Step 1. Determine the Type of Work Visa and Create a Case Order ID
There are different work visa categories based on the job you will do in Denmark. Once you have identified which visa you want to apply for, you will create a case order ID by providing your name and contact information. This will be used to identify your application.
Step 2. Pay the Fee
You have to pay a certain processing fee depending on your work visa. For example, a Fast-track work visa costs DKK 6,290 while an employed PhD visa is DKK 2,490.
Step 3. Gather Necessary Documents
Once you’ve paid the processing fee, you’ll need to gather various documents to support your application. Some of the documents include a receipt of the processing fee, proof of job offer, and the relevant education credentials. We’ll discuss the documents in detail in the below table. The documents required depend on the type of visa you are applying for.
| NECESSARY DOCUMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Documentation of paid fee |
This is a receipt showing that you have paid the application processing fee. |
| Copy of all pages of your passport |
You need to take a copy of all pages of your passport including empty pages and the front and back cover of your passport. |
| An employment contract or job offer |
Proof of having a job in Denmark like an employment letter from your employer. |
| Document showing relevant education credentials |
These include academic transcripts and certificates relevant to the job you are applying to. |
| Documentation of other benefits not represented in the employment contract |
You have to show proof of any other benefits you are receiving like house allowance and any other allowances that are not reflected in the employment contract. |
| Documentation of authorization |
Some jobs require authorization from the Danish authorities. Confirm if your job requires such authorization. |
| Documentation of your geographical place of work |
Some of the jobs are added by the Regional Labour Market Councils. If you apply for such jobs then you have to show proof of where you will be working. |
Note that, the documents must be officially translated to English or Danish if not written in English, German, Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish.
Step 4. Complete and Submit your Application
The application process differs with the type of visa. For example, if applying for the Positive Lists work visa, you can opt to use the AR1 form where you and your employer will fill in the necessary sections that apply to you. You also have an option of giving your employer the authority to apply on your behalf in which case they will use the AR6 form for this application. Once you’re done with the application, attach all the relevant documents and submit them.
Step 5. Submit Biometrics
Once you have submitted your application, you will be required to submit your facial photo and fingerprints to prove your identity. This process should happen no more than 14 days after submitting your application. You will have to visit the nearest Danish diplomatic mission in your country to submit your biometrics. In case there is no Danish representation in your country, search for any Norwegian mission that has an agreement with Denmark and book your biometrics appointment within 14 days.
Step 6. Wait for Processing
While the majority of the work visas take about a month to process, some of them may take longer. Also, the processing time depends on your country and the volume of applications. During this time, you may be requested to provide more information or documents for clarification. If your application is successful, it will be communicated to you and your employer.
How Long is the Processing Time for a Danish Work Visa?
Once you have submitted your visa application, the processing time will only apply to your type of visa and your home country. For example, it takes one month to process the work visa for those seeking jobs as skilled workers. On the other hand, If you are applying for a work visa as an accompanying family member, then you will have to wait for two months for processing. But it’s good to note that the majority of the visas take around one month to process.
What Are the Top In-Demand Jobs in Denmark?
Denmark is a leader in technology and innovation, with a rapidly growing tech scene in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus. The demand for IT professionals, including software developers, system architects, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts, is particularly high. Other in-demand jobs in Denmark include health professionals, personal care workers, and business and administration associate professionals.
You can check out sites like Work in Denmark to search for opportunities and learn more about the Danish job market. Additionally, check the Positive Lists for a comprehensive overview of the in-demand roles to see if your expertise is needed.
If you dream of working in Denmark, obtaining a Danish work visa is an important step toward living and working in one of Europe’s most innovative and welcoming countries. Whether you’re applying for a visa under the Positive List, the Pay Limit Scheme, or as an entrepreneur, it’s essential to understand the specific conditions and documentation needed for your application. We hope the information above will help you successfully navigate the requirements and start your professional journey in Denmark.
We hope this article on how to get a work visa in Denmark was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out our Study in Denmark and Available Programs in Europe for more informative articles and study opportunities.
