Denmark is not only a popular study-abroad destination but also a well-known place to work internationally. Denmark has some of the world’s lowest income inequality, and it scores well on 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 the right Danish residence and work permit is a crucial step in the process.
Denmark offers a range of residence and work permit options for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, researchers, volunteers, and professionals looking to contribute to the country’s economy. While the application process can be detailed, understanding the various permit 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 residence and work permit options depending on what you are going to do in the country. Let’s explore some of the work permits in the table below.
| TYPE OF WORK VISA | DESCRIPTION |
|---|
| Fast-track scheme | This is for applicants who have an employment agreement with a company registered in Denmark and certified by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). |
| Pay Limit schemes | If you have been offered a job in Denmark with an annual salary of at least DKK 552,000 under the Pay Limit Scheme in 2026, this permit route may be relevant. Some applicants may also qualify under the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme, which has a 2026 minimum annual salary of DKK 446,000. |
| Positive Lists scheme | This is for applicants who have been offered a job included in Denmark’s Positive List for People with a Higher Education or Positive List for Skilled Work. These lists cover professions experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals in Denmark. |
| Researcher | This is for applicants who have been offered paid employment as researchers at a research institute or company in Denmark. |
| PhD studies (full degree) | You can apply for this residence permit if you will participate in a full-degree PhD study program linked to a Danish educational institution. The permit can apply to salaried and unsalaried PhD students. |
| Volunteer | This permit is for applicants who will do voluntary, unpaid work of a social or humanitarian character in Denmark. |
| Start-up Denmark | If you have an innovative business idea and want to establish or continue running an innovative growth company in Denmark, this permit may be relevant. Your business idea must be approved by a panel of experts appointed by the Danish Business Authority before you apply to SIRI. |
Apart from the above permit routes, there are other work permits to consider if you intend to work in Denmark. Ensure you pick the 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 permit you may need 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 permit categories based on the job or activity you will do in Denmark. Once you have identified which permit you want to apply for, you will usually 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 may have to pay a processing fee depending on your work permit category. For example, the 2026 fee is DKK 6,810 for the Fast-track scheme, the Pay Limit schemes, the Positive Lists, and researcher permits. The 2026 fee for PhD studies and Start-up Denmark is DKK 3,060. Some categories, such as volunteer permits and work permits for accompanying family members, currently have no processing fee.
Step 3. Gather Necessary Documents
Once you’ve paid the processing fee, if applicable, you’ll need to gather various documents to support your application. Some of the documents include a receipt for the processing fee, proof of a job offer, and relevant education credentials. We’ll discuss the documents in detail in the table below. The documents required depend on the type of permit 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, if a fee applies to your permit category. |
| Copy of all pages of your passport | You need to provide a copy of all pages of your passport, including empty pages and the front and back cover. |
| An employment contract or job offer | This is proof that you have a job in Denmark, such as an employment contract or job offer from your employer. |
| Documents showing relevant education credentials | These can include academic transcripts and certificates relevant to the job you are applying for. |
| Documentation of salary components or benefits not included in the employment contract | You may need to provide proof of salary components or benefits that are not directly stated in the employment document, such as paid housing or salary paid abroad, if relevant. |
| Documentation of authorization | Some jobs require Danish authorization. Confirm whether your job requires such authorization before applying. |
| Documentation that you are staying in Denmark legally | This is only required if it is relevant to your application, such as when you apply from within Denmark. |
| Documentation of your geographical place of work | If you apply based on a job added to a Positive List by one of the Regional Labour Market Councils, you must submit documentation of your geographical place of work. |
Note that you may be required to have documents translated before submitting your application. Documents that are not written in English, German, Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish may need a certified translation into Danish or English.
Step 4. Complete and Submit your Application
The application process differs depending on the type of permit. For example, if you are applying under the Positive List for People with a Higher Education, you can use the AR1 form, where you and your employer each complete the sections that apply to you. You also have the option of giving your employer power of attorney to apply on your behalf, in which case your employer will use the AR6 form. Once you’re done with the application, attach all relevant documents and submit them.
Step 5. Submit Biometrics
Once you have submitted your application, you will usually be required to submit your facial photo and fingerprints to prove your identity. This process should happen no later than 14 days after submitting your application. If you cannot book an appointment within 14 days, you can inform SIRI of the scheduled time for recording your biometrics to avoid having your application rejected.
If you are abroad, you can have your biometric features recorded at a Danish diplomatic mission or an application center in the country where you reside. In certain countries, Denmark does not have a diplomatic mission or application center, and the official list may refer you to a Norwegian mission that has an agreement with Denmark or to the nearest Danish diplomatic mission or application center in the region.
Step 6. Wait for Processing
Processing times vary depending on the permit category. During this time, you may be requested to provide more information or documents for clarification. If your application is successful, the decision will be communicated to you and, where relevant, your employer.
If you dream of working in Denmark, obtaining the right Danish residence and work permit is an important step toward living and working in one of Europe’s most innovative and welcoming countries. Whether you’re applying under the Positive List, the Pay Limit Scheme, the Fast-track 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!
