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According to the World Happiness Report 2024, Denmark is the second-happiest country in the world, with a score of 7.583. It attributes its ranking to the implementation of social welfare policies and bringing equality into real-world practice. Denmark offers attractive career opportunities, with an average annual salary of approximately ₹7,146,000 in 2024. Starting September 1, 2024, new regulations will require employment contracts to specify salary details in Danish kroner as part of the Denmark job seeker visa and residence application process. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) will update its salary declaration practices accordingly. To apply for a Denmark job seeker visa, you must first select the appropriate visa type and meet the specific requirements.
Do You Need a Work Permit to Work in Denmark?
Procuring a Denmark job seeker visa requires you to first know about the pre-requirements, which vary as per the nationality. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit but should register with local authorities. On similar lines, Nordic citizens (from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands) can also live and work in Denmark without a permit.
However, non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizens generally need a Denmark job seeker visa to work in the country.
Read more: Denmark student visa | All you need to know for getting one!
How to Apply for a Denmark Work Visa?
Stepwise details to get a Denmark job seeker visa. You must secure a job or get an official offer letter from a Danish employer. This is essential for your visa application.
Step 1: Pick your work permit scheme
Visit the SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) website and select the Denmark job seeker visa scheme that best matches your work situation. The available options include:
| Visa Type | Fee | Description |
| Pay Limit Scheme | DKK 4,405 (€591.92) | For high-income individuals earning DKK 448,000 (approx. €60,180) or more annually. |
| Positive List | DKK 4,405 (€591.92) | For those with a job offer in professions experiencing a shortage in Denmark (e.g., engineers, doctors, auditors). Updated biannually on January 1st and July 1st. |
| Fast Track Scheme | DKK 4,405 (€591.92) | This is for individuals with a job offer from a SIRI-certified company that offers expedited recruitment and flexible permits. |
| Trainee | DKK 4,405 (€591.92) | Meant for those with a short-term employment offer as a trainee in Denmark. |
| Herdsmen and Farm Managers | DKK 4,405 (€591.92) | Individuals with a job offer as a herdsman or farm manager in the agriculture sector can apply for this visa. |
| Sideline Employment | No Fee | It is classified for those holding a residence permit with a specific employer who wishes to take on additional part-time work. |
| Employment for Adaptation and Training Purposes | No Fee | It mandates visa for individuals with Danish authorization as a doctor or dentist seeking work for adaptation and training. |
| Work Permit for Accompanying Family Members | No Fee | For family members applying alongside a primary visa holder who is working in Denmark. |
| Special Individual Qualifications | DKK 4,405 (€591.92) | For performers, artists, professional athletes, coaches, or specialized chefs. |
| Labor Market Attachment | DKK 4,405 (€591.92) | For individuals with a residence permit as a refugee, a family member reunified with a foreign national or an accompanying family member. |
Step 2: Create your case order ID
Applicants still need to meet a long list of requirements, and employers need to know all the steps to recieve a work visa in Denmark.
After selecting your Denmark job seeker visa type, create a Case Order ID on the SIRI website. This involves providing your personal information, passport number, and email address.
Step 3: Pay the work permit fee
The third step requires you to pay the visa fee after creating your Case Order ID. The fee is DKK 4,405 (approx. €590). Ensure both the payment and application submission occur within the same calendar year to avoid rejection.
Step 4: Compile the Document Checklist
Collate the essential documents beforehand for verification for your Denmark job seeker visa application:
- Passport: Valid with at least two blank pages.
- Copy of Passport: Excluding blank pages.
- Health Insurance: Coverage for the entire stay in Denmark.
- Passport-Size Photos: Following Schengen guidelines.
- Proof of Fee Payment: Evidence of visa fee payment.
- Completed Power of Attorney Form: If authorizing someone else to submit the application on your behalf.
- Employment Contract or Job Offer: Must be dated within the last 30 days.
- Diploma or Academic Qualifications: To verify your qualifications for the position.
- Danish Authorization: Required if applicable for the job.
Read More: Cost of living in Denmark | All you need to know
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit your visa application through one of the following methods:
- Online Submission: Complete the Denmark job seeker visa application via the SIRI website, if available.
- Abroad Submission: Submit to a Danish diplomatic mission or application center in your country. If there is no Danish mission, you may be directed to a Norwegian mission or a nearby Danish mission.
- Submission In Denmark: If residing legally in Denmark (not as a tourist), submit your Denmark job seeker visa application at a SIRI branch. Make an appointment before submission.
Step 6: Provide your biometric
After submitting your Denmark job seeker visa application, you must have your biometrics taken within 14 days. This involves providing your photo and fingerprints at a Danish diplomatic mission or application centre abroad. Even if you apply online, you must complete this step at a designated location.
Step 7: Wait for a Response
The processing time for a Denmark job seeker visa is generally 30 days. However, for specific visa types, such as the Fast Track Scheme, the processing time can be as short as 10 days. During this period, your application will be reviewed by Danish authorities to ensure all criteria are met.
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General Requirements:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay.
- Job Offer: A job offer from a Danish employer is required.
- Salary and Conditions: Must meet Danish salary and employment standards.
- Health Insurance: Must have insurance until covered by Danish national health insurance.
Specific Visa Types:
- Fast Track Scheme: For certified companies with specific salary and employment conditions.
- Pay Limit Scheme: Requires a high annual salary, which varies yearly.
- Positive List: For jobs in shortage, requiring qualifications matching in-demand roles.
- Researcher and PhD: Requires an offer for research or a PhD position at a recognized institution.
| How To Apply for the Work Visa in Different Countries | |
| What is J1 Visa | US work visa |
| What is M1 Visa | Italy work visa |
| Austria’s job-seeker visa | Canada work visa |
Summary About Denmark Job Seeker Visa:
- Denmark ranked as the second-happiest country in the world with a score of 7.583, offers excellent career opportunities and an attractive annual average salary of 601,054 DKK in 2024.
- Starting September 1, 2024, employment contracts must include salary details in Danish kroner as part of the Denmark visa and residence application process.
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit for Denmark but must register with local authorities. Nordic citizens also have unrestricted access to live and work in Denmark.
Did you find the blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Click here to reach out to us for more information on a work visa in Denmark. We would be happy to assist you with your queries!
Read next: Scholarships in Denmark – 5 things you must know
FAQs
Q1. How much is the salary tax in Denmark?
Answer- In Denmark, salary tax rates in 2024 are:
- Up to DKK 46,700: 8%
- DKK 46,701 to DKK 544,800: 40%
- Over DKK 544,800: 56.5%
Fully tax residents face an effective tax rate of up to 52.07% or 55.90% with labour market tax included.
Q2. What is Denmark’s main source of income?
Answer- The economy is primarily based on service industries, trade, and manufacturing. The agriculture and fishing sectors employ only a small percentage of the population.
Q3. How much do international students earn in Denmark?
Answer- International students in Denmark typically earn around 110 DKK (approximately €15 or ₹1,300) per hour for part-time jobs. They generally work between 10-20 hours per week, allowing them to earn approximately 1,100 to 2,200 DKK per week.
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