Denmark work visa | 7 easy steps to get one

Denmark is Europe’s most successful economy. According to reports, in 2022, Denmark ranked second in the world in terms of its citizens’ happiness. This makes people delighted, looking for a job or planning to reside in Denmark. Foreigners who work in Denmark consistently experience satisfactory wages, great working conditions, and benefits. The average salary in the country is €3,000 per month. A Denmark work visa allows an individual to work and contribute to the economy of the country. Before you begin working in Denmark, you should determine whether you need a work permit or a residence permit. Even if you are doing unpaid or voluntary work, you must apply for a work permit. To apply for a work visa, you must first choose one of the work visa types and meet the requirements.

Which countries need a Denmark work permit?

Everyone except the following countries requires a work permit in Denmark-

Citizens from Nordic countries such as Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden do not need a work or residence permit. 

Also, citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) don’t need a visa to live, work, or study in Denmark.

Here are 7 easy steps to get a Denmark work permit

• Choose your Denmark work permit scheme
• Create your case order ID
• Pay the Denmark work permit fee
• Compile your Denmark work permit document checklist
• Submit your application
• Submit your biometrics
• Wait for your approval

Step 1. Choose your Denmark work permit scheme

Go to the SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) website, and select the visa scheme that best suits your work situation. 

The available visa schemes are as follows-

The pay limit scheme

This scheme is designed for high-income individuals who earn approximately €60,180 or more per year.

The positive list

This is for individuals who have a job offer for professions such as engineers, doctors, medical consultants, auditors, and more with the right qualifications. These professions face a shortage in Denmark. The lists for such professions are updated twice a year, January 1st and July 1st.

Fast track scheme

This scheme is valid for individuals who have an offer from a company certified by SIRI. This scheme offers faster and easier recruitment for foreign employees with higher education qualifications, the earliest job beginning dates, and flexible permits.

Trainee

This applies to individuals who have been offered employment at a company in Denmark for a short period as trainees. 

Work permit for accompanying family members

This scheme allows accompanying family members to apply along with a person who is, or will be, working in Denmark.

Step 2. Create your case order ID

After selecting the type of visa you need to apply for, you must create a case order ID. It’s similar to creating an account, wherein you provide personal information, your passport number, and your email address.

Step 3. Pay the Denmark work permit fee

After generating your Case Order ID, you must pay the fee and submit your application. You must complete both in the same year or your application will be rejected. Most work visas cost approximately €590.

Step 4. Compile your Denmark work permit document checklist

The following are essential requirements to apply for a Denmark work permit-

• Check that your passport is valid and has at least two blank pages.
• Copy of your passport
• You must have health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in Denmark.
• Passport size pictures that follow Schengen photo guidelines.
• Proof of visa fee payment is required.
• You must have a completely filled-out power of attorney form. It is only required if you authorize your employer or someone else to apply on your behalf.
• A written employment agreement or job offer. The contract/offer should not be more than 30 days old at the time of the application.
• Diploma or academic qualifications to prove you are suited for the profile.
• You need Danish authorization for the job (only if required).

Step 5. Submit your application

You have three options to submit your work permit application-

Online-You can complete your application through the online website SIRI. Note that not everyone will have access to this option.

Abroad/Offline-You can also apply for a visa at a Danish diplomatic mission or an application center in your home country. If your country lacks a Danish diplomatic mission, you may be referred to a Norwegian or Danish diplomatic mission in the region.

In Denmark-You can apply for a work permit if you are already a legal resident there (not as a tourist). Before applying, make an appointment with a SIRI branch.

Step 6. Take your biometrics

You must have your photo and fingerprints taken at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad within 14 days of applying. Your biometrics are stored in the immigration authorities’ database. Even if you apply online, you must submit your biometrics to a Danish diplomatic mission.

Step 7. Wait for your approval

A Denmark work visa takes 30 days to process. Some visas, such as Fast-Track visas, usually take ten days to process. An email will be sent, once the application center you applied to is ready with a decision. The application center can also send you SMS updates on the status of your visa application.

Due to the pandemic, the processing time has been extended and can take 1-4 months.

You can travel to Denmark once your work visa application has been approved. One of the first things you should do is register your Danish address with the municipality. After registering, you will receive your Danish CPR number (personal registration number).

Key takeaways

• Nordic citizens, such as those from Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, do not require a work or residence permit for Denmark. Furthermore, citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) are also not required to obtain a visa to live, work, or study in Denmark.
• Although there are different types of work visa options available, the three most common are the Fast-Track Scheme, the Pay Limit Scheme, and the Positive List.
• Your work permit for Denmark will cost approximately €590.

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!

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FAQs

Q1. How much is the salary tax in Denmark?

Answer- The average tax rate is 34.5 percent, and the marginal tax rate is 40.7 percent. 

Q2. What is the main source of income in Denmark?

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- The minimum salary according to the working hours is not fully declared in Denmark, but students earn in between 10-12 USD an hour.