Denmark is a European country that boasts one of the highest GDPs in the world, a good environment, a promising economy and a low crime rate. That is why the country is very popular among expats. However, the procedure for obtaining a work visa has its own peculiarities. Find out how an expat can get a job in Denmark and what changes to migration legislation the country's leadership has approved in 2024

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In September 2024, Denmark introduced new rules for foreign workers applying for residence and work permits. These changes include raising salary thresholds, mandatory declaration of salary in Danish kroner and submission of declarations in foreign currency.

How will these changes affect the procedure for obtaining a work visa and what are the general rules for obtaining a permit relevant in 2024? We tell.

Who needs a visa to work in Denmark?

Citizens of the countries of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are exempt from obtaining a Danish work visa.

Representatives from the rest of the world must have a permit to work in the country, even if you plan to do unpaid work or look for part-time work in Denmark.

Work in Denmark - requirements for EU citizens

Upon arrival in Denmark, EU citizens wishing to work in the country must register with SIRI (Danish Agency for International Employment and Integration). To do this, visit the institution with the following package of documents:

- Passport or national identity card.

- Passport photo.

- Completed application.

- Documents confirming the reasons for staying as an employee (employment contract).

Step-by-step procedure for applying for a Danish work visa

The application for a Danish work visa must be submitted through the SIRI (Danish Agency for International Employment and Integration) portal. This can be done both personally by the expat and by the employer, provided that the latter has a power of attorney.

The procedure for obtaining a work visa in Denmark will include the following stages:

1. Choose a scheme for obtaining a work visa to Denmark.

Depending on your situation, choose one of the available schemes:

- Pay cap scheme – for high earners who earn DKK 448,000 (approx. EUR 60,180) a year or more.

- Positive list - for persons who have a job offer in professions that experience a shortage of qualified specialists in Denmark (engineers, doctors and medical consultants, auditors, etc.).

- Accelerated scheme – for persons who have an offer from a company certified by SIRI.

- Trainee – for persons who have been offered a job in a company in Denmark for a short period of time.

- Shepherds and farm managers - for foreigners who are offered work in agriculture.

- Part-time employment – ​​for persons who have a residence permit to work for a specific employer and wish to work additionally.

- Employment for the purpose of adaptation and training.

- Work permit for accompanying family members – for foreigners who apply with a person who works or will work in Denmark.

- Special individual qualification – for artists, professional athletes, coaches or specialized chefs.

- Commitment to the labor market - for persons who had a residence permit as a refugee, a reunited family member, or an accompanying family member of a foreigner with a residence permit.

2. Create a permit order ID.

Once you have selected your visa type, you will proceed to create a case order ID. This procedure is similar to creating an account where you enter your personal information, passport number and email address.

3. Pay the fee for processing a work visa in Denmark.

The fee for most work visas is DKK 4,405 (approximately €590).

4. Prepare a package of documents for obtaining a work visa to Denmark.

- Passport and its copy.

- Medical insurance.

- Passport-size photos in accordance with the rules of the Schengen Agreement.

- Confirmation of visa fee payment.

- Completed power of attorney form (if you authorize your employer or another person to apply on your behalf).

- Employment contract or job offer.

- Diploma or academic qualification.

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5. Apply.

To apply for a Danish work visa, you can choose one of the following methods:

- Online – the applicant can complete the application completely online on the SIRI website.

- Abroad - for this, contact the Danish diplomatic office or the application center in the country of residence.

- In Denmark – expats who live there as a legal resident can apply for a work visa in Denmark.

Importantly! Regardless of which filing method you choose, you must still complete the initial online application, i.e. complete the first four steps.

6. Provide biometric data.

You must take a photo and hand in your fingerprints at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad within 14 days of submitting your application. Biometric documents are stored in the database of immigration authorities. You must submit your biometric data to the Danish diplomatic mission even if you apply online.

7. Wait for a response.

The term for issuing a work visa to Denmark is 30 days.

What to do after the approval of a work visa to Denmark?

Once your work visa application is approved, you can travel to Denmark. The main thing is to register your residential address with the local municipality after moving. After registration, you will receive a Danish CPR number (personal registration number).

How long is a valid work visa to Denmark?

The duration of the work permit can be up to 4 years with an open-ended employment contract. For limited or temporary employment contracts, the duration of the work permit is equal to the duration of the contract plus an additional six months.

You can apply for an extension of your residence and work permit if your current permit is about to expire. However, on the condition that you continue to work for the same employer.

Is it possible to move with the family?

A residence and work permit allows your family to come to Denmark with you. However, for this, family members must issue a separate permit. The processing time for this application is two months, and you must pay a fee of 1,615 Danish kroner (210 euros).

The following documents are required to accompany family members:

- Confirmation of the fee paid (attach the receipt).

- A copy of all pages of your passport.

- A copy of the marriage or partnership certificate (if you are a spouse or registered partner).

- Proof of cohabitation (if you are a partner) such as: rental agreements, insurance policies, bank statements, joint payments and similar.

- Copy of birth certificate (for children).

What changes to the procedure for obtaining a work visa did Denmark introduce in 2024?

From 1 October 2024, Denmark will also increase the salary requirements for most foreign workers. The new rules require work permit applicants to earn at least 10% more than last year to qualify.

The Danish Agency for International Employment and Integration (SIRI) usually assumes that your salary meets Danish standards if these conditions are met:

- Your employer is covered by the collective agreement through membership in the employers' association.

- Your work is regulated by the relevant collective agreement, which should be clearly stated in your employment contract.

- Your salary is at least DKK 71,020.83 (€2,800) per month (2024 level).

In addition to these recent updates, Denmark has announced that as of September 1, all wage declarations for foreign workers applying for residence and work permits must be submitted in Danish kroner (DKK).

This change ensures that wages for international workers are in line with local economic standards, promoting greater transparency and equity in pay.

Denmark, one of the best European countries, is the leader in terms of work-life balance. Therefore, moving here will give expats not only career prospects, but also pleasant impressions and will increase the quality of life.

We will remind you! Denmark is included in the list of the happiest countries in the world, and a friendly population, developed transport infrastructure and a high level of health care attract more and more expats here. However, most people know that living in Denmark is expensive. As far as? We have already told what the prices for housing, food, entertainment and much more will be in Denmark in 2024.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.