A new positive list of vacancies for qualified professionals has come into force in Denmark from 1 January 2025. The advantage of this list is that it offers a clear migration plan for foreigners who wish to obtain a work permit in the country. Find out which professionals will find it easiest to obtain a work visa in Denmark in 2025

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Denmark has been implementing new positive lists since January 1, 2025, designed to address labor shortages and attract skilled workers from around the world, including Nepal, the Philippines, and Kenya.

Read more about the employment prospects in Denmark in 2025 in this article.

What is the Danish positive list?

The positive list is a list of occupations that are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in Denmark. If you have been offered a job on the Positive List, you can apply for a residence and work permit in Denmark under this scheme.

The list is updated twice a year and includes:

- Positive list for skilled work

Intended for workers in skilled occupations that are experiencing a labor shortage.

Check the updated list of positive occupations as of 2025 for skilled work at the link.

- Positive List for Higher Education

Focuses on positions that require university-level qualifications in shortage occupations.

Check the updated list of positive occupations as of 2025 for higher education here.

How has Denmark's positive list changed in 2025?

- Positive List for Skilled Work - The updated Positive List for Skilled Work now includes 48 job titles, reflecting the country's reduced shortage of skilled workers.

- The positive list for higher education has grown to 162 positions. This trend is driven by the increasing need for highly educated professionals and a policy that ensures that job titles remain on the list for at least two years.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Requirements for foreigners to obtain a job on the Danish positive list

The right to a work and residence permit in Denmark based on the list is granted to foreigners who meet the following criteria:

1. Appropriate education

The level of qualification must meet the requirements for the position on the list. For work in higher education, a university degree in the relevant field is required.

2. Duration of employment

Permits are usually valid for the period of employment, up to a maximum of four years.

3. A certain level of salary

Jobs that are not covered by collective agreements or employers' organizations must meet Danish wage standards, the minimum salary is approximately DKK 71,000 per month (USD 9,750).

How do I apply for a work permit in Denmark on the basis of the positive occupation list?

To apply for a residence and work permit under the Danish Positive List scheme, you must complete the following steps:

1. Get a job offer

Make sure that the job you are applying for is on the Positive List for skilled work and that your qualifications match the requirements of the position.

2. Prepare a package of documents

- Valid passport.

- Proof of appropriate level of education.

- Employment contract or letter of invitation to work.

- Proof of relevant work experience (if applicable).

- Proof that your salary meets Danish standards, especially for jobs not covered by collective agreements.

3. Fill out the application form

To do this, visit the official SIRI website, select the appropriate application form for the “Positive List” category.

4. Submit your application

You can apply for a work permit in Denmark under the Positive List online via the SIRI digital application portal or by sending it to the Danish embassy or consulate in your country. Pay the required fee.

5. Visit a Danish diplomatic mission

Schedule a visit to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at a designated center, Danish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

6. Wait for processing

The processing time for residence and work permits may vary. You can check the approximate period by visiting the SIRI website.

7. Get a permit

Once approved, get a residence and work permit in Denmark

The Positive List system simplifies the process of moving foreign workers in certain professions to Denmark. By solving the problem of labor shortage, it supports both Denmark's economic growth and the integration of international talent.

As a reminder! Denmark is a European country that boasts one of the highest GDPs in the world, a good ecology, a promising economy and a low crime rate. That is why the state is very popular with expats. However, the procedure for obtaining a work visa here also has its own peculiarities. We have already told you how an expat can find a job in Denmark and what changes to migration legislation the country's leadership approved 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.