In 2026, Denmark will adjust its approach to attracting foreign workers, focusing on specific professions and the real needs of the economy. The updated positive lists show who will find it easier to work legally and build a career in the country in the near future. Learn more about how these changes open up new opportunities for foreign specialists in Denmark

Denmark is entering 2026 with updated rules for attracting foreign workers. The country has revised its so-called positive lists of professions — a tool that determines who can more easily obtain work and residence permits. For many professionals, this means a real chance to move without complicated bureaucratic procedures.

Market analysts, including experts from traveloBIZ, have already noted that the new lists clearly show which specialists Denmark wants to see in its economy in the coming years. What exactly has changed, who is affected, and how these updates affect the plans of foreigners — we will discuss this further in this article.

Where should you start preparing for immigration so as not to face refusals or delays?

To correctly assess your options and understand all stages of the process, it is important to know the requirements, deadlines, and document preparation procedures in advance. To this end, the Visit World portal has prepared a structured immigration guide that explains the available grounds for relocation and the key nuances of document preparation depending on the applicant's situation.

What do positive lists mean in Denmark and why are they important?

Positive lists are an official signal from the state to people who are considering working in Denmark that there is a shortage of people in selected professions and that the country is ready to attract foreigners through a simplified procedure. For candidates, this is one of the most direct ways to obtain legal work and residence, without the need to prove the absence of local applicants for the position.

There are two separate lists in Denmark. The first is aimed at professionals with higher education — those who have a degree and work in analytical, scientific, managerial or creative fields. The second list covers skilled blue-collar professions, where practical experience plays a key role. Both lists are regularly reviewed in line with the labour market situation, and it is these updates that set the tone for the country's migration policy.

Updates for professionals with higher education: where is demand heading?

In 2026, the positive list for professionals with higher education was revised and now covers about 180 professions. Some positions were removed due to changing economic needs, but at the same time, new roles appeared that clearly reflect current trends.

There has been a particularly noticeable increase in demand for specialists working with data, digital products, communications and creative industries. The list now includes professions related to business analytics, digital content, media production and strategic communications. This indicates that Denmark is investing in the development of the knowledge economy and creative industries.

At the same time, there is still stable demand for IT specialists, engineers, scientists and medical professionals. For foreigners, this means one thing: if your profession fits into these areas, you will have a much easier administrative route to legalise your work.

Skilled professions: where does Denmark still have a shortage?

The positive list for skilled workers in 2026 has become more compact and now includes about 54 professions. The main focus remains on technical and applied specialities that require skills, experience and stable qualifications. These are professions without which it is difficult to maintain industry, manufacturing and healthcare systems. These areas remain a priority for attracting foreign labour.

For candidates, this means clearer rules of the game, so competition may be higher, but the requirements are more understandable.

How do the updated lists affect plans to move to Denmark in 2026?

The update of the positive lists shows Denmark's strategic approach to immigration. The country is looking for specialists who can immediately integrate into the economy and meet specific market needs. For foreigners, this is both an opportunity and a challenge, as fewer professions mean more competition.

However, the positive list mechanism itself remains one of the most convenient in Europe. If your profession meets the requirements, the process of obtaining a work and residence permit is much simpler.

Planning to immigrate? It is important to have a clear plan of action!

To avoid mistakes and correctly assess your chances, it is important to see the full picture: requirements, application stages, deadlines, and realistic relocation scenarios.

For this purpose, the Visit World portal has prepared a detailed immigration guide that helps you understand the nuances of relocation, choosing a basis, and preparing documents according to your situation.

Order the guide and move towards your goal with confidence and without unnecessary risks!

Reminder! Living in global cultural centres, cities with developed nightlife, gastronomy and shopping opportunities is becoming increasingly expensive. The most expensive cities in the world to live in 2026, according to Numbeo's ranking, are listed at the link.

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