For seasonal work in Denmark, there is a special visa known as "Seasonal Work Visa" or "Summer Job Visa". This visa allows foreign workers to work in Denmark for companies that need seasonal workers.

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The most popular professions in Denmark

Some of the most sought after professions in Denmark include

• Software developers
• IT architects
• Engineers
• Specialists in the field of healthcare
• Renewable energy experts

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Requirements and who can apply

To be eligible for a seasonal work visa in Denmark, applicants must

• Be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA/Swiss country
• Have a valid passport
• Have a job offer from a Danish employer

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How to apply for a seasonal work visa in Denmark?

Follow these steps to apply for a seasonal work visa in Denmark:

1. Select the appropriate scheme for obtaining a work visa to Denmark based on your job offer and qualifications.
2. Create a case identification number on the SIRI online portal.
3. Pay the required work visa fee and keep the receipt.
4. Gather all the necessary documents, including your passport, employment contract, education documents and residence permit in Denmark (if required).
5. Submit your application and wait for a response.

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Cost of a work visa, validity period and processing time

The cost of a work visa to Denmark is DKK 4,405 (EUR 591.92). Processing can take up to 30 days, but some visas can be processed within ten days. The validity of the visa depends on the duration of the contract, with a work permit for an indefinite employment contract being issued for up to 4 years.

People who want to work in Denmark must apply for a work visa and a residence permit.

To get a Danish work visa, you need to find a job and get an official letter of employment from a Danish employer. The visa application process is relatively quick and easy.

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Who needs a visa?

If you want to visit Denmark for a short period of time and are a citizen of a country that requires a visa, you must have a visa.

See the list of countries that require a visa

All but citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland need a visa to work in Denmark. You need a work visa even if you will be doing unpaid work or looking for additional work.

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EU citizens who want to work in Denmark must register with SIRI (the Danish Agency for International Employment and Integration), even if they do not need a visa.

This process takes place in person at one of SIRI's offices by submitting the following documents

• Passport or national identity card
• Passport photo
• Completed application form
• Documents confirming the grounds for residence as an employee (e.g., an employment contract)

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Application process for a work visa in Denmark

You must apply for a Danish work visa online through SIRI (Danish Agency for International Employment and Integration).

You can apply yourself or provide a power of attorney to your employer to apply on your behalf. Here is the step-by-step process of applying for a work visa:

1) Choose a scheme of work visa to Denmark.

2) Create a case order ID.

3) Pay the Denmark work visa application fee.

4) Make a checklist of documents for a work visa to Denmark.

5) Submit the application.

6) Take biometric data.

7) Wait for a response.

Step 1. Choose the scheme of work visa to Denmark

On the SIRI website, you must choose the visa scheme that best suits your work situation.

The available visa schemes are:

1. Salary cap scheme

Designed for high-income earners who earn DKK 448,000 (approx. EUR 60,180) per year or more.

2. Positive list

For people who have a job offer in professions that are experiencing a shortage of qualified specialists in Denmark (engineers, doctors and medical consultants, auditors, etc.), the list is updated twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.

3. Accelerated scheme

For persons who have an offer from a SIRI certified company. This scheme offers faster and easier recruitment of foreign workers with special qualifications, fast start of work and flexible permit.

4. Trainee

For persons who have been offered a job in a company in Denmark for a short time as an intern.

5. Pastoralists and farm managers

For persons with a job offer as a shepherd or farm manager in agriculture.

6. Sideline employment

For persons holding a residence permit on the basis of work for a specific employer and wishing to work additionally.

7. Employment for adaptation and training purposes

For persons who have obtained a medical or dental license in Denmark and who apply for a work permit for adaptation and training purposes.

8. Work permit for accompanying family members

For accompanying family members who are applying with a person who is or will be working in Denmark.

9. Special individual qualification

For artists, entertainers, professional athletes or coaches, or specialized chefs.

10. 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.

Step 2. Create a case order ID

After selecting the type of visa you want to apply for, you continue to create a case order ID. This is similar to creating an account where you provide your personal information, passport number, and email address.

Step 3. Pay the fee for the work visa to Denmark

After creating your case order ID, you have to pay the fee and submit your application. You must do both in the same calendar year, otherwise the application may be rejected. The fee for most work visas is 4405 DKK (approximately 590 euros).

If you pay a fee that is not mandatory, you will be refunded.

Step 4. Make a checklist of documents for a work visa to Denmark

Documents required for your visa to Denmark:

• Passport. Make sure your passport is valid and has at least two blank pages.
• A copy of your passport. Do not include blank pages.
• Health insurance. You need a health insurance policy that covers you for the entire period of your stay in Denmark
• Passport size photos in accordance with the Schengen photo guidelines.
• Proof of payment of the visa fee.
• A completed power of attorney form. This is only required if you authorize your employer or another person to apply on your behalf.
• Employment contract or job offer. The contract/offer must not be older than 30 days.
• Diploma or academic qualification. You need these documents to prove you are qualified for the position.
• Danish work permit (if required).

Step 5. Submit your application

There are three ways to apply for a work visa in Denmark:

1. Online. You can fill out the application completely online on the SIRI website. Please note that this option may not be available to everyone.
2. Over the counter. You can also apply for a visa at a Danish diplomatic mission or at an application center in your country of residence. If you do not have a Danish diplomatic mission in your country, you may be referred to a Norwegian mission or a Danish diplomatic mission in the region.
3. In Denmark. You can apply for a work visa in Denmark if you are already living there as a legal resident (not as a tourist). Be sure to book an appointment at a SIRI office before applying.

Remember, even if you apply at an embassy or SIRI office, you still have to complete the initial online application (first four steps).

Step 6. Take your biometric data

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

Step 7. Wait for a response

The processing time for a work visa to Denmark is 30 days. For some types of visas, such as the Accelerated Scheme visas, it usually takes ten days to receive a response.

You will receive an email when the application center you applied to has made a decision. The application center may also notify you of the status of your visa application via SMS.

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After your application for an employment visa to Denmark is approved

Once your application for an employment visa has been approved, you can travel to Denmark. One of your first steps towards settlement is to register your Danish address with the local municipality where you will be living. After registration, you will receive a Danish CPR (personal registration number).

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The cost of a work visa to Denmark

You must pay the fee to the embassy or consulate where you apply online on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your employer can apply for a residence and work permit in Denmark on your behalf through the Fast-track program. The usual processing time can take up to one month.

• Positive list: 4405 DKK (591.92 EUR)
• Payment limit scheme: 4405 DKK (591.92 euros)
• Trainee: 4405 DKK (591.92 euros)
• Accelerated scheme: DKK 4405 (€591.92)
• Special individual qualifications: 4405 DKK (591,92 euros)
• Shepherds and farm managers: DKK 4405 (€591.92)
• Labor market application: DKK 4405 (EUR 591.92)

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Duration of a work visa in Denmark

The duration of a work permit can be up to 4 years for an indefinite 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. If you wish to continue working in Denmark after the first four years, you must apply for an extension of your residence and work permit.

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Extension of a work visa to Denmark

You can apply for an extension of your residence and work permit if your current permit is about to expire. Keep in mind that you can only extend your residence permit if you continue to work in the same job. This means that you must be employed in the same position, with the same employer and under the same conditions. The processing time for your extension application is three months.

If you are no longer employed by the same employer, you have to apply for a new work permit, not an extension.

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Family members of the main applicant

If you are the spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or child (under 18 years of age) of a person who is residing in Denmark for the purpose of work, you can obtain a residence permit as an accompanying family member.

A work-based residence and work permit allows your family to come to Denmark with you. The processing time for this application is two months and you have to pay a fee of DKK 1615 (EUR 210).

The following documents are required to accompany your family members:

• Proof of paid fee. Please attach the receipt.
• A copy of all pages of your passport, including the cover.
• A copy of your marriage or partnership certificate (if you are a spouse or registered partner).
• Proof of cohabitation (if you are a partner), for example:
• Lease agreements
• Insurance policies
• Bank statements
• Joint payments or similar
• A copy of the birth certificate (for children). You also need the consent of the other parent if the parent does not come to Denmark.

Working hours: The total working hours in Denmark are usually 37-40 hours per week. Working days usually start at 8:00 or 9:00 am and end at 4:00 or 5:00 pm. In a number of sectors, there is flexibility in terms of working hours, such as the ability to work flexible hours or telecommute.

Working vacations: Vacations in Denmark are usually quite long. By law, employees are entitled to a minimum of 5 weeks of paid vacation per year. In addition, Denmark has a variety of additional leaves, such as parental and study leave.

Trade Unions: Trade unions have a significant influence on labor relations in Denmark. Most employees have the right to join a trade union and collectively bargain. Trade unions represent the interests of employees and ensure their participation in matters related to working conditions, wages and other aspects of work.

Dress code: Many office environments in Denmark have an informal dress code, especially in the larger cities. Suits and formal attire are not mandatory, but it is still recommended to maintain a formal or professional appearance, given the type of work and environment.

Denmark encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. As a foreign graduate of a Danish university, you may consider starting your own business.

If you are a citizen of a Nordic country or the EU/EEA, you can start your own business in Denmark. If you are not a citizen of a Nordic country, the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you need to apply for a residence and work permit to be self-employed and/or run an independent company in Denmark.

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Register your business

If you want to start your own business, you need to register your company with the Danish Trade and Companies Agency. This must be done no later than eight days before the start of any mandatory activities. Register your business online at virk.dk (in Danish).

After registration, you will receive a Central Business Registration Number (CVR number). The CVR number is the identification number of your business, which you must use when corresponding with public authorities and private individuals, for example, when sending invoices, etc.

After registering your business, information is automatically sent to the Danish Tax Agency (SKAT), as the company must be registered as a VAT payer.

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What is Start-up Denmark?

Start-up Denmark is a program for foreign entrepreneurs that gives you the opportunity to obtain a residence permit in Denmark in order to establish and manage an innovative and growing company.

This program also gives you the opportunity to continue running an individual business in Denmark that has already been established during your stay in Denmark on other residence grounds.

Finally, you can also obtain a residence permit under this scheme for the purpose of running a business in Denmark through a Danish branch of a foreign self-employed company. 

Your business idea must be approved by a panel of experts appointed by the Danish Business Administration before you can apply to SIRI for a residence and work permit under the scheme. 

The scheme is open to both individuals and teams of up to 3 people who, using a joint business plan, want to start or continue a joint business in Denmark through a Danish branch of a foreign self-employed company, or to conduct business through a Danish branch of a foreign company.

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What are the conditions?

You must meet certain conditions in order to obtain a residence permit and run your own business in Denmark under the Start-up Denmark scheme.

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Below you will find step-by-step instructions on how to apply to the Danish Agency for International Employment and Integration (SIRI).

If you are a visitor and will not be residing in Denmark and for this reason will only be applying for a work permit, you do not need to create a case ID or pay a fee. Instead, you can proceed directly to step 3. Find out more here.

1. Create a case ID
2. Pay the fee
3. Gather documentation
4. Fill out the application form
5. Biometrics
6. Get a response

1. Startup visa to Denmark is a visa that converts into a full-fledged residence permit and allows you to move to the country for 2 years with a 3-year extension. In this case, the main applicant needs to have an innovative and scalable project or its idea, as well as the means to exist in the country for a year.
   
   
   The main things to know about the Danish startup visa:
   • Filing - possible in-country
   • Waiting - ~2 months
   • Term - 2 years with extension for 3
   • Required funds - €20k per main applicant
   • Family - can be brought with you
   • Permanent residence - after 8 years of residence in Denmark
   
   
   Who can apply for a Danish startup visa
   A startup visa can be granted to third country nationals who:
   • have a business plan for an innovative and scalable project and will pass an assessment by an expert committee (restaurants, retail stores and import/export businesses are • usually rejected even before the assessment):
   - how innovative is the business model?
   - How attractive is the market?
   - how scalable is the business model?
   - what competencies and resources does the team possess?
   • are actively involved in the development of the startup and their presence is necessary to build the business
   • have the means to live in Denmark for 1 year:
   - €20k - for one person
   - €39k for two people
   - €45k for a family with children
   • are one of the 3 founders of the startup.
   
   
   How is the startup evaluated?
   Business plans are evaluated by at least three members of Startup Denmark's independent expert committee. The evaluation is done in points from 1 to 5 based on four criteria. In order to be approved, the average score for all four criteria must be at least 3.5.
   
   
   1. How innovative is the business model?
   The panel looks for fundamentally smart business models that capitalize on emerging opportunities and accelerate the development of a new market or industry. Applications are evaluated in terms of the level of innovation and implementation of new products, services or processes in their field.
   
   
   2. How attractive is the market?
   When assessing the attractiveness of a market, the expert committee looks at its size, commercial potential and barriers to entry. It also assesses the level of competition in the market and how applicants plan to enter the market.
   
   
   3 How scalable is the business model?
   The expert committee selects startups with clear potential to create jobs and grow the Danish economy. For this reason, the expert committee highly values scalability. It is therefore necessary to demonstrate that the business model is built in such a way that it is scalable, that it lends itself well to scalability and has significant growth potential.
   
   
   4. What competencies and resources does the team possess?
   Candidates must not only offer a great business model, but also be able to build a successful business in practice. Therefore, the expert panel assesses whether the candidates have the skills, competencies and experience necessary to translate their business plan into a viable venture. For startups, the expert committee also looks at whether the applicants have received external funding or whether the startup already has revenue.
   
   
   The procedure for obtaining a Danish startup visa
   The procedure looks simple and with the right steps should take no more than 2 months:
   
   
   1. Submit the application online
   2. Pass the initial check to ensure that the application meets all requirements
   3. Receive a passing score from the expert committee within 3 weeks
   4. Apply for residence and work permit at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).
   5. Within 1 month wait for the application to be processed
   6. Open your own company in Denmark
   7. Connect to one of the Danish business hubs.
   8. What a startup visa application consists of
   9. To be approved, you need to fill out an application form, describe your business plan in detail, attach a video presentation and a pitch deck.
   
   
   In the 5 minute video presentation you need to describe:
   - The company's position in the market
   - Scaling potential
   - Why the product or service is innovative
   - Why you are competent to run the company
   
   
   A pitch deck of 10 (Word) or 15 (PowerPoint) pages should tell:
   - Market analysis
   - Sales or market entry strategy
   - Why Denmark.
   - Challenges in launching a startup

1. Speak English and Danish. German and Scandinavian languages (Swedish, Norwegian) are also spoken in Denmark.
2. Update your resume: Create a professional resume that reflects your experience, skills and education. Emphasize your achievements and results that will attract the attention of a potential employer.
3. Pay attention to your cover letter: Write a personalized and specific cover letter for each job. Explain why you are interested in the job and what skills you will bring to the company.
4. Use professional networks: Sign up for networks such as LinkedIn and maintain an active presence. Connect with professionals in your field and join relevant groups and communities.