How Can I Get Work Permit In Denmark

Last week we discussed how to make a student application in Denmark, but there is more to do after you got accepted at Danish university. The next thing to worry about is how can a foreign student get work permit in Denmark?This article reveals how you can get work permit in Denmark. You can get your permit by studying on a full-time basis or through working in the country legally. Denmark has quite a number of courses from which you can choose. The aim of this publication is to give the reader an insight into these options, thus enabling them make well-informed decisions.

How Can I Get Work Permit In Denmark

If you are single and want to work in Denmark, you must get a work permit before arriving. If you are married to a Danish citizen now, there is no need for the permit. But if you decide to get the permit before your husband or wife applies to be a Danish citizen then you may have to wait up to six years before it becomes possible.Denmark is one of the most attractive countries for international students looking for job opportunities. However, if you’re not from the European Union or Nordic countries, you need a work permit to work legally in Denmark. Though it difficult to get a work permit, there are several types of permits you can apply for depending on your situation. You can apply for permission to be self employed and permission for a specified employment according to the conditions described in the new EU regulation 439/2014.

Do I Need a Visa to Work in Denmark?

Everyone, except citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland needs a visa to work in Denmark. A work visa is required even if you will be doing unpaid work or seeking sideline employment.

Citizens of the EU wishing to work in Denmark have to register with SIRI (the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration), even though they do not need a visa. This process is done in person at one of SIRI’s branches by submitting the following documents:

  • A passport or national ID
  • Passport-size photo
  • A completed application
  • Documentation on grounds for residence as a worker (like a work contract)

Application Process for Denmark Work Visa

You must apply for a Danish work visa online via SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration). You may apply yourself or grant Power of Attorney to your employer to submit the application on your behalf. Here is the step-by-step work visa application process:

  1. Choose a Denmark work visa scheme. 
  2. Create a case order ID.
  3. Pay the Denmark work visa fee.
  4. Compile the Denmark work visa document checklist.
  5. Submit the application.
  6. Take your biometrics.
  7. Wait for a response.

Step 1. Choose a Denmark Work Visa Scheme 

On the SIRI website, you have to select which visa scheme best suits your work situation. The available visa schemes are:

The Pay Limit SchemeDesigned for high-income individuals who earn DKK 448,000 (appx. €60,180) per year or higher.
The positive listFor individuals who have a job offer for professions experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals in Denmark (engineers, doctors and medical consultants, auditors, etc.) The list is updated twice a year, January 1st and July 1st.
Fast track schemeFor individuals who have a offer from a company certified by SIRI. This scheme offers faster and easier recruitment for foreign employees with special qualifications, a quick job start, and flexible permit.
TraineeFor individuals who have been offered employment at a company in Denmark for a short time as a trainee. 
Herdsmen and farm managers For individuals with a job offer as a herdsman or farm manager in agriculture.
Sideline employmentFor individuals who hold a residence permit based on a job with a specific employer and want to take a sideline job.
Employment for adaptation and training purposesFor individuals who obtained Danish authorization as a doctor or dentist applying for a work permit with the purpose of adaption and training purposes.
Work permit for accompanying family membersFor accompanying family members applying with a person who is or will be working in Denmark.
Special individual qualificationsFor performers, artists, professional athletes or coaches, or specialized chefs.
Labor market attachment For individuals who have held a residence permit as a refugee, a reunified family member, or an accompanying family member to a foreign national with a residence permit.

Step 2. Create a Case order ID

After choosing the visa type you have to apply for, you continue to create a case order ID. It is similar to creating an account, where you provide your personal information, passport number, and email. 

Step 3. Pay the Denmark Work Visa Fee

After creating your Case Order ID, you must 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 DKK 4,405 (appx. €590).

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

Step 4. Compile the Denmark Work Visa Document Checklist 

The required documents for your Denmark visa application are:

  • Passport. Make sure your passport is valid and has at least two blank pages.
  • Copy of your passport. Do not include blank pages. 
  • Health insurance. You need a health insurance policy covering you for the entire period of stay in Denmark
  • Passport-size pictures, following Schengen photo guidelines.
  • Proof of visa fee payment.
  • Completed form of power of attorney. This is only required in the event that you authorize your employer or someone else to submit the application on your behalf.
  • An employment contract or job offer. The contract/offer must not be older than 30 days.
  • Diploma or academic qualifications. You need these documents to prove you are qualified for the position.
  • Danish authorization for the job (if required).

Step 5. Submit the Application

There are three ways you can submit your application for a Denmark work visa:

  • Online. You can complete the application entirely online through the SIRI website. Please note that this option may not be available for everyone. 
  • Abroad. You can also submit a visa application to a Danish diplomatic mission or an application center in your country of residence. If your country does not have a Danish diplomatic mission, you may be referred to a Norwegian mission or a Danish diplomatic mission in the region.
  • In Denmark. You can submit a work visa application in Denmark if you are already living there as a legal resident (not as a tourist). Make sure to book an appointment with a SIRI branch before submitting the application. 

Remember, even if you submit the documents at an embassy or a SIRI branch, you must still complete the initial online application (first four steps).

Step 6. Take Your Biometrics

You must take your photo and fingerprints recorded at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad within 14 days of applying. Biometric documents are stored in the Immigration authorities database. You have to submit your biometrics at a Danish diplomatic mission even if you apply online.

Step 7. Wait for a Response 

The processing time for a Denmark work visa is 30 days. For some types of visas like Fast- Track visas, it usually takes ten days to get an answer. 

You will receive an email when the application center you applied to has reached a decision. The application center can also update you about the visa application status via SMS. 

Note: Because of the pandemic, the processing time is extended and can take 1-4 months. 

After Your Danish Work Visa Application is Approved

After the work visa application is approved, you can travel to Denmark. One of your first steps toward settling is to register your Danish address at the local municipality where you will be living. After registering, you will get your Danish CPR number (personal registration number).

Denmark Work Visa Fees

You must pay the fee to the embassy or consulate where you submit your application online at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website. Your employer can apply for a Danish residence and work permit on your behalf via the Fast-track scheme. The normal processing time can take up to one month.

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