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Denmark – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Denmark

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit to work legally in Denmark. The application for a work permit must be made by the expat’s employer

Exemptions

There are a few exemptions for expats who do not need a work permit to work in Denmark. These include:

  • Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland
  • family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who are themselves EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
  • researchers, scientists, and other highly skilled workers who are recruited by a Danish research institution or company

Types of work permits for expats in Denmark:

  • Positive List Work Permit: This type of work permit is for highly skilled workers who are recruited by a Danish company. The company must be able to demonstrate that the worker is needed for a specific job, and that no suitable candidate could be found in Denmark or the EU/EEA.

  • Pay Limit Work Permit: This type of work permit is for workers who earn a minimum monthly salary of DKK 375,000 (approx. USD 60,000). The worker must have a job offer from a Danish company, and the company must be able to demonstrate that no suitable candidate could be found in Denmark or the EU/EEA.

  • Corporate Work Permit: This type of work permit is for workers who are transferred to Denmark by their foreign employer. The worker must have been employed by the foreign employer for at least six months prior to the transfer.

Eligibility


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Expats must meet specific eligibility criteria to obtain a work permit in Denmark. These include:

  • having a job offer from a Danish company
  • having the necessary qualifications and experience for the job
  • being able to demonstrate that no suitable candidate could be found in Denmark or the EU/EEA

Procedure to apply for a work permit in Denmark

The procedure to apply for a work permit in Denmark involves several steps, including:

  • The Danish company must apply for a work permit on behalf of the expat
  • The company must provide documentation to support the application, including the job offer, the expat’s qualifications and experience, and evidence that no suitable candidate could be found in Denmark or the EU/EEA
  • The application must be submitted to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI)

Time

The processing time for a work permit application in Denmark can vary, but typically takes 4-8 weeks

Documents needed to apply for a work permit in Denmark

The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in Denmark:

  • A completed application form
  • A copy of the expat’s passport
  • A copy of the expat’s qualifications and work experience
  • A job offer from the Danish company
  • Evidence that no suitable candidate could be found in Denmark or the EU/EEA

Costs involved in applying for a work permit in Denmark

The costs involved in applying for a work permit in Denmark can vary, but typically include:

  • A fee for the work permit application, which is paid by the Danish company
  • Any additional costs associated with obtaining the necessary documentation (e.g. obtaining a copy of the expat’s passport)

Reliable information on working legally in Denmark

Expats can find reliable information on working legally in Denmark from the following sources:

  • The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI): https


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