Foreign job for Asians
Denmark
Living, working or studying in Denmark?
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The Danish immigration system
Whether you need a visa or not to come to Denmark depends on your nationality and how long you plan to stay for. You should check how this applies to you as far in advance as possible.
If you plan to live in Denmark for an extended period of time, a visa on its own may not cover you for this. You therefore need to be clear whether you are applying for a visa or a residence permit.
EU, EEA and Nordic nationals are able to live and work in Denmark for an unlimited period of time. Other foreign nationals from countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia need a visa which allows them to stay in Denmark for up to three months. Foreign nationals are not allowed to take up paid work during this three month period, and they may have to show a return ticket and provide evidence of sufficient finances to cover their stay in Denmark.
Living in Denmark requires you to obtain a residence permit from the regional government office. In general any stay that lasts longer than three months, or involving studying or working in Denmark, will require a residence and/or work permit. However, there are special rules for EU citizens and citizens from the Nordic Countries as well as Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Short term visas
Types of visas and visa applications
A visa is issued for a limited period of time in Denmark and other Schengen countries. Any stay in Denmark that exceeds a three month time period will require a residence permit rather than a visa.
Before applying for a visa in Denmark, you will need to find out whether your country has specific visa requirements in order to enter Denmark and the other Schengen countries. This is purely for moderation purposes so that the authorities can moderate who can and cannot enter. The Schengen countries normally decide amongst themselves which nationalities the visa requirements apply to, with consideration given to immigration and security issues, as well as political concerns.
Who needs a Danish visa?Citizens of the EU, EEA and Nordic nationals do not need a visa and are allowed to enter and work in Denmark for an unlimited period of time. Nationals of a number of other countries who do not have specific visa requirements may enter without a visa for up to three months, however they are not allowed to work during this time.
Citizens of countries that do have specific visa requirements must apply for a visa. This will enable them to stay in Denmark and other Schengen countries for up to three months. They are not permitted to take on employment during this time.
The Minister of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs has a list of all nationalities that need a visa to enter Denmark. You can find ithere .
What does a Danish visa entitle you to?A visa will give you the right to stay in any of the Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days per 6 months. During this time you are not permitted to work in Denmark unless the Immigration Service has given you special dispensation to do so. However, there are some cases in which you are allowed to take on some work-related activity without a residence and work permit. Such activities include teaching, attending a course, participating in meetings or training. In any case, any of these activities must not last longer than three months.
Conditions for granting a visaIn order to be granted a visa for Denmark, you will need to meet the following criteria:
Types of visaThere are specific rules regarding visas for business visits, private and tourist visits as well as cultural visits.
Business visas for Denmark: You can obtain a visa in connection with a business visit provided there is an actual commercial relationship between your company and the company in Denmark you wish to visit. If you are subject to work permit regulations, you will not be granted a business visa.
As a general guide, the Immigration Service will issue you with a business visa if you can prove that you are commercially active and wish to come to Denmark for any of the following activities: trade, making a business deal or inspecting machines or products before purchasing them from a Danish company.
You must be able to provide the following documents in order to obtain a business visa:
Private and tourist visits: Countries that have specific visa requirements to enter Denmark are divided into three different categories – an asylum group, an immigration group and a tourist group. You will automatically fall into one of these groups according to your nationality. As each of these groups has different rules with regards to visas, you should check in advance which category your country falls into.
How to apply for a Danish visa
Visas are only issued for short term stays. If the immigration authorities suspect that any applicant is planning to seek permanent or long-term residency in Denmark, their visa application will be turned down.
Visa applications can be made at any Danish embassy or consulate. Some countries do not have a Danish embassy available to deal with visa applications. In this case, Denmark normally has a representation agreement in place with other Schengen countries who will handle all visa applications on Denmark’s behalf.
With your application you will need to provide the following documents:
It is advisable to avoid buying a closed airline ticket or travel insurance before you have had your visa application approved. If you present a ticket that does not match the period of time covered by the visa, you will have to change your ticket unless you agree to have the visa period shortened.
You must legally live in the country where you submit your application for a visa. Your application must provide all the information required and any supporting documents must be authentic. Failure to meet any of these requirements may lead to your visa application being refused – a decision you cannot appeal against.
Multiple staysIf you plan to travel between various Schengen countries you will need to submit your visa application at the embassy of the country in which you will be spending the most time in. However if you plan to spend an equal amount of time in different Schengen countries, you should submit your visa application to the embassy of the country that you are going to first. Regardless of how many Schengen countries you plan to visit, a visa will only be valid for a maximum of 90 days per 6 months, starting from the first day of entry.
Processing timeThe time it takes to process your Danish visa application varies according to your purpose of visit. Applications to visit family and friends take roughly 12 weeks to process, whereas other types of visas (business visas and visas for cultural visits) take four to six weeks.
For business visa applications, the Immigration Service often sends a questionnaire to your contact in Denmark. If there is enough information in the questionnaire to make a decision, the processing time should take no longer than a month.
Please note that these processing times are rough estimates. Some applications may be processed faster, but unfortunately there is also the possibility that some applications may take longer to complete.
Misuse of a visaIf you use your Danish visa for any purpose other than the one you stated in your application, you risk being barred from obtaining a visa to visit Denmark or any other Schengen country.
The period of time for which your visa is valid appears on the visa sticker inside your passport. You are not permitted to stay within the Schengen region for longer than the given period of validity, and all travelling between Schengen countries must also be completed within this time. If you go over your visa allowance by up to 30 days, you can be banned from obtaining a visa to enter Denmark and other Schengen countries for three years. If you exceed your stay by more than 30 days your ban will be increased to five years.
Extension of a visaSome Danish visas are issued for less than three months. In some circumstances these visas can be extended to a maximum of three months. In order to obtain an extension to your visa, the original purpose of your visit must remain the same and you must be able to prove that an extension is necessary. Moreover, you need to be able to provide evidence that your travel insurance policy will still be valid for the period of time for which your visa is to be extended.
There are some cases in which your stay in Denmark can be extended by up to an additional three months. This extension comes in the form of a visitation permit, though this restricts you to staying in Denmark, rather than having the freedom to move between Schengen countries. A visitation permit will normally be granted under the following circumstances:
You must apply to extend your visa in person, before your original visa expires. You can submit your application at the Service Centre of the Immigration Service or at your local police station if you live outside of Copenhagen. The person you are visiting in Denmark is usually required to accompany you in submitting your application.
Of course, in order to obtain an extension to your visa your passport must be valid. Even still, your visa can only be extended up to three months before your passport expires. If you hold a passport from your country of origin, the embassy of that country can renew it for you.
For extension applications, you can expect the processing to take one or two weeks.
Work permits for Denmark
Requirements and applications
In general, most EU, EEA and Nordic citizens do not need to have a work permit in order to work in Denmark. However, there are exceptions for citizens of some new EU members.
Nationals of other countries do need a Danish work permit before they can take up employment. Work permits in Denmark should be applied for roughly three months before arriving in the country.
You do not need a work permit to take on employment in Denmark if you hold a residence permit through family reunification, asylum or on humanitarian grounds.
Obtaining a Danish work permit is entirely your responsibility. Working illegally in Denmark could lead to deportation as well as either yourself or your employer facing a fine or a prison sentence. These rules also apply for voluntary and unpaid work.
The Danish authorities will make a decision about your work permit based on whether there are sufficiently qualified people already living in Denmark who could take on the job you are applying for. They will also decide whether or not the skills required for the job are specialist enough to deserve a work permit.
Whatever happens, you must have a written contract of employment or job offer that outlines your salary and employment conditions, both of which must be in line with Danish standards.
Residence permits
Who needs a residence permit for Denmark?
Nordic citizens are free to enter, live and work in Denmark without a residence permit. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens only need a residence permit if their stay exceeds six months. Whether Non-EU nationals need a residence permit or not depends on how long they are staying in Denmark.
Non-EU nationals staying in Denmark for longer than three months must apply for a residence permit at least three months before they arrive in Denmark. Non-EU nationals who are staying for less than three months should apply for a visa, though this will not allow them to take on employment.
Danish residence permits for studentsStudents with residency in one of the Nordic countries do not need a residence permit, but should present an Internordic relocation certificate to the National Register (Folkeregistret) if they plan to stay in Denmark for more than three months.
If you are a student coming to study in Denmark, and you already have permanent residency in another EU country, you do not need to apply for a residence permit before you arrive in Denmark. Instead, upon your arrival in Denmark, you should consult your university in Denmark who will advise you on what kind of permit you need to apply for. You will also need to provide your European Health Insurance Card in order to apply for the residence permit.
Students from Non-EU countries need to apply for a Danish residence permit in their home country roughly four months before arriving in Denmark.
All residence permit applications should be submitted to a Danish embassy, consulate general or consulate in your home country where you need to have been living legally for the last three months. It normally takes about three months before you receive your residence permit for Denmark, though it can sometimes take longer. You will have to pay an application fee to the embassy which cannot be refunded. You must also prove that you have sufficient finances to support yourself during your stay in Denmark.
Residence permit for jobseekersIt is possible to get up to six months’ extra residence on your permit if your permit was issued on the grounds of a temporary job contract. This extra time will allow you to look for new work once your temporary contract expires, and you are not allowed to work during this time. The permit is no longer valid when you find a new job, so you will have to apply for a new permit based on your new job.
The positive listYou can apply for a residence permit if you are offered a job in a profession that currently lacks sufficient qualified professionals. A list of such professions can be found here .
The minimum requirement for applicants is usually a bachelor’s degree, and they must be able to produce a contract of employment listing all the necessary working conditions. Upon approval, you can be issued with a residence permit for up to three years with the option to extend to four years.
Anyone who has received a residence permit based on the positive list is entitled to bring their spouse/registered partner/cohabiting partner and children under the age of 18 to Denmark with them, provided the family lives together and is able to support itself.
The pay limit schemeThe pay limit scheme allows foreigners who are offered a job with an annual salary of at least DKK 375,000 to receive a residence permit. This permit is valid for three years, with the option to extend to four. Applicants have the same entitlements as the positive list with regard to bringing family, and must also provide a contract of employment.
The Corporate Scheme permitEmployees of a foreign part of a company established in Denmark can obtain a three-year residence permit, with the option to extend, if they are required to come to Denmark by the company. The work must be innovative, developmental or educational.
The scheme does not cover temporary workers, so all applicants must be permanently employed by the company. The employee’s contract must not be altered – they must remain associated with the foreign part of the company. The applicant’s residence permit will usually be withdrawn if relations between the Danish company and the foreign unit break down.
Successful applicants are entitled to bring their families over to Denmark under the same conditions as the positive list and the pay limit scheme.
The Green Card SchemeThe Green Card Scheme gives foreigners the chance to obtain a three-year residence permit under a points system. The permit can be extended by up to a year as long as the applicant is in permanent employment, or has had permanent employment but was made redundant within the preceeding three months.
In order to be issued with a residence permit under the Green Card Scheme, foreigners need to have accrued a minimum of 100 points. Points are distributed based on five criteria: education, linguistic ability, work experience, adaptability and age.
Applicants must also have a health insurance policy that is valid for the necessary amount of time. The same regulations as the previous schemes apply with regards to bringing family members to Denmark.
The Danish job market
The unemployment rate in Denmark is relatively low compared to other EU countries. As a foreigner you have a reasonable chance of finding a job in Denmark, especially if you are well qualified and if you can speak a little bit of Danish.
Denmark has a strong reputation for agriculture, furniture and clothing, interior design, medicine, IT and communications and many other industries. You will find many Danish companies who are prepared to take on foreign workers as long as they have the necessary skills and qualifications from their home country.
Many multinational companies operating in Denmark use English as their main business language. Even so, as with any job you apply for, having some knowledge of an extra language will always work in your favour. On the other hand Danish companies often operate in Danish, so you will be at a disadvantage if you do not have any knowledge of the language. In any case, if your mother tongue is not English and you do not have a decent knowledge of the Danish language, it is very unlikely that you will be able to find a white-collar job.
A growing trend in the Danish job market is the hiring of employees for temporary work. This is quite a new concept in Denmark, with temping agencies available to provide information for expats looking for temporary work. They have a list of job openings and will suggest the most suitable options according to your qualifications.
On the whole, the Danish job market is fairly unpredictable. Finding a job is never easy in any country, but the Danish market does tend to favour jobseekers. Some companies in Denmark are actually struggling to fill their vacancies with competent new recruits.
Getting a job in Denmark
Education and qualifications
When looking for a job in Denmark it might make sense to have your foreign education assessed by the government authority, ‘Cirius’. This shows the Danish equivalent of your level of education and makes it easier for potential employers to see how qualified you are!
Of course, having your education assessed does not guarantee you will get a job, as the employer will need to decide whether or not you are suitable for the specific requirements of the job. However it does make it easier to compete with local applicants. You can get more information on the assessment and find the relevant application form on the Cirius website.
Some jobs, such as those regulated by law, require applicants to obtain authorisation rather than an assessment. Professions in this category include any work with hazardous materials, electricians, various medical professions and more. You should refer to the Cirius website for the full list of professions in Denmark that require authorisation.
Finding a job
How to find a job in Denmark
Looking for a job in Denmark does not have any hidden tricks or shortcuts; it is more or less the same process as in most other European countries.
Here are the most common ways to go about looking for a job in Denmark:
Classified ads: You find these in local newspapers, magazines, supermarkets and online. Although the vast majority of Danes speak very good English, some smaller Danish companies operate in Danish, so some of the adverts you read will be posted in Danish.
Direct application: If you have some idea of the type of company you want to work for, you can simply send in a copy of your CV to the relevant companies, together with a job application letter stating why you are interested in working for the company. If you are responding to a job vacancy advertised by the company, you should also provide educational certificates and, if possible, references from past employers.
Job fairs and career events: This is an excellent way to meet potential employers face-to-face, as well as getting an insight into what it is like to work for different companies by chatting their representatives. These fairs are often used by companies looking to recruit quickly. They are usually advertised in newspapers and online and are free to attend.
Job portals or recruitment agencies: You can submit your CV and allow potential employers to discover you themselves when they are looking to recruit. This reduces the amount of work you put in to the job search, but relying on this route really does restrict your options. Depending on where you submit your CV, you may also have to pay a charge for the service.
Networking: Many vacancies in Denmark do not get advertised publicly. A large number of positions are actually filled through word of mouth. Therefore you should not underestimate the importance of asking people you meet if they know of any companies that are recruiting and see if they can point you in the right direction.
Student jobs: The hiring process for student jobs is the same as normal jobs, though there are job portals aimed specifically at students looking for a job in Denmark. Some higher education institutions also have links to student job portals.
How long does it take to get a job in Denmark?Finding a job in Denmark can be a very time consuming process, especially if there are a lot of applicants for the same position and if everyone needs to be interviewed. If the job has a large number of candidates, the process could take several months. This is where those extra skills, qualifications and knowledge of Danish could really work in your favour!
When looking for a job in Denmark, you should put yourself in the best position possible by being pro-active in your search and, most importantly, making sure you have secured a valid work permit well in advance if you need one.
Working conditions
Working culture, salaries and holidays in Denmark
Employees in Denmark generally enjoy high-quality working conditions, decent pay, generous holiday allowances and the opportunity to enhance their future career prospects with further training and education.
The working conditions in Denmark are generally very good, with companies happy to invest in modern facilities and equipment of the highest quality. Many employees are given the chance to progress further in their field. This often comes in the form of continuous training and education offered by the workplace.
Danish working mentalityThe vast majority of Danish workplaces have a horizontal structure and prefer to operate around teamwork rather than giving instructions to subordinates. Workers are encouraged to contribute their ideas and to be pro-active in their participation. You will find a lot of open dialogue between management and employees too, which may explain why many Danes take a great interest in their work and come across as highly motivated and committed to the task.
The egalitarian nature of the Danish working culture means people are expected to be humble. While in some countries it is normal to project yourself positively at work, Danes generally respond better to modesty and politeness. Everybody wants to make an immediate impression in a new job but, in Denmark, showing off your knowledge and skills is not the way to achieve this! The Danes would much rather see that you are there to help the team.
Salaries in DenmarkSalaries in Denmark vary according to two things: your qualifications and whether you work in the public or private sector.
If you are employed in the public sector, it is likely that your salary will be determined by the collective agreement made by trade unions and employer associations. Employment conditions are generally regulated by various parties in the labour market. However, there is a growing trend that employees are able to negotiate other personal bonuses with their employer.
Trade unions have less influence on the salaries of those employed in the private sector. Each individual employee tends to negotiate their salary with their employer.
Danish working hoursIn general, a working week in Denmark is 37 hours divided between 5 days. Employees in Denmark are usually expected to complete the necessary amount of working hours from Monday to Friday between 06:00 and 18:00.
Public sector employees are often paid normal working hours during their lunch breaks, whereas private sector employees do not usually get paid for their lunch break. This concept is not a steadfast rule, and can vary between different companies. In any case, lunch breaks in Denmark tend to be for 30 minutes.
Holiday entitlement in DenmarkHoliday entitlement in Denmark is fairly generous. The ‘holiday year’ in Denmark runs from 1st May until 30th April. Every employee in Denmark receives five weeks’ leave per year, as long as they have worked for one calendar year before the beginning of the holiday year.
If the employee has not completed a full calendar year, they are entitled to 2.08 days of holiday for every month in which they have been employed. Any employee who has not earned their full five-week holiday allowance is still entitled to take up to five weeks per year as unpaid holiday.
All other employees will receive their normal salary during holiday as long as: they are paid on a monthly basis; they receive full pay in the event of illness and on public holidays; and they have been in continuous employment from the start of the holiday year until the time at which the holiday is taken. Employees who do not meet the above criteria will receive the same holiday allowance, except their pay will be a percentage of their salary rather than their usual salary.
If you move between jobs in Denmark, you take your paid holiday entitlement with you. Your former employer has to work out how much holiday allowance you have remaining, and can then either transfer it or provide you with a holiday card. In any case, the employee will receive any due payments at a later date when the holiday has been taken. If you move to a new job in a different country, the money can be paid before you leave
Whether you need a visa or not to come to Denmark depends on your nationality and how long you plan to stay for. You should check how this applies to you as far in advance as possible.
If you plan to live in Denmark for an extended period of time, a visa on its own may not cover you for this. You therefore need to be clear whether you are applying for a visa or a residence permit.
EU, EEA and Nordic nationals are able to live and work in Denmark for an unlimited period of time. Other foreign nationals from countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia need a visa which allows them to stay in Denmark for up to three months. Foreign nationals are not allowed to take up paid work during this three month period, and they may have to show a return ticket and provide evidence of sufficient finances to cover their stay in Denmark.
Living in Denmark requires you to obtain a residence permit from the regional government office. In general any stay that lasts longer than three months, or involving studying or working in Denmark, will require a residence and/or work permit. However, there are special rules for EU citizens and citizens from the Nordic Countries as well as Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Short term visas
Types of visas and visa applications
A visa is issued for a limited period of time in Denmark and other Schengen countries. Any stay in Denmark that exceeds a three month time period will require a residence permit rather than a visa.
Before applying for a visa in Denmark, you will need to find out whether your country has specific visa requirements in order to enter Denmark and the other Schengen countries. This is purely for moderation purposes so that the authorities can moderate who can and cannot enter. The Schengen countries normally decide amongst themselves which nationalities the visa requirements apply to, with consideration given to immigration and security issues, as well as political concerns.
Who needs a Danish visa?Citizens of the EU, EEA and Nordic nationals do not need a visa and are allowed to enter and work in Denmark for an unlimited period of time. Nationals of a number of other countries who do not have specific visa requirements may enter without a visa for up to three months, however they are not allowed to work during this time.
Citizens of countries that do have specific visa requirements must apply for a visa. This will enable them to stay in Denmark and other Schengen countries for up to three months. They are not permitted to take on employment during this time.
The Minister of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs has a list of all nationalities that need a visa to enter Denmark. You can find ithere .
What does a Danish visa entitle you to?A visa will give you the right to stay in any of the Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days per 6 months. During this time you are not permitted to work in Denmark unless the Immigration Service has given you special dispensation to do so. However, there are some cases in which you are allowed to take on some work-related activity without a residence and work permit. Such activities include teaching, attending a course, participating in meetings or training. In any case, any of these activities must not last longer than three months.
Conditions for granting a visaIn order to be granted a visa for Denmark, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Your passport must be valid for three months after the visa expiry date. If you do not hold a national passport, you must hold a return permit to the country you have arrived from. Such a return permit must be valid for six months after the visa expiry date.
- You must have appropriate finances to fund your stay and return trip. The amount of money need will be determined by the Danish diplomatic mission, and will be based on factors such as the length of your stay and where you are staying.
- You must normally hold a travel insurance policy that covers all Schengen countries. The minimum policy coverage is €30,000 and the policy must be valid for the same period of time as the visa.
- You must not be registered as an undesirable in the Schengen Information System.
- You may not be listed on the Danish entry ban list.
Types of visaThere are specific rules regarding visas for business visits, private and tourist visits as well as cultural visits.
Business visas for Denmark: You can obtain a visa in connection with a business visit provided there is an actual commercial relationship between your company and the company in Denmark you wish to visit. If you are subject to work permit regulations, you will not be granted a business visa.
As a general guide, the Immigration Service will issue you with a business visa if you can prove that you are commercially active and wish to come to Denmark for any of the following activities: trade, making a business deal or inspecting machines or products before purchasing them from a Danish company.
You must be able to provide the following documents in order to obtain a business visa:
- Business permit or proof of registration issued by the relevant authorities in your home country
- Proof of your education, proof of previous business dealings in the same field, proof of the financial resources of your company or any other documentation of your background
- If visiting as part of a group, the application needs to include a description of each participant’s role throughout the visit
- Confirmation of your visit from the company in Denmark
Private and tourist visits: Countries that have specific visa requirements to enter Denmark are divided into three different categories – an asylum group, an immigration group and a tourist group. You will automatically fall into one of these groups according to your nationality. As each of these groups has different rules with regards to visas, you should check in advance which category your country falls into.
- The asylum group: Citizens from countries in this group are normally only granted visas if they are spouses/registered partners/cohabiting partners, children under the age of 18 or parents of the person living in Denmark.
- The immigration group: This category is divided into two sub-groups. The first group lists all the countries whose citizens need to be in a personal or familial relationship with the person living in Denmark in order to obtain a visa. They will need to provide supporting evidence for their relationship during their application. The other group is for citizens of countries whose citizens are generally granted a visa regardless of who they are visiting in Denmark, without the need to supply any evidence.
- The tourist group: Citizens of countries in this group are generally issued with visas purely for tourist-related visits. It is not essential for any applicant to have any connection whatsoever to anybody living in Denmark.
How to apply for a Danish visa
Visas are only issued for short term stays. If the immigration authorities suspect that any applicant is planning to seek permanent or long-term residency in Denmark, their visa application will be turned down.
Visa applications can be made at any Danish embassy or consulate. Some countries do not have a Danish embassy available to deal with visa applications. In this case, Denmark normally has a representation agreement in place with other Schengen countries who will handle all visa applications on Denmark’s behalf.
With your application you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid national passport or other valid travel identification
- Two passport photos
- If possible, an invitation from your contact in Denmark, as well as your contact’s details such as their name and address, a description of your relationship and the purpose of your visit
- Information about CPR number (Danish personal identification number) and Alien Identification number (if applicable) of your contact in Denmark.
It is advisable to avoid buying a closed airline ticket or travel insurance before you have had your visa application approved. If you present a ticket that does not match the period of time covered by the visa, you will have to change your ticket unless you agree to have the visa period shortened.
You must legally live in the country where you submit your application for a visa. Your application must provide all the information required and any supporting documents must be authentic. Failure to meet any of these requirements may lead to your visa application being refused – a decision you cannot appeal against.
Multiple staysIf you plan to travel between various Schengen countries you will need to submit your visa application at the embassy of the country in which you will be spending the most time in. However if you plan to spend an equal amount of time in different Schengen countries, you should submit your visa application to the embassy of the country that you are going to first. Regardless of how many Schengen countries you plan to visit, a visa will only be valid for a maximum of 90 days per 6 months, starting from the first day of entry.
Processing timeThe time it takes to process your Danish visa application varies according to your purpose of visit. Applications to visit family and friends take roughly 12 weeks to process, whereas other types of visas (business visas and visas for cultural visits) take four to six weeks.
For business visa applications, the Immigration Service often sends a questionnaire to your contact in Denmark. If there is enough information in the questionnaire to make a decision, the processing time should take no longer than a month.
Please note that these processing times are rough estimates. Some applications may be processed faster, but unfortunately there is also the possibility that some applications may take longer to complete.
Misuse of a visaIf you use your Danish visa for any purpose other than the one you stated in your application, you risk being barred from obtaining a visa to visit Denmark or any other Schengen country.
The period of time for which your visa is valid appears on the visa sticker inside your passport. You are not permitted to stay within the Schengen region for longer than the given period of validity, and all travelling between Schengen countries must also be completed within this time. If you go over your visa allowance by up to 30 days, you can be banned from obtaining a visa to enter Denmark and other Schengen countries for three years. If you exceed your stay by more than 30 days your ban will be increased to five years.
Extension of a visaSome Danish visas are issued for less than three months. In some circumstances these visas can be extended to a maximum of three months. In order to obtain an extension to your visa, the original purpose of your visit must remain the same and you must be able to prove that an extension is necessary. Moreover, you need to be able to provide evidence that your travel insurance policy will still be valid for the period of time for which your visa is to be extended.
There are some cases in which your stay in Denmark can be extended by up to an additional three months. This extension comes in the form of a visitation permit, though this restricts you to staying in Denmark, rather than having the freedom to move between Schengen countries. A visitation permit will normally be granted under the following circumstances:
- You are visiting your spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner who entered Denmark when you were both at least 23 years and 6 months old. This is for family reunification purposes.
- You are a family member of an EU/EEA citizen, and you are visiting your spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé(e), parents, children or siblings living in Denmark.
You must apply to extend your visa in person, before your original visa expires. You can submit your application at the Service Centre of the Immigration Service or at your local police station if you live outside of Copenhagen. The person you are visiting in Denmark is usually required to accompany you in submitting your application.
Of course, in order to obtain an extension to your visa your passport must be valid. Even still, your visa can only be extended up to three months before your passport expires. If you hold a passport from your country of origin, the embassy of that country can renew it for you.
For extension applications, you can expect the processing to take one or two weeks.
Work permits for Denmark
Requirements and applications
In general, most EU, EEA and Nordic citizens do not need to have a work permit in order to work in Denmark. However, there are exceptions for citizens of some new EU members.
Nationals of other countries do need a Danish work permit before they can take up employment. Work permits in Denmark should be applied for roughly three months before arriving in the country.
You do not need a work permit to take on employment in Denmark if you hold a residence permit through family reunification, asylum or on humanitarian grounds.
Obtaining a Danish work permit is entirely your responsibility. Working illegally in Denmark could lead to deportation as well as either yourself or your employer facing a fine or a prison sentence. These rules also apply for voluntary and unpaid work.
The Danish authorities will make a decision about your work permit based on whether there are sufficiently qualified people already living in Denmark who could take on the job you are applying for. They will also decide whether or not the skills required for the job are specialist enough to deserve a work permit.
Whatever happens, you must have a written contract of employment or job offer that outlines your salary and employment conditions, both of which must be in line with Danish standards.
Residence permits
Who needs a residence permit for Denmark?
Nordic citizens are free to enter, live and work in Denmark without a residence permit. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens only need a residence permit if their stay exceeds six months. Whether Non-EU nationals need a residence permit or not depends on how long they are staying in Denmark.
Non-EU nationals staying in Denmark for longer than three months must apply for a residence permit at least three months before they arrive in Denmark. Non-EU nationals who are staying for less than three months should apply for a visa, though this will not allow them to take on employment.
Danish residence permits for studentsStudents with residency in one of the Nordic countries do not need a residence permit, but should present an Internordic relocation certificate to the National Register (Folkeregistret) if they plan to stay in Denmark for more than three months.
If you are a student coming to study in Denmark, and you already have permanent residency in another EU country, you do not need to apply for a residence permit before you arrive in Denmark. Instead, upon your arrival in Denmark, you should consult your university in Denmark who will advise you on what kind of permit you need to apply for. You will also need to provide your European Health Insurance Card in order to apply for the residence permit.
Students from Non-EU countries need to apply for a Danish residence permit in their home country roughly four months before arriving in Denmark.
All residence permit applications should be submitted to a Danish embassy, consulate general or consulate in your home country where you need to have been living legally for the last three months. It normally takes about three months before you receive your residence permit for Denmark, though it can sometimes take longer. You will have to pay an application fee to the embassy which cannot be refunded. You must also prove that you have sufficient finances to support yourself during your stay in Denmark.
Residence permit for jobseekersIt is possible to get up to six months’ extra residence on your permit if your permit was issued on the grounds of a temporary job contract. This extra time will allow you to look for new work once your temporary contract expires, and you are not allowed to work during this time. The permit is no longer valid when you find a new job, so you will have to apply for a new permit based on your new job.
The positive listYou can apply for a residence permit if you are offered a job in a profession that currently lacks sufficient qualified professionals. A list of such professions can be found here .
The minimum requirement for applicants is usually a bachelor’s degree, and they must be able to produce a contract of employment listing all the necessary working conditions. Upon approval, you can be issued with a residence permit for up to three years with the option to extend to four years.
Anyone who has received a residence permit based on the positive list is entitled to bring their spouse/registered partner/cohabiting partner and children under the age of 18 to Denmark with them, provided the family lives together and is able to support itself.
The pay limit schemeThe pay limit scheme allows foreigners who are offered a job with an annual salary of at least DKK 375,000 to receive a residence permit. This permit is valid for three years, with the option to extend to four. Applicants have the same entitlements as the positive list with regard to bringing family, and must also provide a contract of employment.
The Corporate Scheme permitEmployees of a foreign part of a company established in Denmark can obtain a three-year residence permit, with the option to extend, if they are required to come to Denmark by the company. The work must be innovative, developmental or educational.
The scheme does not cover temporary workers, so all applicants must be permanently employed by the company. The employee’s contract must not be altered – they must remain associated with the foreign part of the company. The applicant’s residence permit will usually be withdrawn if relations between the Danish company and the foreign unit break down.
Successful applicants are entitled to bring their families over to Denmark under the same conditions as the positive list and the pay limit scheme.
The Green Card SchemeThe Green Card Scheme gives foreigners the chance to obtain a three-year residence permit under a points system. The permit can be extended by up to a year as long as the applicant is in permanent employment, or has had permanent employment but was made redundant within the preceeding three months.
In order to be issued with a residence permit under the Green Card Scheme, foreigners need to have accrued a minimum of 100 points. Points are distributed based on five criteria: education, linguistic ability, work experience, adaptability and age.
Applicants must also have a health insurance policy that is valid for the necessary amount of time. The same regulations as the previous schemes apply with regards to bringing family members to Denmark.
The Danish job market
The unemployment rate in Denmark is relatively low compared to other EU countries. As a foreigner you have a reasonable chance of finding a job in Denmark, especially if you are well qualified and if you can speak a little bit of Danish.
Denmark has a strong reputation for agriculture, furniture and clothing, interior design, medicine, IT and communications and many other industries. You will find many Danish companies who are prepared to take on foreign workers as long as they have the necessary skills and qualifications from their home country.
Many multinational companies operating in Denmark use English as their main business language. Even so, as with any job you apply for, having some knowledge of an extra language will always work in your favour. On the other hand Danish companies often operate in Danish, so you will be at a disadvantage if you do not have any knowledge of the language. In any case, if your mother tongue is not English and you do not have a decent knowledge of the Danish language, it is very unlikely that you will be able to find a white-collar job.
A growing trend in the Danish job market is the hiring of employees for temporary work. This is quite a new concept in Denmark, with temping agencies available to provide information for expats looking for temporary work. They have a list of job openings and will suggest the most suitable options according to your qualifications.
On the whole, the Danish job market is fairly unpredictable. Finding a job is never easy in any country, but the Danish market does tend to favour jobseekers. Some companies in Denmark are actually struggling to fill their vacancies with competent new recruits.
Getting a job in Denmark
Education and qualifications
When looking for a job in Denmark it might make sense to have your foreign education assessed by the government authority, ‘Cirius’. This shows the Danish equivalent of your level of education and makes it easier for potential employers to see how qualified you are!
Of course, having your education assessed does not guarantee you will get a job, as the employer will need to decide whether or not you are suitable for the specific requirements of the job. However it does make it easier to compete with local applicants. You can get more information on the assessment and find the relevant application form on the Cirius website.
Some jobs, such as those regulated by law, require applicants to obtain authorisation rather than an assessment. Professions in this category include any work with hazardous materials, electricians, various medical professions and more. You should refer to the Cirius website for the full list of professions in Denmark that require authorisation.
Finding a job
How to find a job in Denmark
Looking for a job in Denmark does not have any hidden tricks or shortcuts; it is more or less the same process as in most other European countries.
Here are the most common ways to go about looking for a job in Denmark:
Classified ads: You find these in local newspapers, magazines, supermarkets and online. Although the vast majority of Danes speak very good English, some smaller Danish companies operate in Danish, so some of the adverts you read will be posted in Danish.
Direct application: If you have some idea of the type of company you want to work for, you can simply send in a copy of your CV to the relevant companies, together with a job application letter stating why you are interested in working for the company. If you are responding to a job vacancy advertised by the company, you should also provide educational certificates and, if possible, references from past employers.
Job fairs and career events: This is an excellent way to meet potential employers face-to-face, as well as getting an insight into what it is like to work for different companies by chatting their representatives. These fairs are often used by companies looking to recruit quickly. They are usually advertised in newspapers and online and are free to attend.
Job portals or recruitment agencies: You can submit your CV and allow potential employers to discover you themselves when they are looking to recruit. This reduces the amount of work you put in to the job search, but relying on this route really does restrict your options. Depending on where you submit your CV, you may also have to pay a charge for the service.
Networking: Many vacancies in Denmark do not get advertised publicly. A large number of positions are actually filled through word of mouth. Therefore you should not underestimate the importance of asking people you meet if they know of any companies that are recruiting and see if they can point you in the right direction.
Student jobs: The hiring process for student jobs is the same as normal jobs, though there are job portals aimed specifically at students looking for a job in Denmark. Some higher education institutions also have links to student job portals.
How long does it take to get a job in Denmark?Finding a job in Denmark can be a very time consuming process, especially if there are a lot of applicants for the same position and if everyone needs to be interviewed. If the job has a large number of candidates, the process could take several months. This is where those extra skills, qualifications and knowledge of Danish could really work in your favour!
When looking for a job in Denmark, you should put yourself in the best position possible by being pro-active in your search and, most importantly, making sure you have secured a valid work permit well in advance if you need one.
Working conditions
Working culture, salaries and holidays in Denmark
Employees in Denmark generally enjoy high-quality working conditions, decent pay, generous holiday allowances and the opportunity to enhance their future career prospects with further training and education.
The working conditions in Denmark are generally very good, with companies happy to invest in modern facilities and equipment of the highest quality. Many employees are given the chance to progress further in their field. This often comes in the form of continuous training and education offered by the workplace.
Danish working mentalityThe vast majority of Danish workplaces have a horizontal structure and prefer to operate around teamwork rather than giving instructions to subordinates. Workers are encouraged to contribute their ideas and to be pro-active in their participation. You will find a lot of open dialogue between management and employees too, which may explain why many Danes take a great interest in their work and come across as highly motivated and committed to the task.
The egalitarian nature of the Danish working culture means people are expected to be humble. While in some countries it is normal to project yourself positively at work, Danes generally respond better to modesty and politeness. Everybody wants to make an immediate impression in a new job but, in Denmark, showing off your knowledge and skills is not the way to achieve this! The Danes would much rather see that you are there to help the team.
Salaries in DenmarkSalaries in Denmark vary according to two things: your qualifications and whether you work in the public or private sector.
If you are employed in the public sector, it is likely that your salary will be determined by the collective agreement made by trade unions and employer associations. Employment conditions are generally regulated by various parties in the labour market. However, there is a growing trend that employees are able to negotiate other personal bonuses with their employer.
Trade unions have less influence on the salaries of those employed in the private sector. Each individual employee tends to negotiate their salary with their employer.
Danish working hoursIn general, a working week in Denmark is 37 hours divided between 5 days. Employees in Denmark are usually expected to complete the necessary amount of working hours from Monday to Friday between 06:00 and 18:00.
Public sector employees are often paid normal working hours during their lunch breaks, whereas private sector employees do not usually get paid for their lunch break. This concept is not a steadfast rule, and can vary between different companies. In any case, lunch breaks in Denmark tend to be for 30 minutes.
Holiday entitlement in DenmarkHoliday entitlement in Denmark is fairly generous. The ‘holiday year’ in Denmark runs from 1st May until 30th April. Every employee in Denmark receives five weeks’ leave per year, as long as they have worked for one calendar year before the beginning of the holiday year.
If the employee has not completed a full calendar year, they are entitled to 2.08 days of holiday for every month in which they have been employed. Any employee who has not earned their full five-week holiday allowance is still entitled to take up to five weeks per year as unpaid holiday.
All other employees will receive their normal salary during holiday as long as: they are paid on a monthly basis; they receive full pay in the event of illness and on public holidays; and they have been in continuous employment from the start of the holiday year until the time at which the holiday is taken. Employees who do not meet the above criteria will receive the same holiday allowance, except their pay will be a percentage of their salary rather than their usual salary.
If you move between jobs in Denmark, you take your paid holiday entitlement with you. Your former employer has to work out how much holiday allowance you have remaining, and can then either transfer it or provide you with a holiday card. In any case, the employee will receive any due payments at a later date when the holiday has been taken. If you move to a new job in a different country, the money can be paid before you leave
