Denmark Work & Residence Permit
Positive List, Pay Limit Scheme & Fast-track Scheme — administered by SIRI
Denmark recruits non-EU skilled workers primarily through SIRI, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration. The main routes are the Positive List for People with Higher Education and the Positive List for Skilled Work, which name occupations facing documented national shortages, alongside the Pay Limit Scheme for higher-salaried roles. Certified employers can use the Fast-track Scheme for accelerated processing. Demand is concentrated in green energy and offshore wind, construction, and healthcare, where Denmark's climate commitments and an ageing workforce have created sustained shortages that skilled tradespeople from Asia can help fill through verified, fee-free placements.
Step-by-Step Process
Confirm Route & Positive List
Check whether the occupation appears on the Positive List for Skilled Work, or whether the salary meets the Pay Limit Scheme threshold. Employers holding certification may apply through the Fast-track Scheme.
Employer Job Offer & Contract
The Danish employer issues an employment contract with pay and conditions matching Danish collective-agreement or customary standards, and posts the role on the WorkersFromAsia dashboard.
SIRI Application
The combined residence and work permit application is submitted to SIRI. Standard processing typically takes around 1–3 months; permits under the Fast-track Scheme are processed considerably faster.
Arrival & CPR Registration
The worker arrives, registers for a CPR number and tax card, and collects the residence card. Family reunification for spouse and children is available under the relevant scheme.
Documentation Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Danish?
For most trade roles there is no Danish language test at the permit stage, and English is common on international and offshore projects. Employer-funded Danish courses are typically offered to support long-term integration.
What is the Fast-track Scheme?
Certified Danish employers can process certain permits more quickly, in some cases within weeks. Eligibility depends on the employer holding SIRI certification and the role meeting the scheme conditions.
Do Danish immigration rules change?
Yes. The Positive Lists, salary thresholds and scheme conditions are updated periodically by SIRI. This page is general guidance only — always verify the current requirements with SIRI or a licensed adviser before applying.
Legal disclaimer: Immigration law changes frequently. The information on this page is general guidance and reflects the best available understanding at the time of writing. All placements via WorkersFromAsia are reviewed for current visa route eligibility before the job is published. Contact us if you have specific questions about a candidate's eligibility.