Denmark Work Visa Types: A Complete Guide to Residence and Work Permits in 2026

Editorial Team
18 hours ago
4 min read

Updated: 8 hours ago

Denmark offers several pathways for non‑EU/EEA nationals to obtain a residence and work permit, each designed for different employment situations. This guide covers all major visa types, how to apply, and where to submit your application.

Published: August 31, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Denmark work visa types 2026 infographic showing Pay Limit Scheme (DKK 552,000), Supplementary Pay Limit (DKK 446,000), Positive List with 183 higher education and 57 skilled occupations, Fast-Track Scheme, Start-Up Denmark, Trainee Scheme, and job-seeking permits. Apply via NewToDenmark.dk. — Denmark work visa types 2026: Pay Limit DKK 552,000, Positive Lists & Fast-Track. Apply via NewToDenmark.dk

Who Needs a Work Permit?

Citizens from Nordic countries, EU/EEA countries, and Switzerland do not need a residence and work permit. Citizens from all other countries must apply before starting work in Denmark . This also applies to holders of an EU Blue Card from another EU country.

Main Work Visa Categories

1. Pay Limit Scheme

The Pay Limit Scheme is a salary‑based route that does not require the job to be on a shortage list .

Requirement	Details
Minimum Annual Salary	DKK 552,000 (2026 level)
Working Hours	Minimum 30 hours per week
Terms of Employment	Must reflect Danish standards
Bank Account	Salary must be paid into a Danish bank account

Only base salary, employer pension contributions, and paid holiday allowance are included in the calculation . Bonus payments and taxable benefits are not counted.

2. Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme

Requirement	Details
Minimum Annual Salary	DKK 446,000 (2026 level)
Working Hours	Minimum 37 hours per week
Job Posting	Must be advertised on Jobnet and EURES

3. Positive List Schemes

The Positive Lists are official lists of occupations experiencing a shortage of skilled labour in Denmark, updated twice a year .

List Type	Occupations Covered	Current Count
Positive List for Higher Education	Occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree	183 titles
Positive List for Skilled Workers	Skilled trades and technical occupations	57 titles

Key Occupations Include: Engineers, healthcare professionals, IT specialists, researchers, electricians, plumbers, welders, and technicians .

4. Fast‑Track Scheme

For larger companies (minimum 10 full‑time employees) certified by SIRI to hire qualified foreign workers quickly .

Advantages: Work can commence within 10 days of application; flexible work arrangements; temporary work permit issued while application is processed .

Five Tracks: Pay Limit, Supplementary Pay Limit, Researcher, Educational, and Short‑Time Stay (max 3 months) .

Read Also

Denmark Positive Lists July 2026 Update: New Roles Added for Higher Education & Skilled Work – Full Guide for International Talent Seeking Danish Work Permits + Comprehensive FAQ

5. Start‑Up Denmark

For foreign nationals who wish to run their own business in Denmark based on an innovative, high-growth business idea approved by a government panel .

6. Trainee Scheme & Other Routes

Trainee permits for educational or training purposes ; Guest Researcher permits (unpaid research); Special Individual Qualifications (performers, artists, professional athletes, specialised chefs); and Intra‑Corporate Transferee (ICT) permits .

Family Reunification

Spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners, and children under 18 can accompany the worker . Dependants generally receive permits aligned with the main applicant's validity and may work on an unrestricted basis .

Job‑Seeking Permits

Graduates of Danish programmes: 3‑year job‑seeking period with a limited work permit .
After losing a job: 6‑month job‑seeking permit if unemployment is through no fault of your own .

How to Apply

The official application portal is New to Denmark at newtodenmark.dk .

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Gather a valid passport, proof of qualifications, and employment contract .

Step 2: Create Case Order ID

Start the application on New to Denmark, provide personal and passport details, and create a case order ID . Mandatory online application applies for Fast‑Track and Start‑Up Denmark .

Step 3: Pay Application Fee

Pay Limit / Positive List / Fast‑Track / Researcher: DKK 6,810 .
Dependent Visa: ~DKK 2,880 .

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications are submitted through New to Denmark. Employers handle Fast‑Track applications on behalf of the employee . You can use forms like AR6 for Fast‑Track or AR1 for salaried work if you do not grant power of attorney .

Step 5: Attend Biometric Appointment

After submission, book a biometrics appointment (photo and fingerprints) within 14 days at:

A Danish embassy or consulate abroad .
An application centre (e.g., VFS Global in Mexico) .
SIRI's Citizen Service Center (if already in Denmark) .

Step 6: Receive Decision

Processing times vary: Fast‑Track (with certification) 1‑3 months; Positive List schemes generally also 1‑3 months .

Quick Reference Summary

Visa Type	Key Feature	Min Salary (2026)
Pay Limit Scheme	Salary‑based, no job restriction	DKK 552,000
Supplementary Pay Limit	Lower salary, stricter requirements	DKK 446,000
Positive List (Higher Ed)	Shortage occupations, bachelor's required	No minimum
Positive List (Skilled)	Shortage occupations, trades	No minimum
Fast‑Track Scheme	Faster processing, employer certified	Depends on track
Start‑Up Denmark	Innovative business founders	Varies
Job‑Seeking (Graduate)	For Danish graduates	N/A