We have already covered the Denmark Visa Requirements, but getting a work visa for Denmark is a whole different ball game.
Denmark is a small country in “Scandinavia”; a group of countries in Northern Europe, that consists of Norway, Sweden and Denmark (and sometimes also Iceland).
Denmark borders physically to Germany, and is connected to Sweden via a bridge. The Scandinavian countries are slightly (or mightily) different from the rest of Europe. These countries suffer longer, harsher winters, but also They say the Norwegians are perpetual outdoor-people, the Danes are crazy about “cozying oneself” (meaning doing anything that is nice, for example having a drink with friends, or cuddling up in front of the fire) and the Swedish are the most “organized” people of the group. A work visa for Denmark gives you free access to all of Scandinavia, in fact to all of the Schengen member states, due to the Schengen Agreement.
But what exactly are the requirements to apply for a work visa for Denmark? How do you know if you are even eligible? Where do you start the application process? Are there other things to consider? Let’s take a look at what the work visa for Denmark actually includes, what you can and cannot do, how long it’s valid for, and what you can do with it. At the end of the article we will take you through the mandatory list of requirements step by step
Work Visa For Denmark – What Is It and What Can You Do With It?
If you are granted a tourist visa for Denmark, searching and trying to find work is actually considered breaking the law, and will get you deported from the country. If your intention is to work in Denmark, you must first apply for and be granted a work visa for Denmark. A work visa must not be confused with a working holiday visa, which we will be covering in another article later on.
When do I need a work visa for Denmark?
- If your stay exceeds 92 days for work related purposes that originally don’t require a work visa
- If you are coming as a researcher staying for more than 90 days
- If your company sells a product that is so specialized it needs to be fitted by you or your employees; AND the time required takes more than 90 days
- If you are coming to Denmark for work related purposes, but the purpose is not clearly stated (incomplete information)
- IF you are coming to Denmark in relation to submitting a tender for a task by a Danish company
When is a tourist visa for Denmark enough?
- Training and internships: According to the Danish Official Port for Foreigners; “A work visa for Denmark is not required if you only receive training in Denmark and then return home and carry out the programming work in your home country.”
- If you are coming as a researcher, staying for less than 90 days. If you are staying for more than 90 days, however, a residency and work permit is required
- If you are visiting Denmark on invitation to participate in a screening program in Denmark in relation to a potential PhD Program at a Danish University
- If you are only attending meetings and briefings
There are also exceptions for so-called “special groups”, including lecturers, board members, diplomats and others. Read more about the exemptions to the work visa for Denmark here.
Work Visa For Denmark – Am I Eligible?
Denmark is rumored to be one of the most active European countries when it comes to having a foreign work force, but there has recently been some major changes to the country’s work immigration system. Denmark used to have something called the “Danish Green card Scheme” which would give applicants points for education, age, language skills and education. Unfortunately, as of June 10th 2016, the program has been repealed and will face a total elimination in 2018. With the exit of the Green card Scheme, the only way to apply for a work visa will be if you have a standing job offer from a Danish company. If you want to apply for a work visa for Denmark, Denmark also has something called the “Positive List Scheme”. This is a list of professions there is a specific shortage of in Denmark. This means, that if you have a job offer from a Danish employer in an occupation that is on the Positive List, you can get a work and residency permit right away.
The Positive List is divided into several different fields of professions:
- Academic Work (included, but not limited to: project management, engineering, lawyers, doctors, and other academically professional occupations)
- Construction
- Hotel, restaurant, kitchen etc.
- IT and Telecommunication
- Management
- Educational, Social and Religious Occupations
- Sales, Purchases and Marketing
- Health, Healthcare and Personal Care
- Freight Forwarding, Postal Services, Storage and Engine Operation
- Education and tuition
You can read more about the Positive List Scheme here.
Work Visa For Denmark – Mandatory Requirements:
If you have already established that you are eligible to apply for a work visa for Denmark, the next step is to submit your application to your country’s Danish Embassy.
With your application, you must include:
- Application form AR1 (find the form here)
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Employment contracts/job offer with information about wage as well as the terms of employment, plus job description (this cannot be more than 30 days old). The Official Portal for Foreigners in Denmark recommends using standard contracts from the relevant industry.
- Documentation of relevant education in relation to the job offer (needs to be a copy in an authorized Danish or English translation).
- Copy of passport (all pages that contain information, including the front page).
- Documentation for authorization. This is only needed if the job requires so-called Danish authorization. You can read more about authorization at new to Denmark positive-list.
- Documentation that the applicant can support him- /herself financially during his/her stay in Denmark. (This is only mandatory if the applicant is applying to work as a guest researcher. For more information, see section 6 in the application form.)
Remember that applying for a work visa for Denmark is much more complicated than a normal tourist visa, and the processing time is much longer, and can take anything from a few days and up to 30 days, depending on your situation. In some cases, multiple visits to the Danish Embassy is also required. Always consult your local Embassy for the most up to date requirements, and let us know in the comments below about your experience applying for a work visa for Denmark!
