Denmark Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Denmark?

In Denmark, non-EU/EEA nationals who intend to work need a work permit before they can legally begin employment. Employers planning to hire international employees outside the EU/EEA must secure a valid work permit and visa for them. Certain exceptions exist for short-term business visits or highly skilled roles, but in most cases, a work permit is mandatory to avoid legal complications.

Types of Work Visas in Denmark

Denmark offers several types of work visas tailored to different employment situations and qualifications.

Work Permit Application Process in Denmark (Step-by-step)

For most non-EU/EEA nationals, a Danish residence and work permit must be granted before the employee can start working. The process is usually handled jointly by the employer and the employee via SIRI’s online portal.

• Step 1: The employer identifies the appropriate scheme, such as the Pay Limit Scheme, Positive List for Skilled Workers, Fast-track Scheme, or Researcher Scheme. Choosing the right route depends on the role, salary level, qualifications, and whether the employer is a certified company.
• Step 2: The employer prepares the job offer and employment contract. The contract must specify job title, duties, working hours, salary, and benefits, and it must meet Danish standards for pay and conditions, including the minimum salary threshold where applicable.
• Step 3: The employer gathers company documentation and completes their part of the online application (e.g., AR1 or AR6 form). This often includes business registration details (CVR number), contact information, and, for Fast-track, proof of certification with SIRI.
• Step 4: The employee completes their part of the application and uploads personal documentation. Typical documents include a valid passport, passport photos, educational certificates, CV, signed employment contract, and, where relevant, authorization to practice a regulated profession.
• Step 5: The applicable fee is paid and the case is submitted to SIRI. Fees are usually paid online, and both employer and employee should keep receipts and confirmation of submission for their records.
• Step 6: The employee has biometrics (photo and fingerprints) recorded at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad or at a SIRI branch in Denmark, depending on where they apply. Biometrics must typically be given within a set deadline after submission, otherwise the case may be delayed or closed.
• Step 7: SIRI assesses the application, including salary level, job relevance, and documentation. If approved, the employee receives a residence card or entry visa as appropriate, and can then travel to Denmark and start work in line with the permit conditions.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Danish work and residence permit depends on the specific scheme, the nature of the job, and the employee’s qualifications. Authorities focus on whether the role and salary meet Danish standards and whether the candidate is suitably qualified.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid job offer and employment contract: The employee must have a concrete job offer from a Danish employer, with a written contract that clearly sets out duties, working hours, and salary. The role must be genuine and aligned with the chosen permit scheme.
• Salary and employment conditions at Danish level: For schemes like the Pay Limit Scheme, the salary must at least meet the annual minimum threshold set by the authorities. In all cases, pay and conditions must not be inferior to Danish collective agreements or customary local standards.
• Relevant qualifications and experience: The employee must have education or professional experience that matches the position, especially for Positive List roles and regulated professions. Authorities may request diplomas, transcripts, or professional licenses to verify eligibility.
• Valid passport and clean immigration status: The employee must hold a valid passport covering the intended stay and have no serious immigration violations that could affect admissibility. Some applicants may also be subject to security or background checks.
• Compliance with specific scheme criteria: Each scheme (e.g., Fast-track, Researcher, Trainee, Start-up Denmark) has its own additional requirements. For example, Fast-track requires the employer to be certified, while the Researcher Scheme focuses on research-based roles and academic credentials.
• Proof of sufficient working hours and genuine employment: Authorities may review whether the role is full-time or otherwise sufficient to support residence. They may also check that the position is not created solely to obtain a permit.

Work Permit Processing Time in Denmark

Processing times in Denmark vary by scheme, time of year, and whether the application is complete at the time of submission. Fast-track and certain prioritized schemes are often processed more quickly than standard applications.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Denmark can vary depending on the scheme, the volume of cases at SIRI, and how quickly biometrics and any additional information are provided. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Around 1 to 3 months after all required documents are submitted and biometrics are recorded, with some Fast-track cases processed in a few weeks.
• Permanent Residence: Approximately 8 to 18 months or longer, depending on eligibility, background checks, and whether the file is complete at the outset.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically 2 to 6 weeks after submission, especially for business meetings, short-term assignments, or visa-required nationals attending conferences.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While exact timelines depend on the specific case, it is helpful to map out who is doing what in the first weeks after a job offer is accepted.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the appropriate Danish work permit scheme, prepares the employment contract, and collects basic company information for the application.
• Week 2: Employer completes their part of the online form, uploads supporting documents, and shares the case ID with the employee. The employee gathers personal documents such as passport copies, diplomas, and CV.
• Week 3: Employee completes their part of the application, uploads documents, and pays any required fee (if not already paid by the employer). The full application is submitted to SIRI.
• Week 4: Employee attends a biometrics appointment at a Danish mission abroad or at a SIRI office in Denmark. SIRI confirms receipt and the case enters substantive processing.
• Week 5–8: SIRI reviews the application, may request additional information, and issues a decision once satisfied. In Fast-track cases, a decision may be made closer to the lower end of this range.
• Week 9–12: If approved, the employee receives a residence card or entry visa and finalizes travel and relocation arrangements. The employer prepares onboarding and ensures compliance with Danish tax and registration requirements.

Who Does What During Denmark Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, selecting the correct Danish work permit scheme, preparing and submitting the employer part of the application, and ensuring the employment contract meets Danish salary and working condition standards. They must also monitor permit expiry dates, initiate renewals in good time, and comply with labor, tax, and reporting obligations.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, completing their part of the online application, and attending any required biometrics appointments or interviews. They must maintain a valid passport and immigration status, respect the specific terms of the permit (employer, role, and hours), and keep authorities informed of relevant changes.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Denmark

In Denmark, many work and residence permits are granted for a period aligned with the employment contract, often up to 2 to 4 years at a time, with the option to apply for renewal before expiry. Renewal applications generally need to show that the employment relationship continues, that salary and conditions still meet Danish standards, and that the employee has complied with the permit conditions.

Employers and employees should typically start preparing renewal documents several months before the current permit expires to avoid gaps in lawful stay and work authorization. Practice may vary by scheme and individual circumstances, so it is important to check current guidance from SIRI or consult local advisors to confirm the applicable validity periods, documentation, and deadlines.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Denmark?

Work permits and visas in Denmark come with various fees depending on the visa type.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Denmark

Denmark does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, remote workers may apply for a business visa if they meet specific conditions, such as attending meetings or conferences. Long-term stays require a valid residence permit or work visa.

• Schengen Business Visa: Allows short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Self-Employed Permit: For freelancers or entrepreneurs establishing a business in Denmark.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Denmark

Employers often face several challenges when hiring international employees in Denmark:

• Lengthy Processing Times: Plan for potential delays by applying well in advance of the employee’s start date.
• Documentation Requirements: Ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid processing delays.
• Salary Thresholds: Be aware of the salary requirements for different visa categories.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.