Denmark Work Permit: Pay Limit Scheme and Positive List Explained

The Denmark work permit comes in two main forms for non-EU citizens: the Pay Limit scheme, for any job that pays at least DKK 552,000 a year in 2026 (about €73,850), and the Positive List, for people with a higher education whose job title is on a list of shortage occupations. Both need a Danish employer, both cost DKK 6,810 (about €911), and the Danish Immigration Service normally decides within one month.

This guide explains who qualifies, how pay is counted, the documents and steps, and what comes after. Always check the official Pay Limit page before you apply, because the pay limit is adjusted each 1 January and the Positive List changes twice a year.

Who qualifies

You need a job offer or contract with a Danish employer, and you must be a non-EU/EEA citizen. Brits, Americans, Canadians and Australians all use the same routes.

• Pay Limit scheme. Any job (at least 30 hours a week) with pay of at least DKK 552,000 a year in 2026, whatever the occupation.
• Positive List. A completed higher education relevant to a job title on the list. Pay must meet the normal rate in your field and Danish standards, and some titles also need Danish authorisation (for example doctors, nurses and teachers).

If your title is not on the list and your pay is below the limit, this permit is not available. Founders should look at Start-up Denmark.

Income requirement: how pay is counted

For the Pay Limit, the figure is gross annual pay: fixed cash salary including guaranteed supplements, labour market pension contributions from you and the employer, and paid holiday allowance. Benefits such as a canteen, company car, phone, internet and housing do not count. For the Positive List the official page names no fixed amount: pay must not be lower than normal for the field.

Documents you'll need

• A signed contract or job offer with all employment terms, showing how pay meets the limit.
• Passport, education certificates and, if required, Danish authorisation.
• Biometrics, recorded within 14 days of applying.

Step-by-step application

1. Agree a qualifying job and check the pay limit or Positive List title.
2. Apply online through the New to Denmark site and pay the fee.
3. Record biometrics within 14 days, or the application may be rejected.
4. Wait for the decision.
5. After you arrive, register for a CPR number and open a Danish bank account in your own name within 180 days.

Costs and timeline

The fee is DKK 6,810 (about €911), converted at the ECB rate of 7 October 2026. Processing is normally 1 month, up to 3 months. The permit is normally valid for 4 years if your employment lasts 4 years or more, and for the employment period for shorter jobs, plus an automatic 6-month job-seeking permit (during which you may not work). Apply for an extension before the permit expires.

If you stay abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, the permit lapses unless you get dispensation. If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you can apply for a 6-month job-seeking permit within two days. A new employer needs a new application.

Taxes once you're resident

You pay Danish income tax from the start. A flat 27% researcher and key-employee scheme (plus the 8% labour market contribution, about 32.84% combined) may apply if your guaranteed salary is at least DKK 65,400 a month in 2026 (about €8,750). Confirm with the Danish tax agency, and see moving to Denmark.

Family members and permanent residence

Spouses, cohabiting partners and children can have a permit, subject to conditions. You can apply for permanent residence after 8 years of legal residence, or 4 years if you meet all the supplementary requirements.

Alternatives

• Start-up Denmark for entrepreneurs.
• Sweden work permit and Norway skilled worker permit if you are comparing Nordic options.
• Not sure which country fits? Take the quiz.