DENMARK

Denmark is a country in the south-central portion of Northern Europe. It is the metropolitan part of and the most populous constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark, a constitutionally unitary state that includes the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland in the North Atlantic Ocean. Metropolitan Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, lying southwest and south of Sweden, south of Norway, and north of Germany, with which it shares a short border, Denmark's only land border.

As of 2013, the Kingdom of Denmark, including the Faroe Islands and Greenland, had a total of 1,419 islands greater than 100 square meters (1,100 sq ft) in area; 443 of these have been named and 78 are inhabited. Spanning a total area of 42,943 km2 (16,580 sq mi), metropolitan Denmark consists of the northern part of the Jutland peninsula and an archipelago of 406 islands. Of these, the most populated island is Zealand, on which the capital and largest city, Copenhagen, is situated, followed by Funen, the North Jutlandic Island, and Amager. Denmark has flat, arable land, sandy coasts, low elevations, and a temperate climate. It had a population of 5,964,059 (1 December 2023), of whom 800,000 live in Copenhagen (2 million in the wider area). Denmark exercises hegemonic influence in the Danish Realm, devolving powers to handle internal affairs. Home rule was established in the Faroe Islands in 1948 and in Greenland in 1979; the latter obtained further autonomy in 2009.

Introduction

Denmark is currently dealing with a labor shortage in different sectors, with the authorities saying that the country is in need of foreign workers to fill a total of 110 job positions.

Taking into account the current situation and in an attempt to help the country with the ongoing labor shortage, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has updated the list of professions, referred to as the Positive List, for which Denmark is looking for foreign workers.

According to SIRI, the new Positive List includes a total of 110 job openings, of which 72 are part of the Positive List for People with a Higher Education, and 38 are part of the Positive List For Skilled Work, SchengenVisaInfo reports.

This means that Denmark needs 72 people who are highly educated and 38 people who are highly skilled to fill different positions within the country.

72 Job Positions Open for Highly Educated Foreign Workers

Military Work

Officer with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.

Managers in the field of administration and business-oriented functions

Head of Logistics with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Office Manager with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.

Managers in the field of production and service

Head of Products with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Warehouse Manager with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Nursery Manager with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Assistant Manager, Institution with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Vice Principal with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Principal with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Head of Education with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.

Natural Science and Engineering

Chemist with a Master’s degree.
Biologist with a Master’s degree.
Agronomist with a Master’s degree.
Automation Engineer with a professional Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Mechanical Engineer with a professional Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Civil Engineer with a professional Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Environmental Engineer with a professional Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Quality Engineer with a professional Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Town Planner with a Master’s degree.
Land Surveyor with a Master’s degree and Danish official recognition.

Healthcare

Chief Physician with a Master’s degree + Danish authorization.
Medical Doctor with a Master’s degree + Danish authorization.
Doctor with a Specialty with a Master’s degree + Danish authorization.
Nurse with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish authorization.
Nurse with a Specialty with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish authorization.
Midwife with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish authorization.
Pharmacist with a Master’s degree.
Work Environment Consultant with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Dietary Worker with a professional Bachelor’s degree.
Speech Therapist with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Optician with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish authorization.
Occupational Therapist with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish authorization.
Daily Manager, Healthcare with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.

Teaching and Educational Work

Associate Professor, Health Sciences with a Master’s degree.
Assistant Professor with a Master’s degree.
Vocational Upper Secondary School Teacher with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish official recognition.
Subject Teacher at a Vocational Upper Secondary Education with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish official recognition.
Teacher, Social, and Healthcare School with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Upper Secondary School Teacher with a Master’s degree + Danish official recognition.
Business College Teacher with a Master’s degree + Danish official recognition.
Primary School Teacher with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish official recognition.
Child Care Worker / Support Worker with a professional Bachelor’s degree.
Social Education Worker with a professional Bachelor’s degree.
Education Consultant with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Music Teacher with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Evening School Teacher with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Education and Career Guide with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Nature Guide with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.

Information and Communication Technology

IT Consultant with at least three years of IT education at the bachelor level.
IT Architect with at least three years of IT education at the bachelor level.
IT Engineer with at least three years of IT education at the bachelor level.
Programmer and System Developer with at least three years of IT education at the bachelor level.
Web Developer with at least three years of IT education at the bachelor level.
System Administrator with at least three years of IT education at the bachelor level.
IT Security Consultant with at least three years of IT education at the bachelor level.

Law, Social Science, and Culture

Legal Counsel with a Master’s degree.
Economist with a Master’s degree.
Psychologist with a Master’s degree + Danish official recognition.
Social Worker with a professional Bachelor’s degree.
Priest with a Master’s degree.
Communication Consultant with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Communication Consultant with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Press Secretary with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.
Web Editor with at least three years of education at the bachelor level.

Technician Work in Science, Engineering and Shipping and Aviation

Architectural Technology and Construction Manager with a professional Bachelor’s degree.

Technicians in Healthcare

Radiographer with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish official recognition.
Pharmacy Technician with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish official recognition.
Dental Hygienist with a professional Bachelor’s degree + Danish official recognition.

Those offered a job included in the Positive List for People with a Higher Education can apply for a Danish residence and work permit based on this scheme.

However, in order to be able to do so, applicants must possess educational qualifications, and they also need to have a job offer in hand before applying for a Danish work visa

38 Job Positions Open for Skilled Foreign Workers

Denmark is in need of highly skilled workers, too, with the country needing to fill a high number of positions.

Science and Engineering Associate Professionals

Surveying and Mapping Technician
Draughtsman

Health Professionals

Paramedic

Business and Administration Associate Professionals

Accountant Assistant
Insurance Agent
Sales Consultant
Sales and Account Manager
Customs Officer
Real Estate Agent
Property Manager
Medical Secretary

Legal, Social, Cultural, and Related Associate Professionals

Parish Clerk
Floral Decorator

Information and Commu Technician Work

IT Operator

Numerical and Material Recording Clerks

Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerk
Sales Support Assistant

Office and Customer Service Clerks

Human Recourses Assistant

Personal Services Workers

Chef

Personal Care Workers

Social and Health Care Assistant for institutions and hospitals with Danish authorization.
Social and Health Care Assistant for private homes with Danish authorization.

Building and Relates Trades Workers

Bricklayer
Carpenter
Building Painter and Decorator

Metal, Machinery, and Related Trade Workers

Welder
Sheet Metal and Construction Blacksmith
Bodywork Metal Worker
Shipbuilder
Sheet Metal Worker
Service Technician, Iron and Metal
Industrial Technician
CNC-operator
Mechanic for passenger cars and vans
Bicycle Mechanic
Industrial Mechanic

Do I Need a Visa to Work in Denmark?

Everyone, except citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland needs a visa to work in Denmark. A work visa is required even if you will be doing unpaid work or seeking sideline employment.

Citizens of the EU wishing to work in Denmark have to register with SIRI (the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration), even though they do not need a visa. This process is done in person at one of SIRI’s branches by submitting the following documents:

A passport or national ID
Passport-size photo
A completed application
Documentation on grounds for residence as a worker (like a work contract

Application Process for Denmark Work Visa

You must apply for a Danish work visa online via SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration). You may apply yourself or grant Power of Attorney to your employer to submit the application on your behalf. Here is the step-by-step work visa application process:

Choose a Denmark work visa scheme.
Create a case order ID.
Pay the Denmark work visa fee.
Compile the Denmark work visa document checklist.
Submit the application.
Take your biometrics.
Wait for a response.

Step 1. Choose a Denmark Work Visa Scheme

On the SIRI website, you have to select which visa scheme best suits your work situation. The available visa schemes are:

Step 2. Create a Case Order ID

After choosing the visa type you have to apply for, you continue to create a case order ID. It is similar to creating an account, where you provide your personal information, passport number, and email.

Step 3. Pay the Denmark Work Visa Fee

After creating your Case Order ID, you must pay the fee and submit your application. You must do both in the same calendar year otherwise, the application may be rejected. The fee for most work visas is DKK 4,405 (appx. €590).

If you pay a fee that is not required, you will be refunded.

Step 4. Compile the Denmark Work Visa Document Checklist

The required documents for your Denmark visa application are:

Passport. Make sure your passport is valid and has at least two blank pages.
Copy of your passport. Do not include blank pages.
Health insurance. You need a health insurance policy covering you for the entire period of your stay in Denmark
Passport-size pictures, following Schengen photo guidelines.
Proof of visa fee payment.
Completed form of power of attorney. This is only required in the event that you authorize your employer or someone else to submit the application on your behalf.
An employment contract or job offer. The contract/offer must not be older than 30 days.
Diploma or academic qualifications. You need these documents to prove you are qualified for the position.
Danish authorization for the job (if required).

Step 5. Submit the Application

There are three ways you can submit your application for a Denmark work visa:

Online. You can complete the application entirely online through the SIRI website. Please note that this option may not be available for everyone.
Abroad. You can also submit a visa application to a Danish diplomatic mission or an application center in your country of residence. If your country does not have a Danish diplomatic mission, you may be referred to a Norwegian mission or a Danish diplomatic mission in the region.
In Denmark. You can submit a work visa application in Denmark if you are already living there as a legal resident (not as a tourist). Make sure to book an appointment with a SIRI branch before submitting the application.

Remember, even if you submit the documents at an embassy or a SIRI branch, you must still complete the initial online application (first four steps).

Step 6. Take Your Biometrics

You must have your photo and fingerprints recorded at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad within 14 days of applying. Biometric documents are stored in the Immigration Authorities database. You have to submit your biometrics at a Danish diplomatic mission even if you apply online.

Step 7. Wait for a Response

The processing time for a Denmark work visa is 30 days. For some types of visas like Fast-Track visas, it usually takes ten days to get an answer.

You will receive an email when the application center you applied to has reached a decision. The application center can also update you about the visa application status via SMS.

Denmark Work Visa Fees

You must pay the fee to the embassy or consulate where you submit your application online at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website. Your employer can apply for a Danish residence and work permit on your behalf via the Fast-track scheme. The normal processing time can take up to one month.

(DKK 4,405 (€ 591.92)

HOW TO FIND A JOB

Denmark Job Agency

Hays Specialist Recruitment

Hays Denmark, located at Kongens Nytorv, in the center of Copenhagen, has been specializing in recruiting in the Danish market since 2008.

This recruitment agency operates and recruits within a range of areas, with special expertise in IT, Engineering, Life Sciences, Sales & Marketing, and Finance.

They offer recruitment services within both permanent and freelance recruitment, Contracting, Executive Search, and Workforce solutions.

Specializations:

Accountancy & Finance
Banking
Construction & Property
Engineering
Human Resources
Insurance
Information Technology
Legal
Life Sciences
Logistics
Sales & Marketing

Randstad

Randstad is a recruitment agency in Denmark that specializes in helping professionals find satisfying jobs and stay relevant in the ever-changing labor market.

Randstad was established in Denmark in 1997 and has grown to be one of Denmark’s leading temp and recruitment agencies.

Recruitment solutions range from Temporary Solutions, Recruitment, In-House Recruitment, MSP & RPO, Outplacement, Freelance Consultants

Specialization

Engineering & Technology
IT
Trade & Service
Office & Finance
HR & Management
Internal Positions
Storage, Production & Craftsmanship
Sales & Marketing and more positions

Eurojob Denmark ApS

Euro Jobs specializes in the quick and flexible recruitment of labor from all over the world.

This agency is Certification by the Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI)and offers temp and recruitment services based on foreign labor.

They offer Permanent Employment and Temporary Staffing services.

Specialization

Industry
Logistics and Production
The Food Sector
Assembly
Construction and Installation
The Care Sector
HORECA
Agriculture Temps and Interns

Nigel Wright Group – Copenhagen

Nigel Wright Group is a leading multi-discipline international executive search firm focused on the consumer sector. They provide Board and C-level executive search across all strategic disciplines.

They offer recruitment solutions for permanent, interim management, and contract recruitment across all disciplines.m, and specialize in permanent and temporary recruitment across the following disciplines and sectors:

Executive and NEDs
Interim Management
Finance & Accountancy
Human Resources (HR)
Information Technology (IT)
Manufacturing & Engineering
Marketing
Sales
Supply Chain & Procurement
Business Support
Temp Recruitment
Contract Recruitment

Workindenmark

Workindenmark is a national public employment agency for qualified international candidates looking for jobs in Denmark, and Danish companies searching for foreign candidates.

Workindenmark provides international job seekers and Danish employers with the information, guidance, and tools to find each other. Workindenmark is part of the Danish Ministry of Employment and a member of the European Employment Service (EURES).

Workindenmark offers a series of services for international job seekers and Danish employers looking for qualified new employees, striving to offer the best services.

This agency offers international job seekers easy access to a large pool of English-speaking jobs in all of Denmark and we offer information and guidance on job search and settlement in Denmark.

Kelly Services

Kelly Services specializes in matching talented people with companies that need their skills.

They offer flexible personnel solutions including Search & Selection, Substitutes, Independent consultants, and Staff Leasing.

Specializations Include:

Finance & Accounting
Life Sciences
Engineering & Production
Logistics
Office & Administration
Travel
Sales & Marketing
Customer & Call Cente

Benefits of Using Recruitment Agencies in Denmark for Foreigners

Foreigners who utilize the services of recruitment agencies gain several advantages. Agencies possess in-depth knowledge of the local job market and can identify roles that align with candidates’ skills and aspirations.

They also facilitate connections with companies that value international expertise, increasing the likelihood of securing job offers.

Additionally, agencies streamline the job application process and guide visa and work permit requirements.

SANKA WITH WORLD

Denmark in Need of Foreign Workers to Fill in 110 Job Positions