Thinking about starting a new chapter of your career in Denmark? It is a fantastic choice! Denmark is not just famous for its Vikings and pastries; it is also known for its excellent work-life balance, stable economy, and welcoming attitude towards professionals from around the globe. Let’s take a closer look at why Denmark might be the perfect place for your career and how to get there step by step.

Why Choose Denmark for Work?

• Rock-Solid Economy: 

First things first, Denmark has a very stable and thriving economy. This means more job opportunities across various sectors. In fact, there are about 27,000 job openings waiting to be filled by talented folks like you.

• Earn Well, Live Well: 

On average, people in Denmark earn about 9,477 Euros a year. While this number might change depending on the job, it is a good indication that you can live comfortably here.

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• Work Less, Enjoy More: 

Danish people work about 33 hours a week, which is less than many other countries. This means you get more time to explore Denmark, spend time with friends and family, or simply relax.

• Balance is Key: 

In Denmark, having a balance between your work and personal life is not just encouraged; it is a way of life. The Danish culture ensures you have enough time for leisure, hobbies, and loved ones, making it a great place to work and live.

Different Types of Denmark Work Visas

Depending on what you do and how you plan to work, there is a range of work visas:

• Visa for High-Income Earners

Professionals earning an annual income exceeding 60,180 Euros may qualify for a dedicated visa scheme. This program is designed to attract skilled individuals in high-earning positions to contribute to Denmark’s workforce.

• The Positive List Scheme

This visa category is reserved for individuals whose professions are in high demand within Denmark. The Positive List is a regularly updated compilation of such in-demand roles, making it simpler for qualified professionals to identify opportunities and apply for the relevant work visa.

• Fast Track Scheme

For candidates who have secured employment through a recruitment agency, Denmark offers a streamlined visa application process. This Fast Track Scheme ensures a quicker review and processing period, facilitating a more efficient transition for these professionals.

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• Visa for Interns and Trainees

Denmark recognizes the importance of professional development and learning opportunities. Visas under this category are available for individuals seeking internships or training programs in Denmark, allowing them to gain valuable experience and skills.

• Agriculture Visa

Specifically tailored for individuals with job offers in the farming sector, this visa category addresses the unique needs of the agriculture industry by facilitating the entry of skilled farmhands and herdsmen into Denmark.

• Additional Employment Visa

For those already residing and working in Denmark who wish to take on additional employment, there is a visa option that allows for this flexibility. This category enables current residents to expand their work opportunities within the country.

• Training and Adaptation Visa

Certain professions may require individuals to undergo additional training or adaptation programs in Denmark. Visas in this category are designed to accommodate such needs, ensuring professionals can meet the specific requirements of their roles.

• Family Reunification Work Visa

Denmark offers visa options for professionals planning to relocate for work while also bringing their family members along. This category facilitates the process of family reunification, allowing families to live together in Denmark.

• Visa for Individuals with Unique Skills

Recognizing the contribution of unique talents to the cultural and professional landscape, Denmark welcomes artists, athletes, chefs, and other individuals with specialized skills through this visa category.

• Visa for Family Joining

Individuals moving to Denmark to join family members who are already residents can apply for a visa under this category. This facilitates the process of reuniting families and supports their transition to life in Denmark.

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How to Land a Job in Denmark?

The Danish government makes it easier for international professionals to find work through something called the Positive List. This is a list of professions in high demand in Denmark, updated twice a year. If your profession is on this list, you are in luck! It means Denmark needs your skills, and you might have an easier time applying for a work visa.

Why is Working in Denmark Great?

• Shorter Workweeks: 

Imagine having a three-day weekend, every week. Some Danish companies offer a four-day workweek without cutting your pay.

• Vacation Time: 

Denmark is very generous when it comes to vacation. You will have plenty of time to travel or just unwind.

• Work from Anywhere: 

Remote work is widely accepted in Denmark, offering you the flexibility to work from wherever you feel most productive or comfortable.

• Secure Your Future: 

Denmark offers excellent pension plans, making sure you are taken care of in your retirement years.

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How to Apply for a Denmark Work Visa?

1. Find Your Fit:

Look at the different visas and pick the one that matches your job offer.

2. Get a Case Order ID:

You will need this number to start your application.

3. Time to Pay:

There is a fee for the application, so make sure you pay it on time.

4. Paperwork Ready:

Gather all necessary documents like your passport, job contract, and any qualifications.

5. Submit Your Application:

Fill out the application form and send it with your documents.

6. Biometrics:

You will need to provide some fingerprints and photos.

7. Patience is a Virtue:

Wait for your application to be processed.

Processing Time

Usually, it takes about 30 days to get your work visa, but it can be quicker for certain types, like the Fast Track visa.

Visa Costs

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, fees range from DKK 3,165 for most work visas to DKK 6,375 for something like the Denmark Green Card Scheme.

To conclude, it can be said that Denmark offers not just a job but a lifestyle that values balance, well-being, and happiness.

Denmark is a Nordic country, officially known as the Kingdom of Denmark, which consists of the following territories:

• The metropolitan Denmark – located in Europe
• Faroe Islands – an autonomous constituent archipelago-country in the North Atlantic Ocean
• Greenland – an autonomous constituent island-country in the North Atlantic Ocean

The metropolitan Denmark joined the European Union on January 1973, and signed the Schengen Agreement in 2001. Since then, world citizens can apply for a Schengen visa to Denmark at the competent Danish representative bodies in their home country.
With an area of 42,933 km2 in Europe, Denmark offers to tourists must-see attractions, as the Frederiksborg Palace, the Vikingeskibsmuseet, Skagen Beaches, the Legoland Billund, and the Tivoli Gardens.

Fun Fact about Denmark: The name Denmark literally means “the Land of Danes”.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Denmark?

You will need a short-stay visa to enter Denmark and any other member country of the Schengen zone, if you belong to one of the following categories:

• You are the national of a third-world country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states
• You are the national of a third-world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were previously rejected from entering Denmark or any other Schengen country.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Denmark?

Your Denmark visa application process depends on the purpose under which you wish to visit this country. That is why you should check what type of Danish visa for short-stays you need before you start the application process.

Depending on your purpose of entry and stay in Denmark, you can apply for one of the following Schengen visa types for Denmark:

• Denmark Airport Transit Visa. Permits you to land in one of the Danish airports to take a flight that will take you to a non-Schengen country.
• Denmark Transit Visa. Mostly for seafarers who need to embark at a Danish port to take another vessel back to their non-Schengen home country or their destination country.
• Denmark Tourist Visa. Tourists who want to explore Denmark’s cultural attractions, historical sites, natural landscapes, and cities.
• Denmark Visitor Visa. If you plan to visit friends or family members living in Denmark, you may need a visitor visa.
• Denmark Business Allows you to enter Denmark under the purpose of attending a business meeting or other business-related activities.
• Visa for Official Visit in Denmark. Apply for this visa if you are part of a foreign Official Delegation invited to Denmark for an official visit.
• Denmark Medical Visa. The visa you need to obtain in order to enter Denmark for medical purposes.
• Visa to Study in Denmark. This visa type permits you to attend an up-to-three-months study course at an educational institution in Denmark.
• Denmark Visa for Cultural, Sports and Film Crews. Apply for this via to enter the Schengen zone to attend an activity in Denmark that is related to sports or culture.

Holding a Denmark visa is not a guarantee that you will be allowed into Denmark. There are specific entry requirements that you need to fullfill before the Denmark border official allows you into the country.

Please note that these visas permit you to stay in Denmark for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you need a visa to stay in Denmark for a longer period, apply for a Danish National Visa instead.

What Documents Are Required for a Denmark Schengen Visa Application?

The statutory Denmark visa requirements are as follows:

• Danish visa application form. Fulfill the form with your computer, print it and the sign it at the end.
• Two passport photos. The photos should be identical and comply with the photograph requirements for Danish Schengen visa application.
• Your valid passport. As mentioned above, make sure your passport has:
  • Two blank pages in order to affix visa
  • Is not older than 10 years,
  • Has a validity of at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave Denmark and the whole territory of Schengen.
• Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Denmark Travel Health Insurance. Evidence that shows you have travel health insurance that covers the whole Schengen territory, including Denmark, and any type of medical emergencies with a minimum of 30,000€.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A document that shows you have a booked flight, to enter and leave Denmark. This document should specify flight numbers, dates, and your details.
• Proof of accommodation. Evidence that shows where you will be staying throughout your time in Denmark I.e. a hotel reservation.
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Denmark.You must be able to attest that you have around 67.24€ per each day you plan to spend in Denmark, if staying in a hotel, while if staying in a hostel or similar cheaper means of accommodation, then the required amount of financial means is around 47.07€.
• A cover letter. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to visit Denmark, how long you plan to stay, when will you leave and other details.

Additional Danish Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status

The additional Denmark visa requirements depending on your occupational status are as follows:

If employed:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Leave permission from the employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form or

If self-employed:

• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

If a student:

• Proof of enrollment
• No-objection certificate from school or university
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If retired:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If applicable:

• Proof of regular income generated by property, for the last 6 months

>> NOC (No-objection certificate)

Additional Danish Visa Requirements for Minors

Minors applying to get a short-stay visa to Denmark, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Danish Visa Requirements in their application file:

• Birth certificate of the minor traveling to Denmark.
• Denmark application form signed by both parents.
• Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.
• Certified copies of ID / passport of both parents.
• A notarized parental authorization to travel to Denmark, signed by both parents / guardians if the minor will be travelling alone.

*Note: When applying at the Danish embassy/consulate in home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their under-age children.

Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Denmark

According to your purpose of entry to Denmark, you will need to provide some additional documents. Following find the additional Denmark visa requirements based on your purpose of traveling to Denmark.

Required Documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa to Denmark

When applying to obtain a Denmark Airport Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A valid visa (if needed) for the final country one is travelling to.
• The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to.

Required Documents for a Transit Schengen Visa to Denmark

When applying to obtain a Denmark Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A valid visa (if required) for the final country you are travelling to.
• The ticket for the final country you are travelling to.
• Original and photocopy of Seaman’s book (required only for seafarers).
• Letter from the inviting Shipping Company. Issued by the inviting Shipping Company in the Schengen country in which the seafarer will disembark (required only for seafarers).
• Employment contract. Contract with the navigation company / ship in order to board the ship (required only for seafarers).

Required Documents for a Denmark Visitor Visa

When applying for a visa to visit family members and/or friends in Denmark, you should submit:

• Proof of invitation by the relative/friend residing in Denmark, inviting you to visit.
  • Invitation letter from your host in Denmark with a copy of their passport and/or residence permit for Denmark.

Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Denmark

When applying to obtain a Danish Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Invitation letter from the Danish company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit.
• A dispatch letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to Denmark.
• Business bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.
• Memorandum and Article of Association. It should be submitted in original certified copy (registered with joint stock companies).
• Trade License (first issued and present renewal).
• Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Denmark, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Denmark

When applying to get a Danish Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable).
• Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Denmark, the establishment of origin and the trainee.

Required Documents for a Medical Schengen Visa to Denmark

When applying to get a visa to receive medical care in Denmark, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A local medical report. Issued from a doctor / clinic / hospital in your home country, confirming that you need medical treatment in Denmark.
• A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Denmark, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation. It should also confirm that the hospital can perform the specific medical treatment and that you will be accepted accordingly.
• Proof of financial arrangement made.
• Official confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic) in

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa to Denmark for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes

When applying to get a Danish visa under the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Denmark you must provide the following additional documents:

• Event Information. As:
  • Invitation letter from the relevant body in Denmark with details upon the nature of events or activities that are to be held in Denmark.
  • Entry tickets to the event.
  • Enrollment conditions.
  • Detailed program of the event in Denmark.
  • Other documents that present Names of the applicants (crew members) and other relevant information about the event.
• Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).

Required Documents for a Danish Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Danish Citizen

When applying to get a Danish visa as the spouse of a Danish national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Proof of Danish citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Danish nationality or naturalization order).
• Danish marriage certificate.
• Danish family record book.

Danish Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations

When applying to get a Danish visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:

• The official invitation copy.
• Evidence about the purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, event by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).

How to Apply for a Danish Short-Stay Visa?

In order to complete the application process to obtain a short-stay visa to Denmark, you must follow these steps:

1. Select the right visa types you need to enter Denmark.
2. Figure out where you need to apply for a Denmark visa.
3. Complete the application form for a Danish short-stay visa.
4. Collect the statuory Denmark visa requirements.
5. Apoint a visa interview.
6. Attend the interview at the appropriate Danish Embassy/Consulate/VAC.

Where to Apply for a Danish Short-Stay Visa?

The Danish presence in each world country has regulated visa submission differently. As a result, you may have to apply at one of the following Denmark diplomatic bodies in your country of residence:

• The Danish Embassy
• A Danish consulate
• A Visa Application Center to which Denmark has outsourced visa submission
• The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Denmark has outsourced visa submission

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Danish Embassy / Consulate / VAC?

In order to be eligible to submit your short-stay visa application at a Danish Embassy / Consulate / VAC, one of the following statements must correspond to your situation:

• Aside of Denmark, you will not visit any other Schengen country.
• You will visit more Schengen states, but Denmark is your main destination, which means:
  • You will be spending more days in Denmark, than in the other countries.
  • You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Denmark.

Moreover, you will be permitted to file a Denmark short-stay visa application at a Danish Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if you are a:

• A citizen of the country from where you are applying.
• A foreign citizen on a permanent / temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying.

You cannot apply for a short-stay Danish visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Danish Visa?

The processing time for a Denmark short-stay visa may take up to 15 days. Still, according to your specific situation this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptional cases may take up to 60 days, since the Danish embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.

To avoid any delay in the issuance of your Danish short-stay visa, you should submit your application as soon as possible, though not earlier than three months before you travel to Denmark.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Danish Visa?

A Danish Schengen Visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children under the age of 12. Moreover, according to applicant’s nationality, purpose of visit and some other factors, there are some categories of applicants exempt from paying the fee, and others that need to pay a lower amount as well.

Check the list of the Danish Schengen Visa fees, to see if you belong to any of these categories!

How Long Can We Stay in Denmark Without a Visa?

Your nationality is decisive on how long you can stay in Denmark without a visa, or if you can enter at all, as follows:

• Nationals of EU / EEA member countries can stay in the Denmark up to 90 days, within a 180-day period. If they wish to stay longer, they have to register at the relevant Danish authorities.
• Passport holders of Denmark visa-exempt countries are allowed to remain in Denmark and the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, within a six-month period.
  • Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of South Korea, the United States of America that wish to stay longer in Denmark need to obtain a residence permit at the relevant Danish authorities, within three months of arrival in Denmark.
  • Nationals of the rest of the Denmark visa-exempt countries that wish to stay longer in Denmark, will have to apply for a Denmark National visa for long-stays from their country of residence.
• Nationals of countries that still have not signed a visa-free agreement with Denmark and the other Schengen members, must obtain a visa before heading to Denmark, or any other Schengen member country.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you understand the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule. Do not violate this rule, not even for one day, since you may face the consequences. You can read our article: What happens if I overstay my Schengen Visa?

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Denmark?

Yes, you can extend your Danish Schengen visa, but only in exceptional caseswhere new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Denmark, as i.e. humanitarian reasons or force majeure. Danish Immigration Service and in exceptional situations the Danish Police are the responsible bodies for visa extension in Denmark.

Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Denmark to understand in what circumstances and under what conditions you can extend your Danish Schengen Visa.

Can My Danish Schengen Visa Be Revoked?

Yes, your Denmark visa can be revoked, in case the competent Danish authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.

If you are in Denmark when the decision on the revocation of your visa happens, you will be given a deadline to leave Denmark. If you do not leave the Denmark or the territory of Schengen within this period, you will then be considered an illegal resident in Denmark.

Please note that failure of the visa holder to provide the border officer, with the entry requirements, may also lead to a decision to annul or revoke the visa, though not automatically.

Can I Visit Greenland With a Denmark Schengen Visa?

Since Greenland is not part of the European Union, a Schengen visa to Denmark does not entitle you to enter Greenland, despite that the island is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Instead, you will have to apply at the Danish competent body in your country of residence specifically for a visa to Greenland. The Danish mission will issue you a Schengen visa that indicates “Valid for Greenland”.

Can I Visit the Faroe Islands With a Denmark Schengen Visa?

The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union, therefore, a Schengen visa to Denmark does not grant you with the right to enter the Faroe Islands, despite that it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Instead, you will need to apply at the Danish embassy / consulate / VAC in your country of residence specifically for a visa to the Faroe Islands. You will be granted with a Schengen visa that reads “Valid for the Faroe Islands”, at the comments’ section.

Related information:

• Applying for a Denmark visa from the UK.
• Applying for a Denmark visa from the United States
• Denmark Schengen visa for Indian passport holders
• Denmark Digital Nomad Visa