The Positive List is among the most-used routes to a Danish work permit. It catalogues occupations where Denmark is short of people, and for roles on it the path to a permit is materially easier than the alternatives.
Two lists, two audiences
For higher education
Roles normally requiring at least a bachelor’s degree:
- IT specialists, developers, security engineers, data analysts
- doctors and nurses
- engineers in energy, construction and production
- teachers in particular subjects and particular regions.
For skilled trades
Roles requiring vocational qualification or its equivalent:
- carpenters, bricklayers, metalworkers and other trades
- chefs and restaurant staff
- care workers and social and health assistants
- certain agricultural and horticultural roles.
What qualifying requires
- a concrete offer from a Danish employer for a role on the list
- the qualifications the role calls for, education, certification, experience
- pay and terms matching customary Danish conditions for the job
- and the application filed with SIRI with the evidence attached.
The list moves twice a year
The Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment revises it on 1 January and 1 July according to where the shortages actually are. Roles are added and removed. What governs your case is the list in force on the date you file, which is a reason not to sit on a completed application.
Timing
One to three months is typical. Where the employer is certified, Fast Track shortens that considerably.
If your role is not listed
- the Pay Limit Scheme, which ignores the occupation entirely and looks only at salary
- the collective agreement-based scheme
- the researcher and specialist route, for highly specialised work.
If you are not sure which of these fits your offer, send us the contract and we will tell you.
Wondering where your own case stands?
Immigration law is all we do. Send us the details and you will have a straight assessment back within a working day, free, and with nothing to sign.
