Denmark High-Demand Jobs for Foreign Applicants

There is a clear and systematic route to the foreign applicant, which is actively seeking international talent, and Denmark, with its high-quality life, good work-life balance, and competitive pay, is the domain where this process is being pursued.1 The Danish labor market has had severe skills shortages, making it a clear and straightforward direction to go to the foreign applicant, with the official Positive List Schemes and the high-paying Pay Limit Scheme.

Denmark’s Positive Lists

POSITIVE List Scheme This is the most direct path to foreign nationals whose professions are in shortage in Denmark.This list is revised by SIRI on a regular basis to meet the market needs and is divided into two separate categories.

Skilled Work Positive List (48+ Titles)

This list applies to people who have had a particular vocational training, which is usually a college level or apprenticeship qualification.

Experienced Trades and construction

Technical Roles: Electronics Technician, Gas Technician, Service Technician.
Support Roles: Medical Secretary, Executive Secretary, IT-Supporter.
Important Conditionality: Educational Qualifications should be in relation to the job title on the Positive List and that the job title must be subject to the appropriate DISCO-08 Code that can be found on the Positive List to be classified.

Pay Limit & Fast-Track Schemes

Provided that your job title is not included in the Positive Lists, there are also two great high-paying alternative paths to obtaining a Residence and Work Permit (Opholds- og arbejdstilladelse) in Denmark.

The Pay Limit Scheme

This plan is purely salary-based, and so it suits very experienced or niche specialists regardless of their job title.

Minimum Salary: You should receive a Job Offer Requirement with a minimum monthly salary of DKK514,000 (or about 12 €69,000 /75,000 USD). This is the minimum that is reviewed and updated on an annual basis.
The Benefit: As far as your salary is large enough to cover this minimum and your Salary Condition meets the Danish requirements of the job, you are eligible to a permit, which does not necessitate the Positive List whatsoever.

The Fast-track Scheme

This plan provides the quickest and the most adaptable permit handling periods (in most instances, it is within 1 month).

Requirement: Your prospective Danish Employer should have been duly certified by SIRI.
The Advantage: Certified businesses are able to employ foreign workers at any speed and under a range of tracks (Pay Limit, Positive List, Researcher), so they may opt to keep them on short assignments or allow rapid hiring.

A Guide to the Steps

The Residence and Work Permit application procedure are standardized by the use of SIRI.

Secure Your Job Offer

You need to have a signed Employment Contract with a Danish Employer detailing your title, salaries and responsibilities.

Choose the Right Scheme

Find out whether your job title appears on the Positive List, or whether your earnings mean that you are entitled to the Pay Limit Scheme.

Employer Submits Offer

In the majority of occasions, the Danish Employer will fill the application on your behalf ensuring that the conditions of employment are to the Danish Standard of Salary and Employment.

Once your permit is granted:

CPR Number: Enquire your CPR Number (Civil Registration System number) to obtain access to the public services, including healthcare.
Tax Card: Register at (Danish Tax Agency) to get your Tax Card.

Making a Living and Living in Denmark.

A Danish work permit grants major rights and benefits, which are a part of the so-called Danish hygge (coziness and well-being):

Family Reunification: The majority of the work permits allow you to use the right to apply to your spouse/ partner and minor children to join you under Family Reunification.
Equal Rights: You have the right to equal rights at your work such as paid leave and pension plans as those granted to Danish employees.
Permanent Residence: Four years of legal residence and fulfillment of certain requirements (e.g., Danish language test and continuous work) make you eligible to apply to Permanent Residence.

FAQs

What is my top alternative visa to take when my job is not on the Positive List?

The Pay Limit Scheme is your only best option. This is not a scheme founded on the job title, but on salary. Your salary should additionally be above the minimum required by SIRI (e.g., DKK 514,000 as of 2025). Depending on whether you fit the salary level and the Danish Standards of Salary and Employment, you can take short-cut of the Positive List altogether.

Can I get a job opportunity in the first place or do I need to have my qualifications evaluated?

The ultimate initial step towards almost any scheme of Danish work permit is securing a binding Job Offer Requirement with a Danish Employer. After getting an offer, your Educational Qualifications would be evaluated as part of the application process to determine that they are relevant to the job and that they meets the level of Recognition of Qualifications requirement.

Are you Prepared to enter the Danish labor force?

The need in IT & Tech and Engineering & Green Energy is only increasing the demand of High-Demand Jobs in Denmark with Foreign Applicants. Going to the Positive List or fulfilling the Pay Limit Scheme requirement, your way to a satisfying career and excellent quality of life in Denmark is clear.

Disclaimer:
The information about this job is provided to learn and to inform. The Residence and Work Permit requirements, such as the job titles on the Positive List, the minimum wage to have the Pay Limit Scheme (DKK 514,000 as of 2025), as well as all processing fees are strictly regulated by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).25 These lists and wage requirements are adjusted, usually twice a year. By any means, please check everything on the official government websites in Denmark and then only submit any applications and final decisions of making a relocation.