Positive List Scheme for Work Permits
Work in occupations where Denmark faces labour shortages. Qualify for a work permit even with a salary below the Pay Limit threshold if your profession is in demand.
Denmark's response to labour shortages
Denmark maintains a Positive List of occupations where labour shortages exist and immigrant workers are needed. This dynamic list reflects real workforce gaps in the Danish economy. If your profession appears on the list, you may qualify for a work permit even if your salary falls short of the Pay Limit threshold.
The Positive List updates twice yearly to reflect changing labour market conditions. Occupations range from healthcare and engineering to skilled trades and specialized professions. The scheme recognizes that salary thresholds alone do not capture the full economic value of workers in critical shortage areas.
The Positive List is updated on January 1st and July 1st each year. Check the current list on the official Danish immigration website before applying.
Professions typically on the Positive List
These occupations frequently appear on Denmark's shortage list.
- Healthcare professionals: Nurses, specialist doctors, surgeons, and healthcare technicians.
- Engineering disciplines: Civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and technical specialists.
- IT and technology: Software developers, data scientists, DevOps engineers, and system architects.
- Skilled trades: Electricians, plumbers, welders, and specialized construction trades.
- Education: University researchers, specialized educators, and subject matter experts.
- Specialized services: Certain management and consultancy roles in critical sectors.
Positive List vs Pay Limit Scheme
Pay Limit Scheme
- Based on salary threshold met.
- Any occupation eligible if salary qualifies.
- Threshold approximately DKK 514,000 annually.
- No labour market test required.
- Typically 1 to 2 months processing.
Positive List Scheme
- Based on occupation in shortage area.
- Only listed occupations qualify.
- Salary may be below Pay Limit threshold.
- Labour market test may apply depending on circumstances.
- Processing typically 2 to 3 months.
Application steps for Positive List
- 1
Verify your occupation
Confirm your job title and duties match an occupation on the current Positive List.
- 2
Secure employment offer
Obtain a job offer from a Danish employer with a clear description of duties.
- 3
Prepare documentation
Gather employment contract, passport, qualifications, housing proof, and references.
- 4
Labour market test
Employer may need to demonstrate the position was advertised to Danish job seekers first.
- 5
Application submission
Submit application through SIRI with all supporting documents.
- 6
Processing and review
SIRI assesses whether your role truly matches the listed occupation.
- 7
Decision and permit
Upon approval, receive your residence and work permit card.
Processing timeline
Job search and offer
2 to 8 weeks
Labour market test
2 to 4 weeks
SIRI processing
2 to 3 months
Biometrics to permit card
1 to 3 weeks
Total from offer to arrival
3 to 5 months
Key requirements for Positive List approval
- Occupation match: Your job duties must align with an occupation on the current Positive List.
- Employment contract: Written contract from a Danish employer with clear job description.
- Fair salary: Compensation must be competitive for the role even if below the Pay Limit.
- Qualifications: Education and experience must match the requirements for the listed occupation.
- Housing: Proof of accommodation in Denmark.
- Background: Clean criminal record and no significant violations.
Labour market test explained
- Purpose: Ensures that qualified Danish workers are given opportunity before hiring internationally.
- Advertised positions: Employer advertises the job in Denmark for 2 to 8 weeks.
- Documentation: Employer provides evidence that few or no suitable Danish applicants came forward.
- Occupation dependent: Not all Positive List occupations require labour market tests depending on sector needs.
- Cost and time: Test adds time to process but is standard procedure for Positive List applications.
Occupation match is critical
The most common reason Positive List applications are rejected is occupation mismatch. Your job title and duties must closely align with a listed occupation. For example, a "Software Engineer" application may succeed while a "Technology Consultant" might not, even if the daily work is similar.
Job descriptions matter greatly. Your employment contract should explicitly describe tasks that match the listed occupation. Be specific about responsibilities, technologies, and daily activities.
Salary considerations
- Below Pay Limit potential: You may qualify with salary significantly below DKK 514,000 if occupation is on the list.
- Fair compensation: Salary must still be reasonable for the role in the Danish market.
- Significantly lower pays: Extremely low offers may trigger suspicion and rejection.
- Supporting documentation: Provide industry salary surveys showing your offer is market competitive.
Common challenges with Positive List applications
- Occupation mismatch: Job title or duties do not clearly align with a listed occupation.
- List updates: Occupations added or removed with each update creating timing sensitivity.
- Labour market test: Finding it difficult to show that no Danish workers applied or qualified.
- Qualification verification: Foreign credentials may not be recognized as equivalent to Danish qualifications.
- Processing delays: Applications take longer than Pay Limit due to labour market test requirements.
How Nordic Relocators Denmark supports you
Occupation verification
Confirm your profession matches an occupation on the current Positive List.
Job description optimization
Help craft job descriptions that clearly align with listed occupations.
Qualification assessment
Evaluate whether your credentials meet standard requirements for the occupation.
Labour market test
Advise employers on conducting proper labour market tests.
Application documentation
Prepare all required paperwork including salary justification.
SIRI coordination
Submit and track your application through processing.
Relocation support
Housing, CPR, MitID, banking, and settlement services.
Frequently asked questions
How often does the Positive List update?
The list updates twice per year on January 1st and July 1st. You can view the current list on the official Danish immigration website.
Can I apply before my occupation is added to the list?
No, your occupation must be on the list at the time of application. If recently added, verify it appears in the current published list.
What if my occupation was on the list but has been removed?
You would need to re qualify under the Pay Limit Scheme or another pathway. Removal usually indicates the shortage has been addressed.
Is a labour market test always required?
Not always. Some occupations in critical shortage areas may be exempt, but most Positive List applications require this test.
Can I start working before my permit is approved?
No, you cannot legally work in Denmark until you have received your work permit approval. Starting employment before approval is illegal.
What if my job duties change after I am hired?
Significant changes to job responsibilities may require notifying SIRI. Stay in contact with immigration authorities about your employment.
Check your Positive List eligibility
If you work in a shortage occupation, the Positive List Scheme may open doors to Denmark even with a lower salary. Our team helps verify your eligibility and navigate the application process.
Verify your occupation todayDisclaimer: This content provides general information about Denmark's Positive List Scheme. The official Positive List and requirements are published by SIRI and updated regularly. Always verify your occupation on the current list before applying. This information does not constitute official immigration advice.