Guidance

Travel to Denmark for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Denmark and how to get one if you do.

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa,visa workor permitpermit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Denmark’s embassy or residenceimmigration permit.authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Denmark to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Denmark is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-relatedbusiness-related thingsactivities without needing a visa or work permit, such as attend business meetings. TheseIt aredoes usuallynot coveredmatter byhow many countries you visit in the Schengen visaarea. waiver.Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re goingstaying for longer, or for other types of workwork, you may need a visa,visa work permit or residence permit.

Denmark’sThe Danish authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Denmark’s governmentembassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirementsrequirements.

If you’re working in more than one countrycountry, you’llyou need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Denmark. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Denmark’s immigration authorities or embassy.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

  • translated
  • ‘legalised’ (apostillised)(with an apostille) or notarised
  • originals, or if copies are acceptable
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
  • dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Denmark, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Denmark’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to DenmarkX for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for:for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

  • meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
  • meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
  • giving or receiving training
  • negotiating deals or contracts
  • leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
  • health insurance that covers your stay
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay
  • enough money for the duration of your trip
  • an invitation letter explaining your trip

Check Denmark’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

The following may not require a visa or permit in Denmark:

  • diplomats and those with similar diplomatic rights, including families and staff employed in the personal household
  • work carried out on trains and motor vehicles in international traffic
  • work carried out on Danish commercial ships in international traffic – the ship cannot stop at Danish ports more than 25 times a year or at a Danish shipyard more than 3 times a year
  • board members working in Denmark for up to 40 days a year
  • guest teachers working in Denmark for up to 5 days in a 180-day period at educational institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education and Science or the Ministry of Culture

Special work assignments for up to 90 days

Special work assignments are exempt if they’re for no more than 90 days, including:

  • researchers and lecturers invited to teach
  • researchers working with a Danish university or company
  • PhD candidates attending a screening process
  • artists, musicians and other entertainers with an essential role in an important artistic event
  • representatives of UK organisations in Denmark on business trips to set up contracts, or to buy and sell products or services – you’ll need a work permit if you work for a company in Denmark
  • domestic employees of non-Danish employers visiting Denmark
  • professional athletes and coaches participating in major athletic events or trying out for a sports club – you’ll need a work permit if you sign an employment contract

After-sales installation work

Fitters, consultants or instructors also don’t need a visa or permit for fitting and installation work covered by a new after-sales agreement.

This includes fitting, installing, inspecting, repairing and providing information on machinery or software. You must be employed by the company that manufactured the equipment.

If servicing is later required for adjustments, maintenance or to upgrade equipment then you will need to get a work permit.

You can check if any work you want to carry out is exempt with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

Exemptions would be covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

  • an assignment letter
  • an employment confirmation letter
  • a contract
  • proof of required qualifications, such as a degree or professional certificate, or proof of artistic activities
  • CV

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from theDenmark’s Danish embassy or immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Denmark’s embassy or immigration authorities.authorities.

Taking your family

If you have a spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner, and children under 18 they can join you with the permits in this guide. They will also be allowed to work in Denmark.

Find out about applying as a family member.

Short and long-term permits

You can get a short-term residence and work permit if you’ve been offered work with a company in Denmark that’s been fast-track certified by SIRI.

The fast-track scheme makes it easier and quicker for certified companies in Denmark to recruit employees with special qualifications from outside Denmark.

You can also get a longer-term residence and work permit under the scheme.

You need to apply for a long-term permit if you’re in Denmark because you’re:

Long-term permits are valid for up to 4 years depending on which one you need.

If you’re self-employed you can only work in Denmark if you qualify for the Start-up Denmark scheme.

Short-term permit for employees of fast-track certified companies

To qualify for a fast-track certified permit the company you work for must be certified.

You must meet the same eligibility criteria as for the pay limit scheme or positive list work permits.

It normally takes 1 month to get, but you can apply for a quick job start. With the quick job start scheme you can get an interim work permit while your application is processing.

It’s valid for up to 90 days in a year. You can use the 90 days across several stays in Denmark. You can’t extend it but there are longer-term permits available under the scheme.

How it works

You need to check with Denmark’sthe embassyDanish orauthorities consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer applies for your residence and work permit online to SIRI.

  2. You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate or VFS office in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.

  3. You apply online for a central person register number (CPR) number., if your total stay in Denmark will exceed 3 months.

  4. You attend an appointment with the international citizens service in Denmark.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
  • proof of application fee payment
  • employment contract, recent job offer, or assignment agreement (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
  • relevant degree or qualification certificates and transcripts
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children
  • proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Transferring to a branch in Denmark, or employed on a Danish contract

You need to apply for one of the following permits if your UK-based employer is transferring you to a branch in Denmark, or if you’ve been offered employment with a company in Denmark:

Positive List

You can apply for a positive list residence and work permit if you have a shortage occupation from one of Denmark’s ‘positive lists’. There are 2 lists which are updated twice a year for:

If you’re transferring to a branch in Denmark (on assignment) you must keep your UK employment contract and stay on UK payroll.

If you have an employment offer from a Danish company you have to be on Danish payroll (local employment).

You must also:

  • have an education background that qualifies you for the job
  • earn at least the same salary to similar jobs in Denmark – it must be paid into a Danish bank account (even if you’re on UK payroll)

This permit takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Denmark’sthe embassyDanish orauthorities consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer apply for your residence and work permit online to SIRI .

  2. You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.

  3. You apply online for a central person register number (CPR) number.

  4. You attend an appointment with the international citizens service in Denmark.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
  • proof of application fee payment
  • employment contract, recent job offer or assignment agreement (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
  • relevant degree or qualification certificates and transcripts
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children
  • proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Pay Limit Scheme

You can apply for a residence and work permit under the Pay Limit Scheme if you’ve been offered a highly paid position in Denmark.

You must:

  • have an offer of employment with a Danish company and be placed on Denmark’s payroll (local employment), if relevant
  • keep your employment contract and payroll in the UK, if you’re transferring to a branch in Denmark (on assignment)
  • meet salary requirements – it must be paid into a Danish bank account

This permit normally takes 30 days to get. It’sIf your employer is certified with the fast-track scheme, it may take less time.

The permit is valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Denmark’sthe embassyDanish orauthorities consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer apply for your residence and work permit online to SIRI via the Pay Limit Scheme.

  2. You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.

  3. You apply online for a central person register number (CPR) number.

  4. You attend an appointment with the international citizens service in Denmark.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
  • proof of application fee payment
  • employment contract, recent job offer or assignment agreement (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
  • relevant degree or qualification certificates and transcripts
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children
  • proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Start-up entrepreneurs

You need a Start-up Denmark residence and work permit if you’re an entrepreneur and want to set up a company in Denmark.

You can also apply for this permit type if you have a team of up to 3 people, for example co-owners or founders.

You must:

  • have an innovative business idea approved by the Danish Business Authority
  • actively participate in the day-to-day operations of the company
  • have enough money for your first year in Denmark, for you and your family if they’re joining you

The start-up permit takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

You must apply for a new residence and work permit if:

  • the purpose of your company changes considerably
  • you shut down your company and open a new one

How it works

You need to check with Denmark’sthe embassyDanish orauthorities consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You apply for your Start-up Denmark residence and work permit online to SIRI.

  2. You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.

  3. You apply online for a central person register number (CPR) number.

  4. You attend an appointment with the international citizens service in Denmark.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
  • proof of application fee payment
  • approval from the Danish Business Authority’s panel of experts
  • annual report or budget, preferably reviewed by an accountant
  • proof you can support yourself financially
  • company ownership documentation, if applicable
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children
  • proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Research work

To qualify for a residence and work permit for researchers you must:

  • have an offer of employment for research with a company or research institution in Denmark
  • earn a salary that is in line with Danish standards for your professional field
  • have your earnings paid into a Danish bank account

The permit for researchers takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Denmark’sthe embassyDanish orauthorities consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer apply for your residence and work permit online to SIRI.

  2. You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.

  3. You apply online for a central person register number (CPR) number.

  4. You attend an appointment with the international citizens service in Denmark.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
  • proof of application fee payment
  • employment contract or recent job offer agreement (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children
  • proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Working as a herdsperson or farm manager

You need a residence and work permit in agriculture to work as a herdsperson or farm manager in Denmark.

To qualify you must:

  • have the required professional qualifications
  • earn a salary in line Danish standards for your profession
  • have your earnings paid into a Danish bank account

The permit in agriculture takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Denmark’sthe embassyDanish orauthorities consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer apply for your residence and work permit online to SIRI

  2. You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.

  3. You apply online for a central person register number (CPR) number.

  4. You attend an appointment with the international citizens service in Denmark.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
  • proof of application fee payment
  • employment contract or recent job offer agreement from a Danish agricultural employer (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
  • proof of qualifications
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children
  • proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Working as an artist, athlete or specialised chef

You can apply for a special individual qualifications residence and work permit if you’re:

  • a performer or artist, such as a singer, musician or conductor, performing in an artistic production
  • a professional athlete or coach if it’s your main job – full-time or at least 20 hours a week that is usual for your sport
  • a specialised chef with the relevant qualifications and extensive experience working in an innovative position

It may also be used for other jobs that require specialist qualifications.

If your trip to Denmark is for less than 90 days you may be exempt from needing a work permit.

To qualify for a special individual qualifications permit you must:

  • be able to show that the job has to be carried out by you
  • earn a salary that’s in line with Danish standards for your profession
  • have your earnings paid into a Danish bank account

This permit takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Denmark’sthe embassyDanish orauthorities consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer apply for your residence and work permit to SIRI online

  2. You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.

  3. You apply online for a central person register number (CPR) number.

  4. You attend an appointment with the international citizens service in Denmark.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
  • proof of application fee payment
  • employment contract or recent job offer agreement with a Danish arts or sports organisation, or restaurant (dated within 30 days), including salary, employment conditions and a job description
  • relevant professional qualifications
  • advance statement if you’re a professional athlete – not compulsory
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificates of any children
  • proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Danish government guidance

Read official Danish government information on:

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Denmark, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

Published 26 May 2021
Last updated 830 MarchNovember 2022 + show all updates
  1. Added details of the fast-track option for the Pay Limit scheme. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

  2. Content reviewed. No changes made. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

  3. First published.