Denmark Updates Job List for Foreign Worker Residence and Work Permits

Key Takeaways

• Denmark’s Positive Lists expanded to 190 higher education and 65 skilled work job titles as of July 1, 2025.
• Applicants need a job offer, proper qualifications, and salary meeting Danish standards to apply for permits.
• Application fee is DKK 6,055; processing time is typically one month via Danish Agency SIRI.

Denmark Expands Positive List: What Foreign Workers and Employers Need to Know About the New Residence and Work Permit Opportunities

On July 1, 2025, Denmark 🇩🇰 made a major update to its Positive List for People with a Higher Education and Positive List for Skilled Work. These lists are the backbone of Denmark’s residence and work permit system for foreign workers. The changes, announced by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), open the door to more job opportunities for skilled and highly educated professionals from around the world. Here’s what you need to know about the new rules, how they work, and what they mean for employers and foreign job seekers.

What Changed on July 1, 2025?

Denmark 🇩🇰 reviews and updates its Positive Lists twice a year, on January 1 and July 1. The latest update, which took effect on July 1, 2025, is one of the most significant in recent years. The Positive List for People with a Higher Education now includes 190 job titles—up from 162 in January 2025. The Positive List for Skilled Work has grown to 65 job titles, compared to 48 earlier this year. This expansion reflects Denmark’s urgent need for foreign talent in many sectors, especially those facing labor shortages.

The Positive Lists are official lists of job titles that Denmark 🇩🇰 considers hard to fill with local workers. If you have a job offer in one of these roles and meet the requirements, you can apply for a residence and work permit to live and work in Denmark 🇩🇰.

Why Did Denmark Expand the Positive List?

The Danish government regularly studies the labor market to see which jobs are hardest to fill. The July 2025 update is a direct response to ongoing and new shortages in both highly educated and skilled trades. Sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, and education are especially in need of workers. By expanding the lists, Denmark 🇩🇰 hopes to attract more international professionals and keep its economy strong and competitive.

How Do the Positive Lists Work?

There are two main Positive Lists:

• Positive List for People with a Higher Education: For jobs that require a university degree or similar advanced education.
• Positive List for Skilled Work: For jobs that require vocational training or technical skills, but not necessarily a university degree.

Both lists are updated every six months to match real-time needs in the Danish labor market. The next update is scheduled for January 1, 2026.

Who Can Apply for a Residence and Work Permit?

To apply for a residence and work permit under the Positive List scheme, you must:

• Have a job offer in Denmark 🇩🇰 for a position listed on the current Positive List.
• Meet the educational or vocational requirements for the job. This means you must have the right degree, diploma, or training for the role.
• Show that your salary meets Danish standards. Denmark 🇩🇰 wants to make sure foreign workers are paid fairly and not less than local workers.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Get a Job Offer: First, you need a job offer from a Danish employer for a position on the Positive List.
2. Check Your Qualifications: Make sure your education or training matches what’s required for the job. Sometimes, you may need to have your qualifications recognized in Denmark 🇩🇰.
3. Apply Through SIRI: Submit your residence and work permit application to SIRI. You must reference the exact job title from the Positive List.
4. Provide Documents: You’ll need to include:
   • Proof of your qualifications (like diplomas or certificates)
   • Your employment contract
   • Proof that your salary meets the required level
5. Pay the Application Fee: The fee is DKK 6,055 (about $880 USD as of July 2025).
6. Wait for Processing: Most applications are processed within 1 month.

You can find the official application forms and detailed instructions on the SIRI website.

Income and Salary Requirements

Denmark 🇩🇰 uses updated income statistics to make sure foreign workers are paid fairly. As of July 1, 2025, all applications are checked against the latest salary data from the first quarter of 2025. These numbers are updated every three months, with the next change expected on October 1, 2025. This system helps prevent wage dumping, which means paying foreign workers less than Danish workers for the same job.

How Long Do Jobs Stay on the Positive List?

For jobs on the Positive List for People with a Higher Education, each position must stay on the list for at least two years. This rule gives both employers and foreign professionals more stability and helps with long-term planning. For skilled work, jobs may be added or removed more often, depending on labor market needs.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

The expanded Positive Lists give Danish employers more flexibility to hire foreign workers for roles they can’t fill locally. However, employers must:

• Make sure the job offer matches a title on the current Positive List
• Confirm that the foreign worker’s qualifications meet Danish standards
• Offer a salary that meets or exceeds the required level

Employers should also be ready to help foreign workers with the application process and provide any needed documents.

What Does This Mean for Foreign Workers?

If you’re a skilled or highly educated professional looking to work in Denmark 🇩🇰, the expanded Positive Lists mean more opportunities. However, you must:

• Check if your job is on the current Positive List
• Make sure your qualifications are recognized in Denmark 🇩🇰
• Prepare all required documents before applying
• Be ready to show that your salary offer meets Danish standards

If you’re unsure about your qualifications or the process, it’s a good idea to contact SIRI or get help from a qualified immigration professional.

Impact on Denmark’s Labor Market

Denmark 🇩🇰 has used the Positive List system for years to target jobs with the biggest shortages. The July 2025 update is part of a larger strategy to keep the economy growing and make sure key sectors—like healthcare, engineering, and IT—have enough skilled workers. By making it easier for foreign professionals to get a residence and work permit, Denmark 🇩🇰 hopes to stay competitive and innovative.

Expert Opinions and Official Analysis

Officials at SIRI say the Positive Lists are a “dynamic tool” that can quickly respond to changes in the labor market. Experts agree that the two-year minimum for higher education roles gives both employers and workers more certainty. The quarterly updates to salary requirements also help protect foreign workers from unfair pay.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these regular updates and clear rules make Denmark’s system a model for other countries in Europe. The Positive List approach is seen as transparent and fair, helping both employers and foreign workers understand what’s needed.

Background: How Did the Positive List System Start?

Denmark 🇩🇰 introduced the Positive List system to fill jobs that are hard to staff with local workers. Over time, the lists have changed to match the country’s economic needs. In recent years, demographic changes—like an aging population—and growing demand in sectors such as healthcare and technology have led to more jobs being added to the lists.

The system’s twice-yearly updates and clear criteria have made it easier for employers and foreign workers to plan ahead. Denmark 🇩🇰 is often praised for its open and responsive approach to labor migration.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Positive List?

The Danish government is expected to keep refining the Positive Lists as the labor market changes. The next update is set for January 1, 2026. Policymakers and industry groups are also talking about making it easier for foreign professionals to get their qualifications recognized and to settle into Danish life.

If you’re interested in working in Denmark 🇩🇰, it’s important to keep an eye on SIRI’s announcements and check the Positive Lists regularly. Employers should also stay updated to make sure their job offers meet the latest requirements.

Practical Tips for Applicants and Employers

• Check the Lists Often: The Positive Lists change every six months. Always use the most recent version when planning your application.
• Prepare Your Documents: Make sure you have all the paperwork ready, including proof of qualifications and a signed job contract.
• Meet Salary Requirements: Double-check that your salary offer matches the latest figures from SIRI.
• Use Official Resources: For the most accurate information, visit the official SIRI website.
• Ask for Help if Needed: If you’re not sure about the process, contact SIRI or a trusted immigration advisor.

Summary Table: Denmark’s Positive Lists (Effective July 1, 2025)

Key Takeaways

• More Opportunities: The July 2025 update means 190 higher education and 65 skilled work roles are now open to foreign workers seeking a residence and work permit in Denmark 🇩🇰.
• Regular Updates: Both the job lists and salary requirements are updated often to match Denmark’s real needs.
• Clear Process: The application process is straightforward, but you must meet all requirements and provide the right documents.
• Employer Responsibility: Danish employers must make sure job offers and salaries meet the latest rules.
• Stay Informed: Always check the latest information from SIRI before applying or making a job offer.

Where to Find More Information

For the most current details on the Positive List, residence and work permit requirements, and application forms, visit the official SIRI website. This site provides up-to-date lists, guidance, and contact information for case-specific questions.

Final Thoughts

Denmark’s Positive List system is designed to help the country fill important jobs and keep its economy strong. The July 2025 update is good news for both employers and foreign professionals, offering more chances to work and live in Denmark 🇩🇰. By following the rules and staying informed, you can make the most of these new opportunities.

If you’re thinking about applying for a residence and work permit in Denmark 🇩🇰, start by checking if your job is on the Positive List, gather your documents, and use official resources to guide you through the process. Employers should also review the latest requirements to make sure their job offers are compliant. With careful planning and attention to detail, both foreign workers and Danish employers can benefit from the expanded Positive Lists and the new pathways they create.

Learn Today

Positive List → An official list of job titles in Denmark with labor shortages eligible for foreign workers’ permits.
Residence and Work Permit → Authorization allowing foreigners to live and work legally in Denmark under specified job roles.
SIRI → Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration handling foreign work and residence permit applications.
Salary Requirements → Minimum wage standards set by Denmark to ensure fair pay for foreign workers.
Vocational Training → Education or training focusing on practical skills required for skilled jobs without a university degree.

This Article in a Nutshell

Denmark expanded its Positive Lists on July 1, 2025, increasing job titles for foreign work permits. The update targets labor shortages in healthcare, IT, and engineering, offering more foreign professionals opportunities. Applicants must meet qualifications, salary, and documentation requirements to apply through SIRI, ensuring fair wages and streamlined processing.
— By VisaVerge.com