Are you a foreign national who wants to live and work in Denmark? In that case, you may need to apply for a work visa for Denmark.
The Danish employment and residence laws differentiate between three main categories of nationals:
- Nationals of Nordic countries
- Nationals of EU countries
- Nationals of non-EU countries
Nationals of Nordic and other EU countries do not have to apply for a Denmark work visa.
On the other hand, nationals of non-EU countries must apply for a visa to legally work in Denmark.
Read on to learn what you need to do to comply with Danish immigration law and how to apply for a work visa for Denmark.
Work Visa for Denmark: Step-by-Step Instructions
Applying for a work visa and permit for Denmark is relatively easy in comparison to other EU countries.
This is because the application can be completed online:
Additionally, the work visa is issued concurrently with the residence and work permit.
Of course, the first step you need to take is to find a job in Denmark with a specific employer.
Next, you can initiate the application process via SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration).
Do note that for certain visa schemes, your employer is responsible for submitting the application on your behalf. They can do this using a power of attorney.
That’s why it’s important to talk to your employer. They will clarify whether you need to personally apply for the visa or if they can do it on your behalf.
If you need to apply for the visa yourself, make sure you follow the steps below.
1. Create a Case Order ID
To create a case order ID, you must provide information about you as an applicant. This information includes your full name, passport number, and email address.
2. Pay the Visa Fee
The processing fee for most visa schemes is DKK 4,670 (around 630 EUR).
Please be aware that visa application fees change every year on January 1st due to updated regulations.
If you pay the fee before January 1st but apply after that date, your application could be rejected.
3. Submit the Supporting Documents
For each visa scheme, you must submit specific documents.
Make sure to carefully check the documents you need for your visa on the SIRI website.
However, as a general rule, you must submit:
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Passport copy. This also includes the passport’s front and back cover, pages that contain stamps and visas as well as empty pages.
- Employment contract
- Relevant professional qualifications and licenses
- Proof of valid authorization (if the position requires Danish authorization). Typically, this applies if you are going to work as a doctor, dentist, or nurse.
4. Complete and Submit the Application Form
This part of the application takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Depending on the visa scheme you are applying for, one of these application forms must be completed:
- AR1 in which both you and your employer must complete a part of the form. In the AR1 form, your employer must complete the first part. Once completed, the system will generate a reference number and password. The employer must provide you with this information so you can proceed to access the online application and complete your part of the form.
- AR6 in which your employer completes the form on your behalf. In this case, you must provide your employer with an official declaration. The declaration must state that you have not incurred a fine amounting to DKK 3,000 or more under the Criminal Code of the Aliens Act. Your employer must attach the declaration to the application.
5. Provide Your Biometrics
You must provide your biometric features no later than 14 days after submitting your application.
Biometrics include your digital facial image and fingerprints.
If you are abroad, you can provide your biometrics at the Danish Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Center in your home country.
If you do not provide your biometrics, the Diplomatic Mission will not process your application.
6. Wait for an Answer on Your application
For most work visa schemes, the normal processing time is 30 days.
Upon approval of your work visa for Denmark, you can enter the country.
Then, you must register at the local municipality of your place of residence and obtain a Danish CPR (civil registration) number.