Overview of Denmark Immigration

In accordance with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, American citizens can visit Denmark as tourists on an official U.S. passport for up to 90 days devoid of having to obtain a visa. Denmark will not allow such visitors to do job or work during these 90 days. Lengthier stays and other state of affairs require a residence permit and perhaps a work permit.

Residence Permits:

A residence permit will be issued if the visitor has close relatives in Denmark or if he is approved asylum. This permit more often than not will allow the foreigner to work. The early permit is temporary and can be extended. Eventually, the visitor can submit an application for a permanent permit.

Work Permits:

Foreigners wishing to work in Denmark have to get a work permit. Denmark grants work permits based on labor force considerations to funding its own citizen’s sufficient opportunity to find employment first.

Danish Green Card:

People that experience an assessment based on a point system may be granted a green card, which is a 3-year residence permit for the idea of finding work in Denmark. Points are assessed based on education, professional experience, language skills, age and adaptability. Additionally, greencard holders must know how to support themselves for the first year in Denmark and have health insurance coverage until they are covered by the Danish national health insurance.

Special Schemes:

Several plans are obtainable to help qualified persons get residence and work permits in Denmark. Foreigners who fit definite categories will find an easier time obtaining work and residence permits. For instance, employees of a business can be stationed in the Danish subsidiary, parent or sister company of the company. Researchers, athletes, spiritual workers and trainees also have a fast track for work and residence permits.

There is a Positive List of employment areas in which there is a current shortage of Danish citizens to fill them. Examples of this line of work include academics, construction, information technology and telecommunications, healthcare positions, management, social and religious work, shipping, storage and sales. The list is occasionally updated and job seekers are supposed to check with the immigration service to see if they meet the criteria.

Similarly, if a Danish employer offers somebody a job with yearly compensation above DKK 375,000, about $73,500, per year, he will get a work permit more easily. There must be a job agreement in writing, and some positions, for example doctors, require Danish National Board of Health authorization.

Self-Employment:

Entrepreneurs are welcome to create a business in Denmark providing there is Danish business interest in the enterprise. Self-employed populace must provide enough documentation that they have sufficient financial resources to run the business, and that they themselves are essential to establishing the business. Exceptions to this are restaurants and retail shops. If the trade changes significantly or is closed and a new one started, a new residence and work permit are required.

Some Exceptions:

Diplomats, drama artists, some citizens of Turkey and certain people in the transport profession are exempt from the work and residence permit requirements.