Denmark Now Permits Short-Term Employment Without Work Permits for Several Categories of Foreigners: List

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Some foreign nationals will now be permitted to work in Denmark for short periods without needing an employment permit.
• The new rules apply to jobs related to management or high/intermediate-level knowledge.
• Individuals with job-specific permits must apply separately for sideline employment permits.

Certain foreign nationals can work in Denmark for short periods without needing a residence and work permit due to new regulations that entered into force on November 17.

According to the new changes by Danish authorities, to qualify, applicants must work for a foreign company affiliated with a company established in Denmark. Additionally, the Danish company should have a minimum of 50 employees.

According to the new rules, it is possible to work in the company in Denmark for two separate working periods within a 180-day period.  Each working period can consist of a maximum of 15 working days. Between each working period, you must have a stay outside of Denmark of at least 14 days.

Danish Immigration Service

Within specific categories, the new rule is applicable only to management or high/intermediate-level knowledge work.

Aside from this category, the Danish Immigration Service explains that other groups of foreign nationals (non-EU/EEA or Nordic citizens) might be exempt from the mandatory work permit based on their professional field or specific circumstances. These specific categories are as follows:

General exemptions: This category includes foreign diplomats, their families and household staff, as well as staff on international trains, vehicles, and Danish commercial ships adhering to specific port and shipyard visit limits.

Guest teachers up to five days: Teachers who will be teaching up to five days under the Ministry of Higher Education and Science or the Ministry of Culture institutions, within a period of 180 days won’t need a work permit as well.

Artists, musicians, performers and their essential staff can be exempted if they play a significant role in a public artistic event that lasts less than 14 days, while necessary staff like managers, make-up artists, dressers, sound and light staff, and tour drivers also may qualify for exemption.

Board members up to 40 days: Board members are not required to obtain a work permit for up to 40 days within a calendar year, as long as they are performing their professional duties in Denmark.

Professionals with special work assignments up to 90 days: Professionals, including researchers, foreign company representatives on business trips, and household staff of foreign nationals visiting Denmark for up to three months, can perform specific tasks without a work permit for a stay of no more than 90 days from the date of entry.

However, citizens of countries with a visa requirement still need a visitor’s visa. In addition, individuals who already have a work permit limited to a specific job but want to teach at a specific institution or work at another company are required to apply for a permit for sideline employment.

In September this year, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) announced that when processing applications for a work and residence permit, they will use income information provided by the Confederation of Danish Employers, in order to determine if the offered position is within the Danish standards salary.