Denmark

Introduction

Denmark has been marketing itself as an attractive destination for skilled migrants. According to the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, "Denmark needs foreign knowledge workers to contribute new expertise and thereby strengthen trade and industry, innovation and research in Denmark. "

Living and Working in Denmark

Denmark makes special concessions for Nordic citizens who are nationals of Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden. Citizens of these countries can freely enter, live, and work in Denmark for any length of time.

EU/EEA Citizens

EU/EEA citizens and nationals of Switzerland can live in Denmark for up to three months, or six months if they are seeking employment. If the stay will go beyond the three or six month time period, a "proof of registration" is required of EU citizens and a "proof of residence" is required if the individual is an EEA citizen.

These are simple formalities that prove the individual is accorded the rights under free movement EU regulations.

Work permits are not required for citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

Non-EU/EEA Citizens

Third country nationals who wish to live and work in Denmark must have a work permit and a residence permit. Under normal circumstances, professional or labor market considerations dictate whether these will be issued, i.e. if a Danish or EU/EEA/Swiss citizen cannot be found to fill the position.

Work permits are required both for salaried employment and self-employment, as well as voluntary or unpaid work.

Denmark also has some special immigration schemes which can make the process easier for third country nationals. These include the Danish Job Card scheme and the Danish Green Card scheme.