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How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Denmark (2025 Edition)

Immigration

Ellie Merryweather

Author

Ellie Merryweather

Last Update

July 30, 2025

Table of Contents

How Easy Is It to Get a Work Visa in Denmark?

Are There Different Types of Entry Visas and Work Permits in Denmark?

Denmark Visa and Work Permit Eligibility Requirements for Candidates

Denmark Visa and Work-Permit Sponsorship Criteria for Employers

Denmark Work-Permit Application Process

What Is the Cost of a Visa and Work Permit in Denmark?

Is Deel Immigration the Best Choice for Hiring in Denmark?

Hire Employees in Denmark Faster with Deel Immigration

Key takeaways

  1. Businesses looking to access Denmark’s talent pool need efficient visa and work permit solutions to hire and scale quickly.
  2. Complex immigration rules, salary thresholds, and documentation requirements make the Danish visa process challenging and prone to delays or compliance risks.
  3. Deel simplifies hiring in Denmark with automated document handling, expert sponsorship, and real-time application tracking for fast, compliant work permits.

Breaking into Denmark’s dynamic talent pool or establishing a business presence there delivers a serious competitive advantage—fast innovation cycles, skilled labor, and a gateway to the Nordic region. For companies and professionals seeking cross-border growth, Denmark’s pro-business environment and high standard of living offer plenty of upside.

However, understanding the Denmark immigration requirements can be challenging. Multiple permit types, salary rules, and document demands create complexity; sponsorship headaches and compliance risks can derail even well-prepared teams. Missed paperwork or regulatory errors can delay launches, sideline critical hires, and attract penalties that hurt your brand.

That’s where Deel Immigration steps in. Deel’s immigration platform removes the guesswork: instant eligibility checks, automated document uploads, and a team of experts who handle the heavy lifting—so you stay compliant and move fast. Imagine: no more bottlenecks, no last-minute scrambles, just your global talent onboarded right on schedule. With Deel, you unlock Danish growth with less stress and more speed.

How Easy Is It to Get a Work Visa in Denmark?

Denmark offers six primary work-permit categories, providing multiple pathways for employment-based immigration in 2025. The process is straightforward for roles that meet clear salary and qualification thresholds, and employers simply need to demonstrate genuine business operations.

Factor Details
Labor market conditions Applications related to jobs where there is a skills or labor shortage are more likely to be approved.
Skills & education level of applicant Generally, highly skilled foreigners have a higher chance of obtaining a work permit.
Minimum salary requirements In assessing visa/permit applications, the immigration authorities will review the salary offered and compare it to the market rate based on the job position and location in Denmark. In some cases, the authorities may request a salary raise even if the application meets the prescribed minimum salary requirements for the given visa/permit.

Deel gives us the peace of mind of knowing that in these visa situations, the employee will get the support they need.

Leanne Schofield,

Head of People at Form3

Are There Different Types of Entry Visas and Work Permits in Denmark?

Denmark provides various work permits, such as:

  • Business Visa (Type C): Short-term Schengen visa allowing professionals to attend business activities in Denmark for up to 90 days within 180 days, requiring an invitation and valid travel insurance.

  • Pay Limit Scheme Permit: A 2-year renewable work visa for highly skilled specialists earning above DKK 448,000 annually, based on a qualifying job offer and matching credentials, without a labor-market test.

  • Dependent Visa: For spouses and children under 18 of eligible permit holders, requiring proof of family ties, sufficient income, and housing, valid for the same duration as the principal permit.

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Deel helps me get things done quicker, easier and more cost effectively. We can offer unparalleled worker mobility and flexibility which our team values.

Emma Leipold,

Senior Global Mobility and Total Rewards Partner at ZipCo

Deel Immigration
Get worldwide visas without the legwork
Hire and retain the best global talent, while smoothing out the usual visa hurdles. Deel’s in-house immigration support handles the entire visa process, enabling employees to work from 50+ countries—and counting.

Denmark Visa and Work Permit Eligibility Requirements for Candidates

Candidates must meet certain requirements, depending on which visa or work permit they are applying for.

Visa Type Pay Limit Scheme Permit Dependent Visa
Target Industries None None
Target Candidate Foreigners who have been offered a job with a high salary in Denmark. Dependents of Pay Limit Scheme permit holder.
Candidate Requirements Basic: Non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizen Age: None Minimum education/qualification: None Minimum work experience: None- Past income: None Basic: Recognized dependents (spouse, registered partner, co-habiting partner, co-habiting children under 18, other family members) Age: None Minimum education/qualification: Non Minimum work experience: None Past income: None
Job Offer Requirements Job title: None Job description: None Employment duration: None Minimum salary: As of Jan 1, 2025, at least DKK 514,000 annually. Certain positions (IT, architects, engineers, senior roles, developers, administrators) may require higher salaries. Salary includes only fixed guaranteed supplements, contributions to pension schemes (employer + employee), and paid holiday allowance. Salary must be paid to a Danish bank account. Job title: None Job description: None Employment duration: None Minimum salary: None
Validity Indefinite contracts: 3 to 4 years. Fixed-term contracts: Visa validity matches contract duration. Same validity period as the main applicant's visa.
Processing Time 1–3 months 2 months
Can the Employee Start Working Before Visa is Secured? Yes No

For a fast, expert assessment of eligibility—with a clear breakdown of costs—Deel offers a 48-hour visa and work permit evaluation.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Because Deel makes the immigration process extremely straightforward, myself and the rest of the TalentQL team are able to focus on the core aspects of our operations, without expending too much time or resources. You simply upload everything to the dashboard, and Deel’s team takes it from there.

Adewale Yusuf,

Co-founder at TalentQL and CEO of AltSchool Africa

Denmark Visa and Work-Permit Sponsorship Criteria for Employers

Employers must be registered Danish companies or have a Danish branch with genuine business operations to sponsor work permits, without fixed capital or headcount minimums. Firms need to demonstrate real commercial activity, submit company registration documents, and confirm the job offer matches company operations.

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) simplifies sponsorship by having the EOR registered locally file applications, manage payroll and taxes, and ensure ongoing compliance. The EOR takes on all official employer duties—contract issuance, social-security payments, and liaison with immigration authorities.

Deel Immigration, a G2-leading Employer of Record in 150+ countries, can sponsor employees across 40+ visa and permit categories. With over 200 permits in its caseload, it delivers unmatched speed and volume management, backed by real-time compliance monitoring and self-serve document uploads.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Deel's immigration experts guide us through critical decisions, especially in complex countries like the United States, always ensuring legal compliance in each applicable state.

David Holguín,

Benefits and Mobility Manager at FEMSA

Effortless Visa Sponsorship
Don’t meet the requirements to sponsor workers’ visas?
Deel’s EOR-sponsored visas provide a simple and accelerated solution to visa sponsorship. Businesses can hire and relocate employees and their dependents to another country through Deel’s local entity for a streamlined and hands-off visa procurement process.

Denmark Work-Permit Application Process

Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your visa or work permit:

Step one: Prepare documentation

Prepare all necessary documentation including a valid passport, proof of qualifications, and an employment contract. Applicants upload documents via the Deel platform while sponsors confirm job details.

Tip: Use Deel’s platform to create compliant job offers and support document storage.

Step two: Employer registration

Ensure the sponsoring employer meets Danish registration and business activity requirements. The Deel platform verifies company credentials and automates submission of registration certificates.

Step three: Employer submits application

Submit the application to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) online or via authorized channels. Deel handles form filling and fees payment through its dashboard.

Step four: Wait for processing and receive decision

Await processing and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation. Deel’s real-time alerts notify you of status changes within the app.

Step five: Finalize

Receive the decision and, if approved, complete any final formalities such as visa issuance or residence card collection. Deel guides you on embassy appointments or local pick-up instructions.

Tip: Book your embassy slot as soon as you get the approval letter.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

I was still in China and Deel took care of everything. I sent in my documents and made the payment, and everything was done.

Michael Li,

General Manager at AMB Digital Agency

Platform Tour
Manage Global Employee Visas with Deel Immigration
Discover how to request visa services and view employee visas all in one powerful platform with Deel Immigration. Click to experience a platform tour and see how easy global expansion can be.

What Is the Cost of a Visa and Work Permit in Denmark?

Application fees vary by permit class, applicant nationality, and number of dependents. Major cost drivers include the type of permit and whether dependents apply simultaneously.

Visa Type Government Fees Documentation Fees Notes
Pay Limit Scheme Permit DKK 6,055 per application USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process Government fees are estimated only and may vary on a case-by-case basis.
Dependent Visa DKK 2,880 per application USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process Government fees are estimated only and may vary on a case-by-case basis.

Is Deel Immigration the Best Choice for Hiring in Denmark?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration streamlines the complex Danish immigration landscape, making it easier than ever to hire qualified talent under Denmark’s Positive List and Pay Limit Scheme work permits. With expert support and cutting-edge technology, Deel ensures compliance while accelerating your hiring process.

  • End-to-end immigration management tailored for Denmark’s specific visa categories
  • Fast, free visa assessments providing clarity on eligibility and costs within 48 hours
  • Personalized expert support guiding you through Danish employer sponsorship and candidate requirements
  • Real-time application tracking with instant alerts on status updates and document requests
  • Automated renewal reminders and dependent visa support to keep your workforce compliant and secure

With Deel Immigration, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to accelerating and simplifying hiring. Let’s explore how Deel can help you hire faster and smarter.

We leave everything in Deel's hands ... but it is good to have transparency and a lot of visibility as to how the case is developing.

Valeria Rosati,

HR Operations Lead at Taktile

Hire Employees in Denmark Faster with Deel Immigration

Navigating Denmark’s work permit system can be time-consuming, but with Deel Immigration, you gain access to accelerated processing and self-serve document uploads that cut down delays significantly. Our platform automates form submissions and fee payments, while our experts handle compliance checks, so you can focus on growing your team without immigration headaches.

Book a free consultation today to unlock fast, expert guidance on Denmark’s Positive List and Pay Limit Scheme permits. Benefit from Deel’s end-to-end immigration management that ensures every step—from employer registration to dependent visa applications—is handled efficiently and correctly. Don’t let bureaucracy slow your hiring—partner with Deel and hire in Denmark with confidence and speed.

FAQs

Fees typically range from DKK 3,000 to DKK 6,000 (USD 450 to USD 900) depending on the permit type. For example, the Pay Limit Scheme Permit costs around DKK 6,000, while Business and Dependent Visas are closer to DKK 3,000 each.

Yes, dependents such as spouses and children under 18 can apply for a Dependent Visa, which aligns with the principal permit’s validity. Deel provides automated reminders to ensure timely submission of family documents.

No, Denmark currently does not have a specific visa for remote workers or digital nomads.

Denmark only issues traditional work permits like the Positive List and Pay Limit Scheme. There is no digital nomad visa option as of 2025.

Work permits require employment with a registered Danish company or branch, meeting salary thresholds (e.g., DKK 448,000 annually for Pay Limit Scheme), and maintaining valid health insurance and accommodation.

Changing employers typically requires a new work permit application sponsored by the new employer. Deel’s platform helps manage these transitions smoothly.

Applicants may appeal or reapply depending on the refusal reasons. Deel’s experts assist with compliance and documentation to improve approval chances.

Yes, employees on Danish work permits are subject to Danish tax and social security laws. Deel manages payroll and compliance to ensure proper deductions.

Yes, but they must adhere to Schengen Area rules. Short-term Business Visas allow multiple entries; longer permits require valid residence cards.

After continuous residence and meeting integration criteria, permit holders may apply for permanent residency. Deel provides guidance on maintaining compliance throughout.

Employers must verify candidate eligibility, maintain genuine business operations, and comply with Danish immigration laws. Deel’s compliance monitoring and alerts help employers meet these obligations.

While Danish language skills are not universally mandatory, some permits or employment sectors may require proficiency. Valid health insurance covering the entire stay is mandatory.

Deel offers end-to-end immigration management, including fast visa assessments, document uploads, real-time application tracking, dependent visa support, automated renewal reminders, and expert personalized assistance to ensure smooth, compliant hiring in Denmark.

Ellie Merryweather

Ellie Merryweather is a content marketing manager with a decade of experience in tech, leadership, startups, and the creative industries. A long-time remote worker, she's passionate about WFH productivity hacks and fostering company culture across globally distributed teams. She also writes and speaks on the ethical implementation of AI, advocating for transparency, fairness, and human oversight in emerging technologies to ensure innovation benefits both businesses and society.