Filipino applicants · Kingdom of Denmark
Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten) for Filipino citizens
Work permit for occupations on Denmark's shortage list — lower salary threshold than the Pay Limit Scheme, but occupation-restricted.
This page covers the Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten) specifically for Filipino applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Philippines. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 1–3 months.
- Government fees
- DKK 3,665.
- Typical duration
- Up to 4 years; renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a Kingdom of Denmark consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Filipino nationals require a visa for any entry into Kingdom of Denmark. The Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The Positive List is a curated list of occupations experiencing documented labour shortages in Denmark. Workers offered a position in a listed occupation can obtain a work permit at a lower salary threshold than the Pay Limit Scheme — the salary must meet "normal Danish levels" for the occupation but does not need to exceed the Pay Limit threshold. There are two separate lists: (1) the Positive List for People with Higher Education (university-level occupations), and (2) the Supplementary Positive List for Skilled Work (vocational and technical occupations). Both lists are updated twice a year, typically in January and July. The permit leads to permanent residence on the same terms as the Pay Limit Scheme.
Additional sources
Primary source
New to Denmark — Supplementary Positive List for skilled work ↗ · SIRI
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Job offer in an occupation on the current Positive List or Supplementary Positive List (check nyidanmark.dk for the latest version — updated January and July).
- ✓Relevant qualifications for the listed occupation — the Positive List specifies the minimum qualification level for each occupation.
- ✓Salary and conditions at normal Danish levels for the occupation — not necessarily above the Pay Limit threshold.
- ✓Employer registered in Denmark.
Common blockers
- !Occupation not on the current list — the lists change every 6 months. An occupation present in January may be removed in July if the shortage is resolved.
- !Qualifications below the level specified for the occupation on the list.
- !Salary below normal Danish levels for the occupation — even though the Pay Limit threshold does not apply, SIRI still assesses whether the salary is at market rate.
Typical evidence
- ·Employment contract specifying the occupation matching a Positive List entry.
- ·Degree or qualification certificates proving eligibility for the listed occupation.
- ·Employer's CVR number.
- ·Passport.
Application pathway
Check the current Positive List
Verify your occupation appears on the current Positive List (higher education) or Supplementary Positive List (skilled work). Both are published on nyidanmark.dk and updated in January and July.
Secure a qualifying job offer
The offer must be for a position matching a listed occupation, at normal Danish salary levels, and you must hold the specified qualifications.
Apply via nyidanmark.dk
Submit the work-permit application online. Attach employment contract and qualification evidence.
Enter Denmark and register
On approval, enter Denmark and obtain your CPR number.
Not sure Kingdom of Denmark is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work sponsored routes that Filipino nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Filipino citizens eligible for the Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten)?+
Eligibility for the Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten) is set by SIRI and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Filipino applicants typically file the Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten)?+
a Kingdom of Denmark consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by SIRI — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Filipino applicants need a tourist visa for Kingdom of Denmark as well?+
Filipino nationals require a visa for any entry into Kingdom of Denmark. The Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How often is the Positive List updated?+
Twice a year — typically in January and July. The list is based on labour-market analysis by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR). Occupations are added when shortages are documented and removed when shortages ease. Always check the current version on nyidanmark.dk before applying — don't rely on an older version.
What is the difference between the Positive List and the Pay Limit Scheme?+
The Pay Limit Scheme has no occupation or qualification restrictions but requires a high salary above the Pay Limit threshold. The Positive List has occupation and qualification restrictions (your job must be on the list and you must hold the specified qualifications) but allows a lower salary — it only needs to be at "normal Danish levels" for the occupation. If your salary exceeds the Pay Limit threshold, use the Pay Limit Scheme regardless of your occupation, as it is simpler and more flexible.
Can I switch from a Positive List permit to a Pay Limit permit?+
Yes. If your salary increases above the Pay Limit threshold, or if you change to a role that exceeds the threshold, you can apply for a new permit under the Pay Limit Scheme. This can be advantageous because the Pay Limit Scheme is not tied to a specific occupation, giving you more flexibility to change roles.