Kingdom of Denmark · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Fast-Track Scheme (Fast-Track-ordningen)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Accelerated work-permit processing for workers hired by SIRI-certified Danish employers — work can begin within days.
- Processing time
- Days — the worker can begin immediately; the permit is processed while they are already working.
- Government fees
- DKK 3,665.
- Typical duration
- Up to 4 years.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Fast-Track Scheme allows SIRI-certified Danish companies to hire foreign workers with dramatically accelerated processing. The worker can enter Denmark and begin work within days of submitting the application — the permit is processed while the worker is already employed. To be eligible, the employer must be SIRI-certified (requires meeting size, tax-compliance, and labour-market-conditions criteria). Workers must meet one of three tracks: (1) Highly Qualified (university degree + salary above the Pay Limit threshold), (2) Specialised (specialised skills needed by the company — assessed case-by-case), or (3) Training (short-term, up to 3 months). The Fast-Track Scheme is particularly popular with international tech companies, consulting firms, and multinationals with Danish offices.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The employer must be SIRI-certified — certification requires meeting criteria on company size, tax compliance, and labour-market conditions. Certification must be applied for in advance and is valid for 4 years.
- ✓The worker meets one of three tracks: (1) Highly Qualified (degree + salary above Pay Limit), (2) Specialised (specific skills — assessed case-by-case), or (3) Training (up to 3 months).
Common blockers
- !Employer not SIRI-certified — certification requires the company to meet size and compliance criteria and takes several weeks to obtain.
- !Worker does not fit any of the three tracks.
Typical evidence
- ·Employment contract and employer's SIRI certification number.
- ·Degree certificates (for Highly Qualified track).
- ·Description of specialised skills (for Specialised track).
Application pathway
Employer obtains SIRI certification
The company applies to SIRI for Fast-Track certification. This is a one-time process (valid 4 years) and requires demonstrating company size, tax compliance, and acceptable labour-market conditions.
Submit Fast-Track application
The certified employer submits the application through nyidanmark.dk. The worker can enter Denmark on a business visa or visa-free entry (depending on nationality) and begin work immediately.
Work begins while permit is processed
The worker starts employment within days. SIRI processes the permit in the background — it is issued while the worker is already in Denmark and working.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicant + sponsorApply through the Fast-Track Scheme ↗
Certified employers and applicants use this page to create the case order and submit the fast-track work-permit application.
SIRI · verified
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Related routes
Pay Limit Scheme (Beloebsordningen)
Denmark's salary-threshold work permit — no occupation or qualification restrictions if the annual salary exceeds the Pay Limit threshold.
Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten)
Work permit for occupations on Denmark's shortage list — lower salary threshold than the Pay Limit Scheme, but occupation-restricted.
Frequently asked questions
How fast is the Fast-Track Scheme?+
The worker can typically enter Denmark and begin work within days of the application being submitted. This is dramatically faster than the standard 1–3 month processing for the Pay Limit or Positive List schemes. The formal permit is processed and issued while the worker is already employed in Denmark. This makes it the fastest work-permit route in Denmark.
How does the employer get SIRI-certified?+
The company applies to SIRI for Fast-Track certification. Requirements include meeting size criteria (minimum number of employees), being tax-compliant, and offering employment conditions meeting Danish standards. Certification is valid for 4 years and covers all future Fast-Track hires during that period. Most major Danish employers (Novo Nordisk, Maersk, Vestas, Carlsberg, etc.) and many international companies with Danish offices are already certified.
Can I change to a different employer after arriving on Fast-Track?+
If you want to change employers, the new employer must also be SIRI-certified, or you must apply for a standard work permit (Pay Limit or Positive List). You cannot simply switch to any employer — the Fast-Track privilege is tied to certified employers.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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