Kingdom of Denmark · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Work permit for occupations on Denmark's shortage list — lower salary threshold than the Pay Limit Scheme, but occupation-restricted.
- 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
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
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.
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 under the Positive List ↗
Use the official Positive List page to confirm the occupation, create the case order and submit the work-permit application.
SIRI · verified
- ChecklistApplicant + sponsorCheck the skilled-work Positive List ↗
Use the supplementary official list when the role is vocational or skilled work rather than higher education.
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.
Fast-Track Scheme (Fast-Track-ordningen)
Accelerated work-permit processing for workers hired by SIRI-certified Danish employers — work can begin within days.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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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