Country Profiles

Denmark

February 2012

This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Denmark. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.

Overview

BUSINESS VISITOR

Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:

  • Attending business meetings or discussions;
  • Making sales calls to potential clients provided that the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of Denmark;
  • Attending seminars or "fact-finding" meetings.

Type of Business Visas - The Schengen "C" visa is the typical visa issued to business travelers. Note that many nationalities benefit from a visa waiver arrangement with the Schengen area and are permitted to enter visa free for business visits of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.

Basic Requirements -

  1. Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
  2. Proof of medical coverage of at least EUR 30,000;
  3. Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Denmark;
  4. No intention to permanently reside in Denmark;
  5. A ticket for onward travel from Denmark;
  6. Proof of funds.

Estimated Processing Times - This varies by diplomatic post and country.

Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Denmark for up to90 days out of 180duringthe visa validity period. Visas cannot be extended in or out country, only in cases of serious health or travel restriction issues.

Typical Documents Required -
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:

  • a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases;
  • a valid visa or authority to enter Denmark.

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Basic Requirements - The Danish Immigration Service operates a number of special schemes allowing highly skilled migrants to obtain residence and work permits for Denmark.Oneprincipalimmigration category for temporary employment in Denmark is the Pay Limit Scheme.Thispermit is for employers who would like to sponsor approved skilled workers, whose salary meets a certain, specified level (currently DKK 31,250/month),to fill skilled positions in Denmark.

Process Overview - The process for obtaining a work and residence permit for skilled workers involves a three-step process summarized below:

  1. Work and residence authorization;
  2. Work visa;
  3. Local Registration.

Additional schemes include:

  • The Positive List is a list of the professions and fields currently experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals. Persons with job-specific education, who have been offered a job in one of these professions or fields, benefit from simplified access to the Danish labor market;
  • The Corporate scheme makes it possible for employees in a company outside Denmark to be stationed in the company's Danish subsidiary, parent or sister company or similar for a period of time;
  • The Green Card scheme makes it possible for highly qualified professionals to come to Denmark in order to seek work and, subsequently, to work in Denmark.

Estimated Processing Time -four to sixweeks

Validity periods - Validity depends on what is stated in the employment contract. Maximum initial validity is 4 years. In all cases, candidate must have a valid passport for 4 years and 3 months as permit will expire 3 months before passport does. Permits are renewable.

Family Members -Secondary/ family dependantsare granted permission towork and study.