If you’re planning to work in Denmark, this update is essential. As of 1 July 2025, Denmark has expanded its Positive List—the official system that identifies occupations eligible for fast-tracked residence and work permits for international professionals.
The latest update includes 190 job titles for highly educated professionals and 65 for skilled workers, reflecting the country’s ongoing need for talent across multiple sectors.
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What Is Denmark’s Positive List?
Denmark’s Positive List is a structured immigration pathway that allows foreign nationals to apply for residence and work permits if they have job offers in occupations facing labor shortages.
There are two separate lists:
- Positive List for People with Higher Education
- Positive List for Skilled Work
If your job appears on either list and you receive an offer from a Danish employer, you may be eligible to apply for a fast-tracked permit. These lists are updated twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July, by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).
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What’s New in the July 2025 Update?
190 Higher Education Roles
The updated list now includes 190 job titles for professionals with university-level education. Key sectors include:
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Business and Finance
65 Skilled Work Roles
The Skilled Work Positive List now features 65 job titles, reflecting increased demand for tradespeople and technical specialists. This includes:
- Construction and machinery
- Culinary and hospitality
- Transportation
- Agriculture
- Health and caregiving
The expansion is partly due to ongoing shortages and a rule requiring roles to remain on the list for at least 24 months after first being included.
Who Is Eligible Under the Positive List Programs?
For Highly Educated Professionals
You may qualify if:
- You hold a university-level degree relevant to a listed occupation
- Your degree aligns with the position’s requirements
- You have a job offer for one of the listed roles
- Your salary meets Danish minimum standards
Permits are typically issued for the length of your contract, up to four years.
For Skilled Workers
You may qualify if:
- Your job appears on the Skilled Work Positive List
- You have technical training, a vocational certificate, or equivalent qualifications
- Your employer meets Danish salary and employment standards
All applications are reviewed by SIRI to ensure they meet income and job criteria.
Examples From Denmark’s Skilled Work Positive List (July 2025)
| Category | Example Roles |
|---|---|
| Science and Engineering | Technical designer, energy advisor |
| Business and Administration | Sales consultant, bookkeeper |
| Healthcare | Social care aide (requires Danish approval) |
| Trades and Machinery | Auto mechanic, electrician, CNC operator |
| IT and Technology | IT technician, support assistant |
| Hospitality and Culinary | Sous chef, kitchen manager, chef |
| Transport | Train driver |
| Agriculture | Landscape gardener, greenkeeper |
| Services | Real estate agent, hairdresser |
Note: Some healthcare roles may require special approval or licensing.
A full list of positions and job codes is available on SIRI’s official website.
How to Apply for a Work and Residence Permit in Denmark
If your job is on either Positive List:
- Secure a job offer from a Danish employer
- Ensure your qualifications match the job requirements
- Apply for a residence and work permit under the relevant Positive List
- Meet Denmark’s minimum income criteria
- Submit your documents to SIRI (translations into Danish or English may be required)
Processing typically takes several weeks, depending on your role and background.
Why This Matters for International Workers
The expansion of Denmark’s Positive List offers more opportunities for:
- Engineers
- Healthcare professionals
- IT specialists
- Skilled tradespeople
- Hospitality and service workers
If you’re in one of these sectors, Denmark offers a streamlined pathway to legal work and residency in one of Europe’s most stable and high-quality living environments.
With 255 occupations now approved, this could be your chance to relocate and build a long-term career in Denmark.
