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The Positive List in Denmark is a special list of professions where there is a shortage of skilled workers. It makes it easier for foreign professionals to apply for work and residence permits in Denmark.
There are two main categories under the Positive List:
• Positive List for People with a Higher Education – for jobs requiring a university degree.
• Positive List for Skilled Work – for professions needing vocational or technical qualifications.
If your job is on one of these lists, you may qualify for a faster and simpler work permit process in Denmark.
Latest Updates to the Positive List
As of July 1, 2025, the Positive List for Higher Education includes 190 job titles, while the Skilled Work List has expanded to 65 occupations. This shows Denmark’s increasing need for both highly educated professionals and skilled workers across various sectors.
The lists are updated twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, to reflect Denmark’s current labor market needs.
Why the Positive List Matters
Getting a job on the Positive List has several advantages:
• Faster application processing for work and residence permits
• No labor market test required, so employers don’t have to prove there were no qualified Danish applicants
• Pathway to long-term residence if you continue to meet the requirements
Who Qualifies for the Positive List?
For Higher Education Roles:
• You need a relevant university degree.
• For jobs added due to regional shortages, your permit may be tied to a specific area.
For Skilled Work Roles:
• You must have vocational or technical training relevant to the listed occupation.
Conditions for All Positive List Jobs
Regardless of which list you fall under, certain rules apply:
• Your salary and employment terms must match Danish standards.
• Employers must meet Danish training and apprenticeship requirements.
• Salaries must be paid into a Danish bank account within 180 days of the permit being granted.
• Receiving public benefits may lead to losing your permit.
• Danish language lessons are available for free or at reduced costs to permit holders living in Denmark.
Changing Jobs or Losing Employment
If you change to another job on the Positive List, you can start working immediately after applying for a new permit—no need to wait for approval.
For Higher Education permit holders, if you lose your job, you can apply for a 6-month job-seeking permit. However, you cannot work during this period unless you find a new job on the list and apply for a new permit.
Official Sources for the Positive List
• New to Denmark – Positive List Overview
