The Positive List 2026
Work permit for positions with a shortage of labour
Work permit under the Positive List
The Positive Lists are lists of positions where Denmark lacks qualified labour. If you have been offered a job in one of the positions on the list, you can apply for a work and residence permit – without your salary having to reach a specific pay limit.
There are two Positive Lists:
- The Positive List for people with a higher education – e.g. engineers, IT specialists, doctors and nurses
- The Positive List for skilled workers – e.g. craftsmen and other skilled positions
Requirements – Positive List for higher education
- The position is on the current Positive List
- You have a relevant education at least at bachelor level (some positions require a master's or professional bachelor's degree)
- You are employed full-time
- Salary and terms of employment meet Danish standards
- The salary is paid into a Danish bank account no later than 180 days after the permit
- If the profession requires Danish authorisation, you must have it
Requirements – Positive List for skilled workers
- The position is on the Positive List for skilled workers
- You have an education at least at skilled level that is relevant to the position
- Salary and terms of employment meet Danish standards
- Some positions require Danish authorisation, e.g. social and healthcare assistant
The salary must be standard – not a fixed limit
There is no fixed pay limit on the Positive List, but SIRI assesses whether the salary is standard for the position in Denmark, even when the contract refers to a collective agreement. A salary that is too low is one of the most common reasons for refusal, so we check the salary level before applying.
The lists change several times a year
The Positive Lists are updated on 1 January and 1 July and can be adjusted regionally on 1 April and 1 October. A position that is on the list today will not necessarily be there in six months – it is important to apply while the position is on the list.
Fee and processing time
The fee is DKK 6,810 in 2026. For higher education, the normal processing time is 1 month (up to 3 months); for skilled workers it is 3 months (up to 4 months). Your family can apply for residence as accompanying family members.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Positive Lists?
There are two lists: one for people with a higher education and one for skilled workers. They show positions where Denmark lacks labour. The lists are updated twice a year, most recently on 1 January 2026.
What education do I need?
Your education must match the job you are hired for and the requirement on the list – for example a bachelor's or master's degree for the higher education list, or a vocational qualification for the skilled workers list. SIRI assesses whether the education is relevant.
Is there a salary requirement?
There is no fixed pay limit, but salary and conditions must match Danish standards for the position. Benefits such as housing, car and phone do not count.
What if my profession requires Danish authorisation?
Then you must hold the authorisation, or have it confirmed, before you can get a permit. This applies to doctors, nurses and some engineering fields, for example. You apply for it with the relevant authority, such as the Danish Patient Safety Authority.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Normally 1 month, and up to 3 months if information is missing. The fee is DKK 6,810.
What if the position is removed from the list?
If you already have a permit, you keep it as long as you stay in the same job. If the position is removed before you apply, you can no longer use the Positive List, but other options such as the Pay Limit Scheme may apply.
Last updated September 2026. Source: nyidanmark.dk – The Positive List (higher education), nyidanmark.dk – The Positive List for skilled workers. Amounts and rules change regularly – we always check the current requirements in your case.
Review of your case
We check whether the position is on the list, whether your education matches and whether the salary is standard – before you pay any fees.
Get help with your application
We go through your documents and tell you honestly whether you meet the requirements before you pay any fees.
Or call 32 23 38 22
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