Agricultural trainees
Residence permits for trainees in farming, horticulture and forestry – and help with SIRI checks
Danish farms, market gardens and forestry businesses can take foreign trainees who are enrolled in an agricultural education in their home country. The trainee needs a residence permit as a trainee within agriculture, which is granted by SIRI (the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration).
The scheme is under tightened control. In 2026 SIRI found errors in more than half of the cases it checked, and even small errors in pay can cost the trainee the residence permit. We help both trainees and farms with the application – and with cases where SIRI has opened a check.
Requirements for the trainee
- You are between 18 and 29 years old when you apply
- You are enrolled in a relevant agricultural education – you cannot get the permit if you are no longer studying
- You have passed a language test at level A2 or higher in Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German
- You have a traineeship agreement with a Danish farm, market garden or forestry business
The permit is granted for up to 18 months, but not longer than the traineeship agreement. If the traineeship is combined with 6–8 months at a Danish agricultural school, the total period can be up to 24 months. You normally cannot bring your family, and you cannot change employer without applying for a new permit. Processing time is currently up to 6 months.
Requirements for pay and conditions
Pay and employment conditions must follow the applicable collective agreement throughout the traineeship – including weekend supplements, overtime supplements, the free-choice account, pay increases and holidays. The salary must be paid into a Danish bank account in the trainee’s name.
- Only cash salary, pension contributions and paid holiday count
- Housing, meals, car, phone and internet do not count – and must not be deducted from pay contrary to the collective agreement
- The trainee must have a Danish bank account no later than 90 days after the permit is granted or after arrival
SIRI’s checks of agricultural trainees
SIRI has tightened its checks significantly. In a random check of 181 cases, SIRI found errors in 94 – that is 52 per cent. The errors included missing weekend supplements, missing payments to the free-choice account, missing pay increases and agreement supplements, unlawful deductions for board and lodging, and breaches of holiday rules. SIRI now reviews all relevant cases systematically.
What a check can lead to
- For the trainee: The residence and work permit can be revoked – even for minor errors, and even if the employer pays the difference afterwards.
- For the employer: Police report and a fine. SIRI has already reported several farmers to the police.
The government has also announced that the current scheme will be replaced by a new one. We follow developments and will update this page when the new rules are known.
How we help
- Trainees: If you have received a letter from SIRI about a check or revocation, we review the case and help you reply before the deadline. If you have received a decision, we assess whether it should be appealed.
- Farms: We review contracts, payslips and time sheets before SIRI does – so errors are found and corrected in time.
Frequently asked questions
Who can become an agricultural trainee in Denmark?
People aged 18 to 29 who are enrolled in a relevant agricultural education, have passed a language test at A2 level and have a traineeship agreement with a Danish farm, market garden or forestry business.
How long can an agricultural trainee stay in Denmark?
Up to 18 months. If the traineeship is combined with a stay at a Danish agricultural school, the period can be up to 24 months.
Can a trainee lose the permit because of the employer’s mistakes?
Yes. SIRI can revoke the trainee’s permit if pay and conditions have not followed the collective agreement – even for minor errors such as missing weekend supplements.
May the farm deduct housing and meals from the pay?
Only to the extent the collective agreement allows. Housing and meals also do not count as part of the salary.
Last updated September 2026. Sources: nyidanmark.dk – Trainees, uim.dk – SIRI checks, June 2026. Amounts and rules change regularly – we always check the current requirements in your case.
Has SIRI contacted you?
Whether you are a trainee or a farmer, if you have received a letter about a check or revocation, send it to us. We review the case and help you reply before the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Who can become an agricultural trainee?
People aged 18 to 29 who are studying or have completed a relevant agricultural education, have passed a language test at A2 level and have a traineeship agreement with a Danish farm, horticultural business or forestry business.
How long can the traineeship last?
The permit is granted for the period covered by the traineeship agreement. The traineeship must be part of or relevant to your education, and the permit cannot be extended beyond what the rules allow.
What pay must a trainee receive?
Pay must follow the applicable collective agreement for agricultural trainees. Board and lodging can be deducted at fixed rates. Pay must be paid into a Danish bank account.
What must the farm provide?
The farm must sign a traineeship agreement, ensure collectively agreed terms and suitable housing, and make sure the traineeship has real educational content. SIRI can inspect the conditions.
Can a trainee change farms?
The permit covers the specific traineeship agreement. To change farms, a new application is needed before work starts with the new host.
Are new rules on the way?
The government has announced a new scheme for foreign labour in agriculture. We will update this page when the rules are adopted. Contact us if you want to know how they may affect your plans.
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