Travel to Denmark for work

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This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Denmark’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Denmark to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Denmark is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Danish authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Denmark’s embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Denmark. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Denmark’s immigration authorities or embassy.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

translated
‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
originals, or if copies are acceptable
signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Denmark, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Denmark’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Denmark for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
giving or receiving training
negotiating deals or contracts
leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
health insurance that covers your stay
proof of accommodation for your entire stay
enough money for the duration of your trip
an invitation letter explaining your trip

Check Denmark’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

The following may not require a visa or permit in Denmark:

diplomats and those with similar diplomatic rights, including families and staff employed in the personal household
work carried out on trains and motor vehicles in international traffic
work carried out on Danish commercial ships in international traffic – the ship cannot stop at Danish ports more than 25 times a year or at a Danish shipyard more than 3 times a year
board members working in Denmark for up to 40 days a year
guest teachers working in Denmark for up to 5 days in a 180-day period at educational institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education and Science or the Ministry of Culture

Special work assignments for up to 90 days

Special work assignments are exempt if they’re for no more than 90 days, including:

researchers and lecturers invited to teach
researchers working with a Danish university or company
PhD candidates attending a screening process
artists, musicians and other entertainers with an essential role in an important artistic event
representatives of UK organisations in Denmark on business trips to set up contracts, or to buy and sell products or services – you’ll need a work permit if you work for a company in Denmark
domestic employees of non-Danish employers visiting Denmark
professional athletes and coaches participating in major athletic events or trying out for a sports club – you’ll need a work permit if you sign an employment contract

After-sales installation work

Fitters, consultants or instructors also do not need a visa or permit for fitting and installation work covered by a new after-sales agreement.

This includes fitting, installing, inspecting, repairing and providing information on machinery or software. You must be employed by the company that manufactured the equipment.

If servicing is later required for adjustments, maintenance or to upgrade equipment then you will need to get a work permit.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

an assignment letter
an employment confirmation letter
a contract
proof of required qualifications, such as a degree or professional certificate, or proof of artistic activities
CV

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Denmark’s embassy or immigration authorities.

You can check if any work you want to carry out is exempt with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

Exemptions would be covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Employees within affiliated companies

Affiliated companies are companies that are part of the same group. You do not need a visa or permit if you are coming to Denmark from an overseas affiliated company to work.

You are allowed to work for two separate periods of up to 15 days per visit in a 180-day period. You must stay outside Denmark for at least 14 days between the two working periods. Find more information on this exemption

The exemption does not apply if you are working in one of the following sectors:

building and construction
farming
forestry andhorticulture
cleaning (including window cleaning)
hotels and restaurants

You can check if any work you want to carry out is exempt with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

Exemptions would be covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

an assignment letter
an employment confirmation letter
a contract
proof of required qualifications, such as a degree or professional certificate, or proof of artistic activities
CV

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Denmark’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Denmark’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Taking your family

If you have a spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner, and children under 18 they can join you with the permits in this guide. They will also be allowed to work in Denmark.

Find out about applying as a family member.

Your salary must be paid into a Danish bank account

For most permits, your salary must be paid into a Danish bank account if you’re staying longer than 90 days.

If your on assignment you can stay on UK payroll, but your salary will still need to be transferred into a Danish bank account by your employer.

Short and long-term permits

You can get a short-term residence and work permit if you’ve been offered work with a company in Denmark that’s been fast-track certified by SIRI.

The fast-track scheme makes it easier and quicker for certified companies in Denmark to recruit employees with special qualifications from outside Denmark.

You can also get a longer-term residence and work permit under the scheme.

You need to apply for a long-term permit if you’re in Denmark because you’re:

Long-term permits are valid for up to 4 years depending on which one you need.

If you’re self-employed you can only work in Denmark if you qualify for the Start-up Denmark scheme.

Short-term permit for employees of fast-track certified companies

To qualify for a fast-track certified permit the company you work for must be certified.

You must meet the same eligibility criteria as for the pay limit scheme or positive list work permits.

It normally takes 1 month to get, but you can apply for a quick job start. With the quick job start scheme you can get an interim work permit while your application is processing.

It’s valid for up to 90 days in a year. You can use the 90 days across several stays in Denmark. You cannot extend it but there are longer-term permits available under the scheme.

How it works

You need to check with the Danish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You and your employer  apply online for your residence and work permit with SIRI.
Book an appointment through VFS Global.
You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate or VFS office in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.
You apply for a central person register number (CPR) and tax card with the international citizens service (ICS) in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
proof of application fee payment
employment contract, recent job offer, or assignment agreement (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
relevant degree or qualification certificates and transcripts
marriage certificate, if married
birth certificates of any children
proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Transferring to a branch in Denmark, or employed on a Danish contract

You need to apply for one of the following permits if your UK-based employer is transferring you to a branch in Denmark, or if you’ve been offered employment with a company in Denmark:

Positive List

You can apply for a positive list residence and work permit if you have a shortage occupation from one of Denmark’s ‘positive lists’. There are 2 lists which are updated twice a year for:

You must:

have an education background that qualifies you for the job
earn at least the same salary as similar jobs in Denmark
have your salary paid into a Danish bank account, if you’re staying longer than 90 days (for skilled workers) or 180 days (for workers with a higher education)

This permit takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with the Danish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You and your employer apply online for your residence and work permit with SIRI.
Book an appointment through VFS Global.
You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate or VFS office in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.
You apply for a central person register number (CPR) and tax card with the international citizens service (ICS) in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
proof of application fee payment
employment contract, recent job offer or assignment agreement (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
relevant degree or qualification certificates and transcripts
marriage certificate, if married
birth certificates of any children
proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Pay Limit Scheme

You can apply for a residence and work permit under the Pay Limit Scheme if you’ve been offered a highly paid position in Denmark.

You must either:

have an offer of employment with a Danish company and be placed on the Danish company’s payroll (local employment)
keep your employment contract and payroll in the UK, if you’re transferring to a branch in Denmark (on assignment)

You must also:

meet salary requirements
have your salary paid into a Danish bank account

This permit normally takes 30 days to get. If your employer is certified with the fast-track scheme, it may take less time.

The permit is valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with the Danish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You and your employer  apply online for your residence and work permit with SIRI.
Book an appointment through VFS Global.
You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate or VFS office in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.
You apply for a central person register number (CPR and tax card with the international citizens service (ICS) in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
proof of application fee payment
employment contract, recent job offer or assignment agreement (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
relevant degree or qualification certificates and transcripts
marriage certificate, if married
birth certificates of any children
proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme

You can apply for a residence and work permit under this scheme if you’ve been offered an annual salary of at least DKK 393,000 for 2024 in Denmark. The minimum amount is adjusted every year.

The position offered must have been advertised on Jobnet and the EURES portal for at least 2 weeks before applying.

Additionally, you can only apply to this scheme if the unemployment rate in Demark has been below 3.75 percent in the last 3 months.

You must either:

have an offer of employment with a Danish company and be placed on the Danish company’s payroll or (local employment)
keep your employment contract and payroll in the UK, if you’re transferring to a branch in Denmark (on assignment)

You must also:

meet salary requirements
have your salary paid into a Danish bank account
not have received a fine of DKK 3,000 or more under the Criminal Code, the Act on Euphoriant Substances, the Act on Weapons and Explosives, etc. or the Aliens Act

This permit normally takes 30 days to get. If your employer is certified with the fast-track scheme, it may take less time.

The permit is valid for up to 5 years and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with the Danish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You or your employer apply online for your residence and work permit with SIRI.
Book an appointment through VFS global.
You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.
You apply for a central person register number (CPR) and tax card with the international citizens service (ICS) in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months. in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
proof of application fee payment
employment contract, recent job offer or assignment agreement (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
relevant degree or qualification certificates and transcripts
marriage certificate, if married
birth certificates of any children
proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Start-up entrepreneurs

You need a Start-up Denmark residence and work permit if:

you’re an entrepreneur and want to set up a company in Denmark or
you want to conduct business in Denmark through a Danish branch of a foreign self-employed business

You can also apply for this permit type if you have a team of up to 3 people, for example co-owners or founders.

You must:

have an innovative business idea approved by the Danish Business Authority
actively participate in the day-to-day operations of the company
have enough money for your first year in Denmark, for you and your family if they’re joining you

The start-up permit takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

You must apply for a new residence and work permit if:

the purpose of your company changes considerably
you shut down your company and open a new one

How it works

You need to check with the Danish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You apply online for your Start-up Denmark residence and work permit with SIRI.
Book an appointment through VFS global.
You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.
You apply for a central person register number (CPR) and tax card with the international citizens service (ICS) in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
proof of application fee payment
approval from the Danish Business Authority’s panel of experts
annual report or budget, preferably reviewed by an accountant
proof you can support yourself financially
company ownership documentation, if applicable
marriage certificate, if married
birth certificates of any children
proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Research work

To qualify for a residence and work permit for researchers you must:

have an offer of employment for research with a company or research institution in Denmark
earn a salary that is in line with Danish standards for your professional field
have your salary paid into a Danish bank account, if your stay exceeds 180 days

The permit for researchers takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with the Danish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You and your employer apply online for your residence and work permit with SIRI.
You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.
You apply for a central person register number (CPR) and tax card with the international citizens service (ICS) in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months. Find your closest ICS.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
proof of application fee payment
employment contract or recent job offer agreement (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
marriage certificate, if married
birth certificates of any children
proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Working as a herdsperson or farm manager

You need a residence and work permit in agriculture to work as a herdsperson or farm manager in Denmark.

To qualify you must:

have the required professional qualifications
earn a salary in line Danish standards for your profession
have your salary paid into a Danish bank account

The permit in agriculture takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with the Danish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You and your employer apply online for your residence and work permit with SIRI.
You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.
You apply for a central person register number (CPR) and tax card with the international citizens service (ICS) in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months. Find your closest ICS.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
proof of application fee payment
employment contract or recent job offer agreement from a Danish agricultural employer (dated within 30 days), including salary information, employment conditions and a job description
proof of qualifications
marriage certificate, if married
birth certificates of any children
proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Working as an artist, athlete or specialised chef

You can apply for a special individual qualifications residence and work permit if you’re:

a performer or artist, such as a singer, musician or conductor, performing in an artistic production
a professional athlete or coach if it’s your main job – full-time or at least 20 hours a week that is usual for your sport
a specialised chef with the relevant qualifications and extensive experience working in an innovative position

It may also be used for other jobs that require specialist qualifications.

If your trip to Denmark is for less than 90 days you may be exempt from needing a work permit.

To qualify for a special individual qualifications permit you must:

be able to show that the job has to be carried out by you
earn a salary that’s in line with Danish standards for your profession
have your salary paid into a Danish bank account

This permit takes 30 days to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with the Danish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You and your employer apply online for your residence and work permit with SIRI.
You attend a biometrics appointment at the Danish consulate in the UK, or at a biometrics centre in Denmark within 14 days of applying for your permit.
You apply for a central person register number (CPR) and tax card with the international citizens service (ICS) in Denmark, if your total stay will exceed 3 months. Find your closest ICS.

Application documents

Danish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

copy of UK passport for you and any dependants, including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
proof of application fee payment
employment contract or recent job offer agreement with a Danish arts or sports organisation, or restaurant (dated within 30 days), including salary, employment conditions and a job description
relevant professional qualifications
advance statement if you’re a professional athlete – not compulsory
marriage certificate, if married
birth certificates of any children
proof of accommodation in Denmark, such as a lease agreement (required after arrival)

Danish government guidance

Read official Danish government information on:

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Denmark, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

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Travel to Denmark for work

Entry requirements

Visa and permit documents

Check if you need a visa or permit

Border checks

Check Denmark’s exemptions

Special work assignments for up to 90 days

After-sales installation work

Show proof of exemption

Further checks

Employees within affiliated companies

Show proof of exemption

Further checks

Applying for a visa or permit

Taking your family

Your salary must be paid into a Danish bank account

Short and long-term permits

Short-term permit for employees of fast-track certified companies

How it works

Application documents

Transferring to a branch in Denmark, or employed on a Danish contract

Positive List

How it works

Application documents

Pay Limit Scheme

How it works

Application documents

Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme

How it works

Application documents

Start-up entrepreneurs

How it works

Application documents

Research work

How it works

Application documents

Working as a herdsperson or farm manager

How it works

Application documents

Working as an artist, athlete or specialised chef

How it works

Application documents

Danish government guidance

Check for travel changes

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