How to Get a Job in Denmark as a Foreigner (2024)

Are you ready to go work overseas? We will show you how to get work in Denmark as a foreigner in this post.

There are over 2,170 job openings in Denmark right now that need skilled foreign workers.

When compared to other developed countries, it’s not too hard to apply to work in Denmark. Do not worry if you don’t know Danish; skilled workers from countries that speak English are eligible to apply.

Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe with a high standard of living. In terms of education, health care, civil rights, democratic government, and LGBT equality, the country is at or near the top.

Denmark is the most welcoming country in the European Union for skilled workers from around the world.

Many people move to Denmark for the stable business environment and great job prospects in many fields, such as IT, agriculture, management, health and medicine, engineering, and more.

All the necessary details for finding a job in Denmark will be covered in this article, including how to apply for jobs, write CVs and cover letters in the Danish manner, and address issues like work permits and visas.

Denmark is experiencing a labour shortage at the moment, while many countries deal with high unemployment rates.

Certain industries have a higher demand for labour than others, so if your skills are in demand, you should have an easier time navigating the Danish employment market.

The Danish government releases a “Positive List” twice a year that lists the occupations in which there is a labour shortage in Denmark.

As of right now, the list include several managerial roles in the fields of public relations, sales, marketing, IT, administration, and many more specialised occupations, such as dietitians, chemists, teachers, journalists, and civil engineers.

The Positive List for Individuals with a Higher Education or Skilled Work are the options available to you.

Those without a formal education who possess professional skills in fields like farming, carpentry, lumberjacking, etc. are considered skilled workers.

Higher education, on the other hand, is reserved for those with advanced degrees (BSC, MSC, PhD, etc.).

Visit the Danish Immigration Service’s website to view the entire Positive List.

DANISH WORK VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A work permit, visa, and residence permit are required for foreign nationals to work in Denmark.

EU nationals are able to enter the nation and begin working immediately, therefore they also don’t need to.

Foreign nationals must obtain a work permit and visa in order to enter Denmark.

A Danish work visa must be applied for online through SIRI, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.

You have the option to apply yourself or give your employer the authority to apply on your behalf through Power of Attorney.

It takes one to four months to complete the application procedure.

This is how to apply for Denmark work visa step-by-step:

STEP 1: CHOOSE A DENMARK WORK VISA SCHEME

You must choose the visa plan on the SIRI website that most closely matches your employment circumstances.

The many visa programmes that are offered include: Go here

STEP 2: CREATE A CASE ORDER ID

You next proceed to construct a case order ID after selecting the sort of visa you must apply for.

It’s like making an account, except you have to enter your email address, passport number, and personal details.

STEP 3: PAY THE DENMARK WORK VISA FEE

You have to create your Case Order ID, pay the application money, and submit it.

If you don’t complete both during the same year, your application can be denied.

The majority of work visas cost DKK 4,405 (about €590).

In the event that you pay an unnecessary fee, you will receive a refund.

STEP 4: COMPILE THE DENMARK WORK VISA DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

The following paperwork is needed when applying for a visa to Denmark:

• Passport: Verify that you have a valid passport with a minimum of two blank pages.
• Passport copy: Please do not include blank pages.
• Health insurance: Throughout your entire stay in Denmark, you must have a health insurance policy.
• Passport-size: images that adhere to Schengen photo regulations.
• Proof of visa fee payment.
• Filled-out power of attorney form: This is only necessary if you provide permission to your employer or another person to apply on your behalf.
• A job offer or contract for employment: The offer or contract cannot be more than 30 days old.
• Diploma or academic credentials: To demonstrate your suitability for the job, you must present these records.
• Danish approval for the job (if needed).

STEP 5: SEND IN THE APPLICATION

There are three methods available for submitting your work visa application for Denmark:

• Online: The SIRI website allows you to finish the application completely online. Please be aware that not everyone may be able to use this option.
• Abroad: You can also apply for a visa at an application centre in your own country or at a Danish diplomatic post abroad. You can be directed to a Norwegian or Danish diplomatic mission in the area if your nation does not have a Danish diplomatic presence.
• In Denmark: If you are currently a lawful resident of Denmark (and not a visitor), you are eligible to apply for a work visa there. Prior to submitting the application, be sure to schedule a meeting with a SIRI branch.

Recall that you still need to finish the first four steps of the online application even if you submit the documents at an embassy or SIRI branch.

STEP 6: GET A BIOMETRIC ASSESSMENT

Within 14 days of application, you must have your picture taken and your fingerprints taken at a Danish diplomatic office overseas.

The database of the immigration authority contains biometric documents.

Even if you apply online, you still need to provide your biometrics at a Danish diplomatic station.

STEP 7: AWAIT AN ANSWER

A work visa for Denmark can be processed in one to four months.

An answer to some types of visas, such as Fast-Track visas, often takes ten days.

When the application centre you applied to makes a decision, you will get an email.

You can also receive status updates on your visa application via SMS from the application centre.

HOW TO APPLY FOR JOBS IN DENMARK

Certain general job application advice is equally applicable to the Danish labour market.

This entails creating a CV and cover letter specifically customised to the employment vacancy.

You will, however, find that there are a few insider secrets and methods that are unique to the Danish labour market.

DANISH-STYLE CV

Only the most pertinent details regarding your education, professional experience, and skill set in relation to the particular position you are applying for should be included on your CV.

Pay particular attention to the following three sections of your resume: your work experience, personal biography, and personal information.

Begin by providing your personal information, including your name, age, and gender.

Make sure the photo you include looks current and professional. Instead of using a sombre passport photo, use one that shows you smiling and has a window or building in the background.

At the top of the CV, include a personal summary. This should be a brief paragraph, no more than five or six words, in which you highlight your social and personal as well as professional abilities.

CV’s typically are organised chronologically.

In order of most recent experience, include your qualifications and experience in the workplace.

Keep in mind that not every work experience is applicable.

You have a brief window of time to make an impression on a prospective employer, so you want them to be aware of the most salient features of your background without being overly informed.

Enumerate hard talents and languages.

Make sure to mention any studies you have completed elsewhere as well. Limit your interests and extracurricular activities, and only include them if they are pertinent to the job.

COVER LETTER

In Denmark, a cover letter is frequently just as significant as a resume when applying for jobs.

It’s crucial to craft a cover letter that is appropriate for every job you apply for.

Making the employer want to interview you is the goal of your cover letter.

Give a detailed explanation of what you have to offer. It will raise the likelihood that someone will notice you.

A strong cover letter will highlight other qualities that Danes hold in great regard.

For instance, problem-solving skills and cooperation are highly regarded.

Make sure to highlight instances where you and your team have produced positive outcomes or effectively resolved a problem in order to highlight your abilities.

REQUIRED REFERENCES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Although they are not always necessary, references are becoming more and more popular in managerial roles.

You can provide the contact information of an individual who can attest to your integrity and abilities.

Alternatively, you can just state at the bottom of the resume that references are available upon request.

Writing this in Danish will earn you bonus points: “anbefalinger kan fås ved naermere henvendelse.”

Regarding credentials, you should be prepared to give a copy of your degree or certificate to a potential employer.

You shouldn’t be shocked if you are requested to give a straffeattest, which is a record from the Danish police attesting to your innocence of any crimes committed in the nation.

This is readily available online and is requested of both Danes and non-Danes.

TIPS FOR INTERVIEWS

Attending a job interview may seem rather universal across cultural boundaries.

But Danes have certain expectations and requirements for potential candidates.

If you’ve advanced to the interview phase, you ought to be well-read about the company and prepared.

Know your resume inside and out, and consider two or three previous jobs that highlight your skills and ability to solve problems.

Although formal, the dress code should be casual. Wearing a business suit is not required (unless you are applying to a bank or legal company).

In fact, coming across as unduly formal may reinforce the impression among Danes that foreign workers are extremely set in their ways.

INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT

A passport is a travel document that is valid for travel outside of the country and is issued by the government of a country, attesting to the identity and nationality of the bearer.

You can submit an application for a Nigerian passport online or in person at the Nigeria Immigration Services location.

Before you may apply for a visa, as a Nigerian citizen, you must have a valid Nigerian international passport in order to travel overseas for business, education, or vacation.

To start the process for International Passport, see here

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SALARY EARNING SITUATION IN DENMARK?

The average salary in Denmark is currently 47,000 DKK (approximately 7,000 USD). With an average monthly pay of 53,000 DKK (7,850 USD), Copenhagen has the highest average salary in the nation; the North Jutland region has the lowest, at 45,800 DKK (6,800 USD).

Denmark does not have a set minimum wage, in contrast to the majority of other EU nations. Rather, collective labour market agreements—which are negotiated between unions and employer associations—often set the minimum income.

It should be possible to live comfortably in Denmark on the average pay.