Immigration News & Updates

Denmark Updates Positive List for Skilled Work and Higher Education Jobs: 2025 Guidelines

Denmark’s 2025 Positive List for Skilled Work and Higher Education offers updated opportunities for foreign workers seeking residence and work permits. Explore the latest job titles and application guidelines.

Denmark Releases Updated Positive List for Skilled Work and Higher Education Jobs in 2025

Denmark has officially released its updated Positive List for Skilled Work and Higher Education for 2025. This list highlights the professions facing significant labor shortages, offering foreign workers the chance to live and work in Denmark. The updated list, effective from January 1, 2025, includes a range of job titles, providing clear pathways for non-Danish nationals to apply for residence and work permits.

What Is the Denmark Positive List?

The Denmark Positive List is an essential part of the country’s immigration system. It allows foreign nationals to apply for residence and work permits if they have secured a job in one of the professions listed due to labor shortages. The list is updated twice a year—on January 1st and July 1st—by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

Key Updates to the Positive List for Skilled Work and Higher Education

In this latest update for 2025, Denmark has made several changes to the Positive List for Skilled Work and Higher Education sectors:

1. Skilled Work Positive List: This list now includes 48 job titles, reflecting a decrease in positions as fewer skilled labor shortages have been reported in Denmark. Foreign workers in these fields can apply for a Danish work permit if they have a job offer from a Danish employer.
2. Higher Education Positive List: The list for Higher Education now features 162 job titles, offering a more extensive range of opportunities for individuals with university-level qualifications. This list has grown, with positions added to meet the increasing labor demand.

Eligibility for Denmark’s Positive List Program

To be eligible for the Denmark Positive List, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a Danish employer in a position included on the Positive List for Skilled Work or Higher Education.
• Relevant Education: For the Higher Education Positive List, your education must meet the requirements for the specific job title, and it must be directly relevant to the job.
• Residence and Work Permits: If you are offered a job for less than 4 years, your residence and work permit will typically match the duration of your employment.

Salary Requirements for Danish Work Permits

New income guidelines have been set for applications starting January 1, 2025. The Danish government will assess whether the offered salary aligns with Danish standards. For jobs not covered by a collective agreement, the salary must meet a minimum threshold of around DKK 71,000. Employers who are not part of an employers’ organization will have to ensure that salaries are in line with local standards for the application to be approved.

Key Benefits of the Denmark Positive List for Foreign Workers

The Positive List program offers significant advantages for foreign workers:

• Legal Employment: It provides a clear pathway for foreign nationals to work and reside in Denmark.
• Labor Market Opportunities: The list includes professions facing critical shortages, allowing skilled workers and highly educated individuals to meet Denmark’s workforce needs.
• Competitive Salaries: Denmark offers salaries that are in line with the country’s standards, ensuring fair compensation for international employees.

The updated Denmark Positive List for Skilled Work and Higher Education for 2025 brings exciting opportunities for foreign nationals. Whether you have university-level qualifications or skills in high-demand fields, this program offers a structured route to residence and work in Denmark. If you meet the requirements and have a job offer in one of the listed professions, apply early to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to live and work in Denmark.