Certain foreign nationals can work in Denmark for short periods without needing a residence and work permit due to new regulations that entered into force on November 17.
According to the new changes by Danish authorities, to qualify, applicants must work for a foreign company affiliated with a company established in Denmark. Additionally, the Danish company should have a minimum of 50 employees.
According to the new rules, it is possible to work in the company in Denmark for two separate working periods within a 180-day period. Each working period can consist of a maximum of 15 working days. Between each working period, you must have a stay outside of Denmark of at least 14 days.
Danish Immigration Service
Within specific categories, the new rule is applicable only to management or high/intermediate-level knowledge work.
Aside from this category, the Danish Immigration Service explains that other groups of foreign nationals (non-EU/EEA or Nordic citizens) might be exempt from the mandatory work permit based on their professional field or specific circumstances. These specific categories are as follows:
- General exemptions: This category includes foreign diplomats, their families and household staff, as well as staff on international trains, vehicles, and Danish commercial ships adhering to specific port and shipyard visit limits.
- Guest teachers up to five days: Teachers who will be teaching up to five days under the Ministry of Higher Education and Science or the Ministry of Culture institutions, within a period of 180 days won’t need a work permit as well.
- Artists, musicians, performers and their essential staff can be exempted if they play a significant role in a public artistic event that lasts less than 14 days, while necessary staff like managers, make-up artists, dressers, sound and light staff, and tour drivers also may qualify for exemption.
- Board members up to 40 days: Board members are not required to obtain a work permit for up to 40 days within a calendar year, as long as they are performing their professional duties in Denmark.
- Professionals with special work assignments up to 90 days: Professionals, including researchers, foreign company representatives on business trips, and household staff of foreign nationals visiting Denmark for up to three months, can perform specific tasks without a work permit for a stay of no more than 90 days from the date of entry.
However, citizens of countries with a visa requirement still need a visitor’s visa. In addition, individuals who already have a work permit limited to a specific job but want to teach at a specific institution or work at another company are required to apply for a permit for sideline employment.
In September this year, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) announced that when processing applications for a work and residence permit, they will use income information provided by the Confederation of Danish Employers, in order to determine if the offered position is within the Danish standards salary.
