Work Visa for Denmark
Getting immigration status wrong before staff start work in Denmark can delay a secondment or expose the business to compliance problems — Rosenfalck & Thorup's immigration advice is tailored to secondment and recruitment of staff into Denmark.
- Clarity on whether a residence permit and work permit are required before work starts
- Guidance for Nordic, EU/EEA/Swiss, and non-EU/EEA staff, each with a different route
- Advice covering unpaid work and secondary employment, not just standard placements
- Practical planning so secondments are not held up by immigration formalities
Thomas Thorup advises on immigration matters for staff moving to Denmark. Contact Rosenfalck & Thorup to plan your secondment or recruitment.
Thomas Thorup
Advokat (Denmark) (admitted to the high court), Attorney-at-law (California, D.C., U.S. Supreme Court), LL.M.
Do I need a permit before starting work in Denmark?
Before starting work in Denmark as a posted or seconded worker, it is necessary to check whether a residence permit and a work permit are required. The answer depends on nationality, and getting this wrong before work begins can create compliance problems for both the employee and the employer.
Do Nordic citizens need a permit to work in Denmark?
No. Nordic citizens can freely live and work in Denmark without needing a separate residence or work permit.
What is the process for EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens?
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can start working in Denmark and then apply for a registration certificate, rather than needing permission in advance of starting work.
What about citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA?
Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA must apply for a residence and work permit before starting work in Denmark — unlike Nordic and EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, this step cannot be left until after work begins.
Does unpaid work require a permit too?
Yes. A work permit is also required for unpaid work or secondary employment, so arrangements such as internships, volunteering, or a second job alongside a main position still need to be checked against the relevant permit requirements.