October 2026
Denmark Work Permit for the Positive List
High-Demand Jobs on Denmark's Positive List
Denmark keeps an official, government-updated list of jobs it's actively short-staffed in, called the Positive List. It covers around 190 professions requiring a university degree — including engineers, IT specialists, nurses, doctors, dentists, and researchers — plus around 65 skilled trade roles like electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, and industrial mechanics.
If your profession is on the list, a major hurdle disappears. Normally, a Danish employer has to prove no local candidate could fill the role first — for listed professions, that step doesn't apply.
There's no high salary minimum to clear either — you just need pay that matches normal Danish levels for your job. The list is also actively growing; Denmark added roles like automation engineers, cybersecurity experts, data scientists, and AI specialists in its most recent update.
This path leads to a full work and residence permit, with a clear route to stay and build a life in Denmark. If you work in engineering, IT, healthcare, or a related field, let's check if your profession qualifies.
What Makes This Route Work
The list updates twice a year (January and July), so check the current version against your exact job title
Your qualification must match your exact job title — getting this right from the start avoids delays
Engineering, IT, and healthcare roles make up the bulk of the professional-level list right now
Connecting with a hiring employer is the natural next step once you know you qualify
Documents
Valid passport
Degree certificate or vocational qualification matching your listed occupation
Proof of relevant work experience, if required for your field
CV and professional references
Employment contract, once you've connected with a Danish employer
92 successful applicationsfor this program