Denmark has released an updated Positive List in April 2025, further strengthening its position as one of Europe’s most welcoming countries for skilled professionals. The revised list includes a wide range of high-demand occupations across sectors such as healthcare, IT, education, and engineering, providing a fast-track pathway for qualified individuals to apply for work and residence permits.
The Positive List is part of Denmark’s strategy to address labor shortages through skilled immigration. Unlike many countries with complex and restrictive systems, Denmark offers a streamlined and transparent process, supported by policies that emphasize work-life balance and family inclusion.
The April 2025 update adds new roles under several occupational categories. These include:
Science and Engineering Associate Professionals
- Medico Technician (311400)
- Agricultural Technician (314200)
- Food Technician (313900)
- Laboratory Assistant (311110)
- Construction Technology Technician (311200)
- Production Technologist (311900)
Business and Administration Associate Professionals
- Bookkeeper (331300)
- Sales Consultant (332200)
- Forwarding Agent (333110, 333190)
- Buyer (332300)
- Legal Secretary (334200)
- Port Assistant (335900)
- Accounting Clerk (331300)
- Import Export Specialist (333190)
- Sales and Account Manager (332200)
- Real Estate Administrator (333430)
- Real Estate Agent (333410)
Legal, Social, Cultural, and Related Associate Professionals
- Flower Decorator (343200)
- Parish Helper / Clerk (341300)
General and Secretarial Clerks
- Office Assistant (411000)
Numerical and Material Recording Clerks
- Insurance Clerk (431240)
Personal Services Workers
- Hairdresser (514100)
- Chef (512000)
Health and Personal Care Workers (authorization required for some roles)
- Social and Health Care Assistant – private homes (532220)
- Social and Health Care Assistant – institutions/hospitals (532120)
- Audiology Assistant (321100)
- Social and Health Care Worker – private homes (532210)
- Social and Health Care Worker – institutions/hospitals (532110)
Skilled Agricultural and Nursery Workers
- Greenkeeper (611320)
- Field Crop and Vegetable Grower (611100)
- Mixed Crop Grower (611400)
- Landscape Gardener (611320)
Building and Related Trades Workers
- Carpenter (711510)
- Bricklayer (711210)
Metal, Machinery, and Related Trades Workers
- Industrial Technician (722300)
- Blacksmith (722100)
- Auto Mechanic – passenger cars and vans (723110)
- Agricultural Machinery Mechanic (723300)
Electrical and Electronic Trades Workers
- Electricity Distribution Technician (741300)
- Electrician (741100)
- Electronics Service Technician (742100)
Food Processing, Woodworking, and Other Craft Trades
- Tailor (753100)
Stationary Plant and Machine Operators
- Process Operator – steam engine/boiler plants (818290)
- Process Operator – water supply, incineration, wastewater (818910)
- Process Operator – fur and leather manufacturing (815500)
Manual Labor in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery
- Agricultural Assistant – livestock breeding (921200)
Professionals receiving a job offer in any of these occupations can apply under Denmark’s Positive List Scheme. Suitable visa options include the Residence and Work Permit through the Positive List, the Fast-track Scheme for certified employers, the Pay Limit Scheme (based on minimum salary requirements), and the Researcher Visa for academic positions.
Approved applicants can legally live and work in Denmark with options for visa renewal and eventual permanent residency. Family reunification is also possible. Spouses or partners and children under 18 may be granted residence permits, and in many cases, spouses are allowed to work while residing in Denmark.
