Working in Denmark without a residence and work permit is now possible for foreigners. On November 17, 2023, new rules take effect which means that if you are a foreigner, you can in some cases work for shorter periods of time in Denmark without a residence and work permit.
It is a prerequisite that you are employed in a company established abroad that is affiliated with a company established in Denmark. The company in Denmark must have at least 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.
Furthermore, it is required that you can enter and legally stay in Denmark, either as a citizen of a visa-free country or because you have been issued a visa for the purpose of using the new rule on exemption.
Within certain industries, the new rule only applies to management work or work that requires knowledge at the highest or intermediate level. The list of industries includes – construction, agriculture, forestry and horticulture, cleaning (including window cleaning), hotel and catering as well as the carriage of goods by road.
As a rule, a foreign national, who will be working in Denmark, must have a work permit. However, if you are going to work in Denmark you can be exempted from the requirement of a work permit, if the rules of exemption are adhered to.
Rules of exemption
- exempt in general
- exempt for a maximum of 40 days per year if you are member of a board
- exempt for a maximum of 90 days for special work assignments
- exempt for up to 5 days as a guest teacher
Further, artists, musicians, performers, etc. and associated staff can be exempted from the requirement of a work permit, if they are of importance for a significant artistic event. Also, guest teachers do not need a work permit if they, within a period of 180 days, will be teaching for up to 5 days at an educational institution under the Ministry of Higher Education and Science or the Ministry of Culture.