Denmark’s July 2026 Positive List update added 40+ occupations — 190 roles for graduates and 65 for skilled trades. If your job is listed and you hold a Danish job offer, you get a fast-tracked work and residence permit (1–2 months) and can bring your family.
If you’re weighing alternatives, compare this route with our guide to skilled worker shortages in Europe.
Denmark’s expedited immigration pathway for foreign nationals with in-demand occupations is known as the Positive List. And now that more than 40 new professions have been added, thousands of people have the opportunity to start afresh in Denmark.
Higher Education Positive List Grows from 162 to 190 Roles
Professionals with degrees have benefited greatly from the addition of 28 new job titles to the Higher Education Positive List, which now totals 190. Those with a university degree and suitable professional experience are the intended audience for this list.
Noteworthy New Additions:
- Head of Finances/Logistics
- Hardware Developers
- Movie, TV & Animation Designers
- Business Intelligence Managers
- Management Consultants
- IT Engineers
- Communication Officers
This is your best chance to obtain a residency and work permit in Denmark without the typical immigration obstacles if you’re a recent graduate in the fields of information technology, engineering, media, logistics, or management.
Read Also: Smoothie Maker Jobs in Bahrain
The Skilled Work Positive List Expanded from 48 to 65 Jobs!
Additionally, Denmark is in dire need of qualified specialists and tradesmen. With the addition of 17 additional positions to the Skilled Work Positive List, tradespeople can now enjoy the same expedited benefits as recent college graduates.
️ New Jobs on the Skilled List:
- Blacksmiths
- Electricity Distribution Technicians
- Service Technicians
- Electronics Mechanics
However, some jobs have been removed from the list, including:
- IT Supporters
- Webmasters
- Secretaries
- Finance Assistants
- Welders
What This Means for You
You are eligible to apply for a Danish residence and work visa if your occupation is presently on the list; these permits frequently have streamlined processes, speedy approvals, and high acceptance rates. Now is the ideal moment to get your paperwork ready and submit an application.
Applying for a Positive List Job to Move to Denmark with Your Family:
You can apply for a simplified work and residency permit if your occupation is listed on Denmark’s revised Positive List as of July. You can also bring your spouse and kids with you on a family reunification visa. Here’s how to accomplish it:
Step 1: Check if Your Job Is on the Positive List
- Visit the official Danish Immigration Service or SIRI website to find the updated Positive List (July 2026 edition).
- Common in-demand fields include:
- Healthcare (e.g., nurses, doctors)
- IT and engineering
- Construction
- Education
- Skilled trades
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer from a Danish Employer
- You must be in possession of a current employment contract or offer from a Danish business.
- The position must be related to one of the professions on the Positive List.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
You’ll need:
- Signed employment contract (must state salary, hours, duties)
- Valid passport
- Proof of qualifications/experience
- Proof of language skills (if required for the role)
- Application form for residence and work permit (AR1 or AR6)
Step 4: Submit Your Application Online
- Use the official SIRI portal to submit your application.
- While people utilize the AR1 form, employers can help by using the AR6 form.
- Pay the application fee, which is approximately DKK 4,405 as of 2026; see the SIRI website for the most recent amount.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
- Typically, processing takes one to two months; however, the Positive List program expedites this period.
- If accepted, you will be issued a residence card.
Conclusion:
Professionals and talented workers in IT, logistics, engineering, media, and trades have a fantastic opportunity to start a new life in Denmark with their family, according to the July update to Denmark’s Positive List. Denmark continues to be a top destination for international talent due to its excellent standards of living, family-friendly legislation, and expedited procedures.
Denmark positive list: Requirements & Eligibility
Applicants exploring this option often also read our guide on countries with the fastest work visa processing.
What is Denmark’s Positive List?
The Positive List is Denmark’s official catalogue of occupations with labor shortages, updated twice a year (January and July). If your job is on the list and you have a Danish job offer, you qualify for a fast-tracked residence and work permit, typically processed in 1–2 months.
Who can apply under the Positive List scheme?
University graduates with professional experience apply under the Positive List for Higher Education (190 roles), while vocationally trained tradespeople use the Positive List for Skilled Work (65 roles). Both need a concrete Danish job offer matching a listed occupation plus documented qualifications.
How much is the Denmark work permit application fee?
The post cites approximately DKK 4,405 for 2026 — confirm the current fee on the SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) website before applying, as fees are adjusted annually. The employer typically submits via the AR6 form while you use AR1.
For a related pathway, see skill shortage occupations in Europe and Asia — requirements, costs and timelines explained.
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