Residence and work permit
Before you can start work in Denmark as a posted employee you need to find out if you require a residence and work permit. This depends on where you come from.
If you are a citizen of a Nordic country you can freely live and work in Denmark. If you are a citizen from an EU or EEA country, or Switzerland, you can start to work in Denmark and then apply for a registration certificate from:
The State Administration
possibly through:
The International Citizen Service.
If you are a citizen of a country that is outside the EU or EEA, and you are posted by an enterprise from a EU country, you have to seek further advise at the State Administration.
If you are a citizen of a country that is outside the EU or EEA, and you are not covered by the regulations on posting of workers, you always have to apply for a work and residence permit before starting work in Denmark. You can read more and send your application online to the immigration authorities at:
NewtoDenmark.dk.
Do you need a work and residence permit?
Below you will find links to more information on the regulations that cover citizens from different countries.
Citizens of EU, EEA countries
Citizens of EU, EEA countries or Switzerland can stay and work in Denmark under special rules
Nordic citizens
Nordic citizens are free to work in Denmark. They do not need a visa, residence or work permit.
Help with paperwork
As a foreign employee you can get help with paperwork. This can be obtained from the International Citizen Service offices in Aalborg, Aarhus, Copenhagen and Odense. At the International Citizen Service offices all public authorities are brought together under one roof. You can also obtain personal guidance and useful information.
Overview of the EU and EEA countries
The Azores |
The Hebrides |
Portugal |
Any questions?
Contact the Danish Immigration Service
Telephone hours
Manday to Wednesday 9.00 - 15.00
Thursday 12.00 - 17.00
Friday 9.00 - 12.00
+45 35 36 66 00
us@us.dk
International Citizen Service
Contact your local service center
You can get help with the paperwork at the 4 International Citizen Service centers located in the largest cities of Denmark:
Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg