Keeping foreign labour in Denmark
If your residence permit on the grounds of, for example, asylum or family reunification, has been revoked or denied extension, you can be granted a new residence permit if you have worked in Denmark for an extended period of time.
You can be granted a residence and work permit on the grounds of both skilled and unskilled work, and self-employment.
Normally, you must submit your application no later than seven days after receiving the final ruling, and you must meet the following conditions:
- Your residence permit must not have been revoked or denied extension due to fraud, i.e., because you were found to have given the authorities false information.
- You must have been legally employed by the same employer, or have legally operated the same company, for an uninterrupted period of two years.
- You must hold the same job, or operate the same company, as when your original residence permit was revoked or denied extension.
- In the case of salaried work, you must have a written job contract (and the required authorisation, if applicable). Salary and employment conditions must correspond to Danish standards.
- If you operate your own company, you must have employees. If your business is a restaurant or retail shop, it must yield a profit, and you must have no less than 8-10 employees.
It is your own responsibility to obtain a work permit if you are required to. If you work illegally in Denmark, you risk deportation, and you and your employer risk fine or imprisonment.
Read more about how to apply.