Special groups
Some groups can work in Denmark without a residence and work permit due to their nationality, professional field or specific situation.
If you are a
Nordic citizen, you are free to reside, study and work in Denmark. If you are an
EU/EEA citizen or Swiss citizen seeking residence in Denmark based on the EU regulations on freedom of movement, you may be subject to special rules.
More information about EU/EEA and Nordic citizens.
If you already hold a Danish residence permit based on family reunification or asylum, or hold a residence permit on humanitarian grounds, you do not need a work permit in order to work in Denmark.
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.
In addition to the above mentioned groups, the following groups can work in Denmark without a residence and work permit:
- Foreign diplomats residing in Denmark, and others with corresponding diplomatic privileges, as well as accompanying family members and individuals employed in their personal household
- Personnel working in foreign trains and motor vehicles in international traffic
- Personnel on Danish commercial ships sailing internationally, providing the ships call at Danish ports a maximum of 25 times per year
The following groups can work without a residence and work permit, provided the duration of their stay does not exceed three consecutive months:
- Researchers and lecturers invited to teach or lecture in Denmark
- Artists, including musicians and other entertainers, whose participation constitutes a substantial or essential part of a noteworthy artistic event
- Representatives of foreign companies or organisations which do not have a branch office in Denmark, who are on business trips in Denmark. Representatives on business trips should normally be taken to mean representatives of foreign companies or organisations who are visiting Denmark with the intention of entering into contracts to buy or sell products or services. However, if a representative of a foreign company or organisation if firmly attached to a Danish company or organisation and is carrying out work for it, a residence and work permit is required - even for a short stay in Denmark
- Fitters, consultants or instructors hired to fit, install, inspect or repair machines, equipment, computer programmes or similar items, or provide information on the use of such items, provided the person is employed by the firm that manufactured the equipment. Read more about the fitter rule
- Individuals employed in the household of foreign nationals visiting Denmark for up to three months
- Professional athletes and coaches who are to participate in individual major athletic events or participate in a tryout for a Danish sports club. Training after an employment contract is signed is considered work, and therefore requires a residence and work permit
Exemption from the residence and work permit requirement does not waive the requirement for a visa. If you are a citizen of a country with a visa requirement to enter Denmark, you must always hold a visa in order to stay or work in Denmark, regardless of the circumstances.
Turkish citizens working in Denmark
If you are a Turkish citizen with a Danish residence permit based on, for example, asylum or family reunification, and your permit has been revoked or denied extension, the Association Agreement between Turkey and the EU makes it possible for you to be granted a new residence permit, if you have legally resided and worked in Denmark for an extensive period of time.