The job change rule applies if you have a residence and work permit according to

  • the Fast-track Scheme (but not between two stays under the Short-term Track with the same employer)

  • the Positive List for People with a Higher Education

  • the Positive List for Skilled Work

  • the Pay Limit Scheme

  • the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme

  • the Start-Up Denmark Scheme or

  • Establishment Card Scheme


or if you have been granted a residence and work permit

  • as a PhD

  • as a trainee

  • as a herdsman or a farm manager

  • based on your special individual qualifications

  • to work on a drilling rig or other mobile workplaces or

  • based on employment at the research center European Spallation Source (ESS) in Sweden.

If you find a new job encompassed by one of the abovementioned categories or you get employed as a PhD, you can begin your new job once you have submitted the application for a residence and work permit based on the new job.

If you have been granted a jobseeking permit because you have lost your previous residence and work permit through no fault of your own and thus have applied for a new residence and work permit, you are allowed to begin working while SIRI is processing your application.

In order to qualify for working while SIRI is processing your application, you are conditioned to apply for a new residence and work permit no later than the day you want to start working at your new job.

Read more about the jobseeking permit for employees

If you are granted a residence permit to complete a PhD or higher education in Denmark, you will at the same time get an additional 6 months or 3 years residence permit to look for a job in Denmark after the completion of your studies (jobseeking permit).

You can also apply for a jobseeking permit if you have not been granted the additional 6 months or 3 years residence permit to look for a job in Denmark after the completion of your studies.

The 6 months or 3 years jobseeking residence gives you the same right to work as the limited work permit you got together with your residence permit to study. Thus, in your jobseeking period you can work up to 20 hours weekly and full time in June, July and August.

Read more about jobseeking permit for students

If you are a foreign graduate who has been offered a job in Denmark and has applied for a residence and work permit, you can stay in Denmark and begin working while SIRI processes the application.

In order to qualify for a quick jobstart, you are conditioned to hold a valid residence permit as a student and have completed a higher educational programme (Masters level) at a Danish university. Furthermore, you are conditioned to have applied for a residence and work permit under one of the following schemes:

  • The Positive List for People with a Higher Education

  • The Positive List for Skilled Work

  • The Pay Limit scheme

  • Researchers

  • Special individual qualifications

  • Drillrigs and other mobile workplaces

  • Herdsmen and farm managers

  • The Fast-Track scheme