Changing employer on a work permit — do you need a new permit?
You are on a Danish work permit and want to change jobs. The critical question: can you simply switch, or do you need a new permit? The answer depends on your permit type, and getting it wrong can mean losing your right to stay in Denmark. This guide covers every permit type, the notification process, and the grace period between jobs.
The short answer
In almost all cases, yes — you need a new work permit when you change employer. Danish work permits are tied to a specific employer, a specific role, and a specific salary level. Switching jobs means applying for a new permit through SIRI. You cannot simply start working for a different company on your existing permit.
The exception is the EU Blue Card, which allows job changes after 12 months under certain conditions, and EU/EEA citizens who have an EU residence document (not a work permit) and can work freely.
If you start working for a new employer before your new permit is approved, you are working illegally in Denmark. This can result in your permit being revoked, deportation, and a re-entry ban. Always wait for the new permit before starting work — or confirm with SIRI that you have an explicit right to work while the new application processes.
Rules by permit type
| Permit type | Need new permit? | Can you work while processing? |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Limit Scheme | Yes — new application | Only if new permit is filed before current one expires and salary meets threshold |
| Positive List | Yes — new application | Same conditions as Pay Limit |
| EU Blue Card | After 12 months: notification only. Before 12 months: new application | Yes (after 12 months with notification) |
| Researcher scheme | Yes — new application | No — wait for approval |
| Fast-track scheme | Yes — employer applies | Possible with certified employer |
| EU Residence Document | No — free to change | Yes — work freely |
The process step by step
- Secure a job offer from the new employer. Ensure the role and salary qualify under your permit type.
- New employer submits application to SIRI (or you apply jointly, depending on the scheme). Include the new employment contract, salary details, and the employer’s authorisation.
- SIRI processes the new application. If your new employer is SIRI-certified, fast-track processing (1–2 weeks) may apply.
- Receive approval. Only then can you legally start working for the new employer.
- Notify SIRI of departure from old employer — this is important for record-keeping.
Grace period between jobs
If you leave or lose your current job before the new permit is approved, you enter a grey zone. Key rules:
- Your existing permit remains valid until its expiry date — even if you stop working. The permit allows you to stay in Denmark, but it only allows you to work for the employer named on it.
- If you are made redundant, you have a short grace period (typically the notice period, often 1–3 months) to find new employment and apply for a new permit. If you do not secure a new permit before your current one expires, you must leave Denmark.
- SIRI does not formally define a “grace period” in weeks. The practical window is the time remaining on your current permit. If it expires soon, urgency is critical.
The safest approach: submit the new permit application while still employed with your current employer. This way, if the new application takes longer than expected, your existing permit keeps you legal. Resigning before the new permit is approved is risky unless you have months remaining on your current permit.
If your salary changes
If you are on the Pay Limit Scheme, your new salary must still meet the minimum threshold (check the current figure on nyidanmark.dk). If the new role pays less than the threshold, you may not qualify, and SIRI will reject the application. If you are moving from Pay Limit to a Positive List role (or vice versa), this is treated as a new application under the new scheme.
Risks and what can go wrong
- Gap in employment: If there is a period between jobs where you are not working, ensure your current permit has not expired. Stay in Denmark is allowed; working is not (except for the named employer).
- New application rejected: If SIRI rejects the new application, you revert to your old permit status. If that has expired, you must leave Denmark.
- Dependent family permits: Your spouse/children’s permits may be linked to your specific permit. Changing employer can trigger a reassessment of their permits too.
Can you work for the new employer while the application is processing?
Generally, no. You cannot start working for the new employer until the new permit is approved. There are limited exceptions: if the new employer is SIRI-certified and the application is submitted under the fast-track scheme, SIRI may issue a preliminary work authorisation. Your immigration lawyer or new employer’s HR can advise on this for your specific case.