Permits

Losing your job on a work permit, act fast

Updated July 2026Reviewed July 2026
The short versionIf your residence permit is tied to your job (Pay Limit, Fast Track, Positive List), losing that job makes the permit invalid. SIRI usually grants a grace period, often up to 6 months, to find new work, but you cannot work until a new permit is approved.

What happens to your permit

When a job tied to your work permit ends, whether you resign or are let go, your employer must notify SIRI, and your permit becomes invalid once employment ends. You do not automatically keep the right to stay and job-hunt.

The grace period

SIRI generally grants a grace period, often up to six months, to find a new qualifying job. Crucially, you cannot work during this period until a new work permit is approved for the new role. A new job means a new permit application, see changing employer.

Money during the gap

Work-permit holders on tied visas are generally not eligible for dagpenge (unemployment benefit), since being available for work without a valid permit conflicts with immigration rules. Plan financially for the gap, and check your a-kasse situation carefully.

What to do immediately

Act fast: confirm your grace-period end date with SIRI, start job-hunting at once (finding a job), and line up a new permit application before you start any new role. If your family's permits depend on yours, factor that in too.

Immigration is high-stakesGetting this wrong can affect your right to stay. Confirm your specific situation with SIRI (nyidanmark.dk) or an immigration lawyer, this is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

What happens to my work permit if I lose my job?

It becomes invalid once employment ends, but SIRI usually grants a grace period (often up to 6 months) to find new work.

Can I work during the grace period?

No, not until a new work permit is approved for a new qualifying job.

Can I claim dagpenge if I lose my job on a work permit?

Generally no, tied-visa holders are usually not eligible for unemployment benefit.