Positive List — Shortage Occupations in Denmark
The Positive List is Denmark’s way of fast-tracking work permits for occupations with labour shortages. If your job matches an entry on the list, the salary threshold is lower than the Pay Limit Scheme, making it accessible to a wider range of professionals.
What is the Positive List?
The Positive List identifies occupations where Denmark has labour shortages. If your job and qualifications match an entry, you can get a work permit with a lower salary requirement than the Pay Limit Scheme. The list is updated twice per year (January and July) by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment.
Two separate lists
There are actually two Positive Lists — commonly confused:
- Positive List for people with higher education — professional/academic roles requiring a university degree
- Positive List for skilled work — vocational/trade roles requiring specific qualifications
Both lists are published on nyidanmark.dk.
Higher education list
Common occupations on this list include: software developers, engineers (various specialisations), doctors, dentists, nurses (certain types), pharmacists, audiologists, IT architects, data scientists, and certain natural scientists. You need a relevant degree that matches the listed occupation.
Skilled work list
Includes trades like electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, industrial mechanics, and certain healthcare workers. You need relevant vocational qualifications recognised or comparable to Danish standards.
Requirements
- Your occupation and qualifications match an entry on the current list
- Job offer with a Danish employer
- Salary meets the Positive List threshold (lower than Pay Limit — check nyidanmark.dk for current figure)
- Standard Danish employment terms
How to apply
Same process as the general work permit: apply online at nyidanmark.dk with your employment contract, degree/qualification certificates, passport, and fee payment. Processing time is typically 1–3 months.
The Positive List is updated every 6 months. An occupation on the list today may be removed in the next update. However, your permit remains valid for its full duration even if your occupation is later removed — the change only affects new applications.
Common problems
My occupation is close but not an exact match
The match must be to a specific occupation code (ISCO or DISCO). If your job title differs but the duties match, explain this in your application. SIRI assesses based on actual job content.
My degree is from outside the EU
You may need it assessed by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science to confirm it’s comparable to a Danish qualification.
Questions and answers
Can I use the Positive List if my salary is above the Pay Limit?
Yes — and it may make your application stronger since you meet both criteria. You can also apply under the Pay Limit Scheme directly.
Where can I see the current list?
On nyidanmark.dk — search for “Positive List”. Both lists are published as downloadable PDFs.
Sources
- nyidanmark.dk — Positive List publications and requirements.