Denmark continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for foreign professionals in 2025. Known as the “country of happiness,” Denmark offers high living standards, competitive salaries, and numerous career opportunities. This guide explains employment features, popular positions, visa types, and practical tips for foreigners planning to work in Denmark.

Why Denmark Is an Ideal Destination in 2025

Denmark is a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and green energy. Companies in IT, engineering, healthcare, and green technologies actively seek skilled workers. Short working weeks, generous parental leave, and free healthcare contribute to Denmark’s high quality of life, making it appealing for international talent.

The country currently faces a shortage of skilled workers, prompting significant updates to migration policies and employment procedures.

Key Changes to Employment Procedures in Denmark in 2025

1. Updated Positive List
   The Positive List identifies professions with labor shortages. Job offers in these fields allow foreigners to apply for a residence and work permit under this scheme. Updated twice yearly (January 1 and July 1), it covers skilled occupations such as engineers, IT specialists, and healthcare workers. Employers must comply with training obligations under Læreplads-AUB.

2. Faster Processing Times
   Certain visa categories now benefit from accelerated processing, allowing skilled professionals to start work in Denmark faster.

3. Family-Friendly Policies
   Spouses of work visa holders can work without a separate labor market test, simplifying family relocation.

4. New Salary Standards
   From February 20, 2025, minimum monthly salaries for Positive List positions without collective agreements are approximately DKK 74,958.

Work Visa Options for Foreigners

• Positive List Visa: For occupations on Denmark’s Positive List; no labor market test required.

• Pay Limit Scheme Visa: For high-paid professionals earning at least DKK 465,000 (~USD 67,000) per year.

• Fast Track Scheme: For certified employers hiring specialized foreign workers quickly.

• Denmark Start-up Visa: For entrepreneurs with innovative projects approved by the Danish Business Authority.

How to Find a Job in Denmark

Top platforms to find employment include:

• Workindenmark.dk: Official portal for international professionals.

• LinkedIn: Widely used by Danish recruiters.

• Jobindex.dk: Covers positions for both English and Danish speakers.

• Recruitment Agencies: Help foreign applicants find suitable roles.

Popular Positions for Foreigners in 2025

• Seasonal Jobs: Agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.

• Skilled Professionals: Engineers, architects, web developers, designers, medical workers, sailors, and social workers.

Working Conditions in Denmark

• Standard workweek: 37 hours (8 hours/day, excluding lunch breaks).

• Vacation: 5 weeks/year, largest continuous period 3 weeks. Vacation pay can be full salary or an additional 12.5–14.5% credited to a separate account.

Average Salaries in Denmark 2025

• Average salary: ~€5,500/month, rising to €7,000 for qualified specialists.

• Top-paying fields: Insurance, medicine, finance, and IT.

• Minimum wages: €2,700–€4,500/month for agriculture, construction, and hospitality.

• High-salary applicants: English B2 level, relevant work experience, leadership and communication skills, specialized education, basic Danish knowledge.

Internships and Agriculture: First 6 months salary ~11,444 DKK; afterward 13,328–15,345 DKK depending on age. After tax: ~9,600–11,700 DKK/month.

Taxation for Foreign Workers

• Total employment tax: ~8% of income.

• Salary divided into bikort (non-taxable portion) and residual taxed at 37–40%.

• Mandatory online tax return before first salary. Overpaid taxes refunded, underpaid may require additional payment.

Additional Employment Tips

• Use MitID for government and private transactions (including banking).

• Open a bank account for salary deposits; register it as a Nem-Konto for state payments.

• Stay updated with the Positive List for skilled workers to understand migration and work permit options.

Denmark offers strong career prospects, competitive wages, and an excellent quality of life for expats. By understanding visa requirements, using top job platforms, and targeting high-demand sectors, foreigners can successfully move and build their careers in Denmark in 2025.