How does Positive List for People with a Higher Education work in Denmark, and who qualifies?

This scheme lets a third-country graduate take up a job in Denmark when the profession appears on the country's published shortage list for higher-education roles. The list is set nationally and updated twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July, so the available occupations change over time. As Denmark has an opt-out from EU justice and home affairs cooperation, this is a national route, not an application of any EU scheme.

To qualify you generally need a job offer in a profession currently on the Positive List for Higher Education, a higher-education qualification relevant to that role (regulated professions also require Danish authorisation), salary and employment terms at Danish standards paid into a Danish bank account, and normally full-time work. The official portal nyidanmark.dk lists processing of about one month, with an indicative fee of DKK 6,810.

Because the list and fees are revised regularly, always confirm the current profession list and figure on nyidanmark.dk before applying. If you are not sure whether your role is on the list, ACME can check it against your job offer and qualifications.