Positive List Scheme

The Positive List is a key component of Denmark's labor migration strategy, specifically designed to address identified shortages of qualified professionals in the Danish labor market. It is a government-approved, dynamic catalog of occupations—ranging from engineering and IT to healthcare and specialized technical fields—where there is a documented lack of domestic labor. The list is updated periodically by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) to ensure it remains aligned with current economic and workforce demands.

This scheme is for foreign professionals who have received a concrete job offer from a Danish employer for a position included on the current Positive List. To be eligible, the applicant must possess the necessary educational qualifications (typically a Bachelor’s degree or higher, depending on the specific role) and the job offer must meet Danish standards for salary and employment terms. This route is highly attractive because it provides a streamlined and direct path to a residence and work permit, helping employers quickly fill critical skill gaps while offering qualified individuals a clear opportunity to live and work in Denmark.