Key Points
- Denmark introduced updated Positive Lists effective January 1, 2025.
- The Positive List for People with a Higher Education now features 162 job titles.
- The Positive List for Skilled Work includes 48 job titles, reflecting fewer shortages in those areas.
- Positions on the Higher Education list must remain listed for at least two years due to sustained labor demands.
Overview
As of January 1, 2025, Denmark has released updated Positive Lists designed to address labor shortages by targeting highly skilled foreign nationals. The Positive Lists outline occupations experiencing critical shortages and serve as a foundation for work permit eligibility under Denmark’s immigration system.
The 2025 Positive List for People with a Higher Education now includes 162 job titles, marking a notable increase in eligible positions. This expansion responds to heightened labor demands across various sectors and aims to attract foreign talent to roles that require advanced qualifications. To ensure continuity in addressing ongoing shortages, these job positions must remain on the list for at least two years.
In contrast, the Positive List for Skilled Work has been refined to include 48 job titles—fewer than previous versions—reflecting reduced labor shortages in certain skilled trades and technical professions. This adjustment signals Denmark’s strategic focus on reallocating foreign labor resources based on shifting market needs and workforce conditions.
Denmark reinforces its commitment to a dynamic and responsive labor market strategy by updating the Positive Lists. The lists provide guidance to foreign nationals and employers seeking to navigate Denmark’s work permit process and align job qualifications with labor demands.
The updated lists are expected to continue playing a crucial role in ensuring qualified professionals from abroad fill critical job vacancies in Denmark, contributing to sustainable economic growth and innovation.
Looking Ahead
Employers in Denmark should review the updated Positive Lists to identify whether their labor needs align with the newly included job categories. Businesses hiring foreign professionals in eligible roles should prepare the documentation to support Positive List-based work permit applications.
Foreign nationals considering employment in Denmark should check if their professional background matches the listed occupations and ensure their credentials meet Danish regulatory requirements. Higher education professionals may benefit from the expanded list, which now includes more opportunities across various industries.
The Danish government may continue refining the Positive Lists in response to labor market fluctuations. Therefore, stakeholders are advised to stay informed of any future adjustments to eligibility criteria or job classifications. The long-term inclusion of positions on the Higher Education list highlights the importance of attracting and retaining top talent in key sectors, reinforcing Denmark’s position as a leader in innovation and sustainable growth.
