The Ultimate Guide to the Denmark Positive List 2026: Job Titles, Visas, and Procedures

The Denmark Positive List 2026 serves as the primary gateway for international professionals to secure a residence and work permit by filling critical labor shortages in the Danish economy. Effective January 1, 2026, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has updated these lists to include 183 job titles for higher education and 57 job titles for skilled work, reflecting the latest economic needs. If your profession is listed, you can benefit from a streamlined application process and a direct route to living in one of the world’s most prosperous nations through the official Denmark work permit portal.

Introduction to the 2026 Danish Labor Market

Denmark’s robust economy and high standard of living make it a prime destination for global talent. To maintain its growth, especially in the transition to a green economy, the Danish government uses the Positive List to identify professions with a shortage of qualified local labor. In 2026, the demand for specialists in engineering, IT, healthcare, and green energy has reached new heights. This article provides an exhaustive breakdown of job titles, the legal requirements for obtaining a Denmark Work Visa, and the official government procedures you must follow.

Detailed Overview of Positive List Categories

Feature	Positive List for Higher Education	Positive List for Skilled Work
Education Level	Minimum 3-year Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD.	Vocational training or technical certificate.
Job Titles (2026)	183 job titles	57 job titles
Primary Fields	Engineering, IT, Management, Healthcare.	Construction, Trades, Administration.
Salary Rules	Must match the average for the specific role.	Must match specific skilled trade standards.
Quota System	No overall quota for most roles.	Specific quotas apply to Social/Healthcare.

The Importance of DISCO-08 Numbers in 2026

A DISCO-08 number (Danish International Standard Classification of Occupations) is a six-digit code used by the Danish government to categorize every profession in the labor market. It is not just a job title; it defines the specific job functions and educational level required for a role.

For your Denmark Visa application, the DISCO-08 code is the most critical element because SIRI uses it to verify if your job offer matches an occupation on the Positive List and to ensure your salary corresponds to Danish standards. Your employer must include the correct DISCO-08 code in your contract for the application to be valid.

Category 1: Positive List for Higher Education (183 Job Titles)

The Positive List for Higher Education is designed for applicants who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. Many of these roles require a Professional Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree. For the 2026 intake, SIRI has expanded categories in management, sustainability, and green technology.

Management and Senior Leadership

Leadership roles are in high demand to manage Denmark’s expanding international firms.

Head of Public Administration (DISCO: 111200)
Department Manager / Operations Manager (DISCO: 112020)
Head of Accounting / Head of Finance (DISCO: 121100)
HR Manager / Head of Personnel (DISCO: 121200)
Chief Procurement Officer / Supply Chain Manager (DISCO: 121100)
Facility Manager (DISCO: 121910)
Head of IT / IT Director (DISCO: 133020)
Head of Production / Factory Manager (DISCO: 132100)

Natural Science and Engineering

This is the largest category, reflecting Denmark’s investment in sustainability and technical innovation.

Medical Physicist (Master’s degree required)
Chemist / Biochemist (Master’s degree required)
Biologist / Pharmacologist (Master’s degree required)
Mechanical Engineer / Material Technician (DISCO: 214100)
Civil Engineer / Construction Project Manager (DISCO: 214200)
Electrical Engineer / Power Systems Engineer (DISCO: 215100)
Electronics Engineer / Hardware Developer (DISCO: 215200)
Chemical Engineer (DISCO: 214500)
Town Planner / Land Surveyor (DISCO: 216400)

Healthcare Professionals

Important Note: Most healthcare roles requireDanish Authorizationfrom the Danish Patient Safety Authority.

Medical Doctor (Generalist and Specialist)
Registered Nurse (With a Specialty)
Dentist / Pharmacist
Psychologist / Occupational Therapist
Midwife / Physiotherapist

Information Technology (IT) and Communications

Software Developer / Programmer (DISCO: 251200)
Systems Analyst / IT Architect (DISCO: 251100)
Data Scientist / Data Analyst (DISCO: 251100)
Cybersecurity Specialist / Network Engineer
Web Developer / UX Designer
IT Consultant / Business Intelligence Specialist

Category 2: Positive List for Skilled Work (57 Job Titles)

The Positive List for Skilled Work is tailored for individuals with vocational training or technical certifications. This list has seen significant additions in the construction and technical service sectors for 2026.

Science and Engineering Associate Professionals

Energy Advisor (DISCO: 311200)
Foreman / Construction Site Supervisor (DISCO: 311200)
Electrical Contractor (DISCO: 311300)
Electronics Technician (DISCO: 311400)
Gas Technician / HVAC Technician (DISCO: 311590)
Technical Designer / Drafter (DISCO: 311800)
Production Technologist (DISCO: 311900)

Business and Administration Support

Bookkeeper / Accounting Clerk (DISCO: 331300)
Sales Consultant / Account Manager (DISCO: 332200)
Buyer / Procurement Assistant (DISCO: 332300)
Forwarding Agent / Logistics Clerk (DISCO: 333110)
Executive Secretary / Medical Secretary (DISCO: 334310)

Crafts, Trades, and Manual Work

Bricklayer / Mason (DISCO: 711210)
Carpenter / Joiner (DISCO: 711510)
House Painter (DISCO: 713100)
Welder / Metal Fabricator (DISCO: 721200)
Auto Mechanic / Truck Mechanic (DISCO: 723110)
Industrial Technician / CNC Operator (DISCO: 722300)
Chef / Kitchen Manager (DISCO: 512000)

How to Find Jobs in Denmark from Abroad

To successfully move to Denmark, you must prioritize websites that cater specifically to international applicants and English speakers.

1. The Official Government Portal

The official Work in Denmark portal is the primary resource for foreigners. It is run by the government and specifically lists jobs from Danish companies looking for international workers. You can upload your CV to the Work in Denmark database to make yourself visible to Danish recruiters.

2. Top Private Job Boards

Jobindex: The largest job site in Denmark. Filter for “English” or use keywords like “Visa Sponsorship.”
The Hub: Specifically for startups and tech companies. This is the most modern platform for IT roles.
LinkedIn Jobs: Set your location to “Denmark” and look for roles that mention the Positive List.

Reputable Recruitment Agencies for 2026

Agency Name	Specialty	Official Link
Hays Denmark	IT & Engineering	hays.dk
Teamcubate	IT Developers	teamcubate.com
JKS	Manufacturing	jks.dk
Avomind	Finance & Sales	avomind.com
9cv9	Tech Roles	9cv9.com

Required Documents for the 2026 Application

Preparing your Denmark Work Permit application requires meticulous documentation.

1. Core Personal Documents

Valid Passport: Provide a full copy of your passport—including front and back covers, all blank pages, and all pages with stamps or visas. Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
Proof of Fee Payment: A receipt showing you have paid the SIRI fee (Approx. DKK 6,810 for 2026).
Biometric Receipt: Confirmation of your appointment for fingerprints at a Danish Embassy or VFS Global center.

2. Employment & Contract Documentation

Employment Contract: This is the most vital document. It must be signed and dated and should not be older than 30 days. It must include the DISCO-08 code, salary (must meet Danish standards), and weekly working hours (min. 37 hours).

3. Educational & Professional Proof

Degree Certificates: Original copies of your Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Vocational certificates.
Official Translations: If documents are not in English, Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish, they must be translated by a certified translator.
Danish Authorization: For regulated professions like Doctors and Nurses, include your authorization from the Danish Patient Safety Authority.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure (2026)

Applying for a residence and work permit through SIRI involves five critical steps:

Step 1: Create a Case Order ID: Visit the New to Denmark portal and select the Positive List scheme.
Step 2: Pay the Fee: For 2026, the fee is DKK 6,810 for the main applicant. Payment must be made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.
Step 3: Complete Form AR1: This is a dual-part online form. Your employer completes Part 1, and you complete Part 2. Submit it via the SIRI online portal.
Step 4: Record Biometrics: Within 14 days of submission, visit a VFS Global center to provide fingerprints and a digital photo.
Step 5: Receive Your Permit: SIRI typically processes Positive List applications within 30 days.

Vital Requirements and Integration in 2026

Danish Bank Account: Effective January 1, 2026, it is mandatory that your salary be paid into a Danish bank account in your name within 180 days of arrival.
Salary Standards: Your pay must correspond to Danish standards. SIRI uses updated income statistics to determine if your salary is fair.
Family Rights: You can bring your spouse and children. Your spouse is granted the right to work in Denmark immediately under the family reunification rules.
Important Note from Visavlog.com: Never pay an agency to “find you a job.” Legitimate Danish recruitment agencies are paid by the employer, not the employee. Ensure you always use theofficial government linksprovided here for 100% accuracy and safety.

Official Government Resources

Main Immigration Portal: New to Denmark (Ny i Danmark)
SIRI Work Schemes: SIRI Official Work Visa Page
Job Search: Work in Denmark – Official Portal
Healthcare Authorization: Danish Patient Safety Authority

Conclusion

The 2026 update to the Denmark Positive List underscores the country’s need for diverse international talent. By aligning your career with these shortage occupations and following the official SIRI procedures, you can secure a stable and prosperous future in Scandinavia. Whether you are a Software Developer, a Civil Engineer, or a Skilled Welder, the Positive List Scheme is your most reliable path to Danish residency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Denmark Positive List 2026

🟢 What is the Denmark Positive List for 2026?

The Denmark Positive List 2026 is an official government register that identifies specific occupations facing a labor shortage in Denmark. By applying for a job on this list, international workers can access a streamlined visa process through SIRI, making it much easier to obtain a residence and work permit. This list is updated twice a year to reflect the real-time needs of the Danish economy and green energy sectors.

🟢 What role does the DISCO-08 code play in the visa process?

The DISCO-08 code is a six-digit identifier that the Danish government uses to categorize every profession and verify that a job offer matches the Positive List. It is essential because it defines the exact educational level and job functions required for your specific work permit application. Without the correct DISCO-08 code in your contract, SIRI cannot verify your eligibility, which could lead to a visa rejection.

🟢 What are the mandatory salary standards for 2026?

For the Denmark Work Visa, your salary must correspond to current Danish standards. This means your compensation must match the average pay for that specific role as determined by Danish collective agreements or official income statistics from the 3rd quarter of 2025. SIRI strictly monitors this to prevent underpayment and ensure that international talent receives the same benefits as local workers.

🟢 Can my family work in Denmark if I have a Positive List permit?

Yes, under the family reunification rules, your spouse or cohabiting partner is automatically granted the right to work in Denmark once their permit is approved. They do not need a separate work permit or a job offer from the Positive List to begin employment in any sector they choose. Additionally, your children under 18 can accompany you and access the high-quality Danish public education system.

🟢 What is the new Danish bank account requirement?

Effective from 2026, all foreign workers in Denmark must have their salary paid into a Danish bank account registered in their own name. This account must be established within 180 days of your arrival or the granting of your residence permit to remain in compliance with immigration law. This regulation ensures transparency in salary payments and helps the government monitor that Danish standards are being met.

🟢 How long does it take to process the visa?

The Positive List scheme is designed for speed, and SIRI aims for a processing time of approximately 30 days. To ensure your application stays on this fast track, you must submit all documents correctly and record your biometrics at a VFS Global center within 14 days. Providing incomplete information or missing the biometric deadline is the most common cause of processing delays.

🟢 Do I need a Danish Authorization for healthcare roles?

Yes, for regulated professions such as doctors, nurses, and dentists, you must hold a valid Danish Authorization from the Danish Patient Safety Authority. This is a separate process that must be completed before SIRI can grant you a work permit under the Positive List. Once you have this authorization, you can apply for jobs in the healthcare sector and move forward with your visa application.

🟢 What are the government fees for the application in 2026?

For the 2026 year, the SIRI processing fee for the main applicant is approximately DKK 6,810. If you are bringing accompanying family members, an additional fee of DKK 3,080 is required per person. All fees must be paid through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal after creating your Case Order ID and before submitting your application documents.

🟢 Is there a quota for Social and Health Care workers?

Yes, while most job titles on the Positive List do not have a limit, Denmark has set a specific quota of 1,000 permits for Social and Health Care Assistants for 2026. This quota is designed to manage the intake of skilled vocational workers in the healthcare sector based on local demand. Once the 1,000-permit threshold is reached, SIRI will stop issuing new permits for this specific role until the quota resets or the list is updated.

🟢 How long is the permit granted for?

Work permits under the Positive List scheme are typically granted for the duration of your employment contract, up to a maximum of four years. Additionally, the government often grants a 6-month job-seeking period at the end of your contract, allowing you to stay in Denmark and find a new position if your initial employment ends. This provides a stable path toward permanent residency after several years of living and working in Denmark.