If you have already a work permit, or you are Danish or a European Union citizen, you can just go down to see how to find a job in Denmark.
If you don’t have a work permit, the first thing you need to do is to get a job in Denmark. You can also apply to get a work permit without having a job first in Denmark, see more below.
Most jobs in Denmark are steady jobs with great benefits and fierce pay. But, having a career in Denmark also means high deductions. Jobs in Denmark are easier to come by if you are well trained or experienced in a specialized field of work, no matter which one. The immigration rate is low in Denmark, and the country tries to recruit skilled workers from abroad.
How to find a job in Denmark?
You can start looking around at some useful job listing websites. Some of these websites speak English or other languages but you can use Google translate to search in them more comfortably.
- Google: a simple google search can be a good start. Look for the kind of job you would like to do, for example, “Spanish tutor in Aarhus” or “Delivery driver in Copenhagen”. Use the language that you feel most comfortable speaking. Don’t stop at the first pages and go deep with your search. You’ll get an immediate feeling of what’s around and of which job websites are best suited for your needs.
- Facebook Jobs: can be also an option to start to see what’s around you. You can also ask around in the Facebook groups that are relevant to your profession, or your language or nationality, or just relevant to your wider interests.
- Jobnet is one of the most popular job sites in Denmark.
- Jobindex is also very popular.
- Indeed is also present in Denmark.
- Work in Denmark is an official government website, where you can find a job in Denmark, it focuses on finding foreign workers.
- The Local dk focus on English speaking jobs in Denmark.
- Student Consulting is a job site that operates in all of Scandinavia.
Can a foreigner get a job in Denmark?
European Union nationals, and Nordic countries nationals, do not need a visa or a work permit to work in Denmark. Everyone else need to apply for a work permit before actually starting a job in Denmark. Here are some ways you can get one of these permits:
- Find a job in Denmark and then apply for a work permit together with your employer.
- You also have the option to find a job in Denmark that pays more than a certain amount per year. This makes a worker eligible for a work permit through the Pay Limit program.
- The Positive Lists program is another option to start work in Denmark. Under this, you need skills in one of the many professions Denmark lacks skilled workers for. Contact your local Danish embassy for individual visa requirements and specifics about this program.
- Other work permits schemes are available on the official new to denmark website.
- The Danish Green Card Scheme is over, but if you hold a valid Green card permit, it is still possible for you to get an extension here.
The Basic Integration Education Program (IGU)
In 2016, the Danish government entered into an agreement known as the basic integration education program (IGU). This program aims to place more refugees in short-term jobs, up to two years, at apprentice salary rates. The refugees are trained in new skills or can get up to 20 weeks of school. The agreement has been successful, too. The Confederation of Danish Employers reported that the deal has helped a growing number of refugees find work in Denmark.
Is it possible to get a job in Denmark without speaking Danish?
You don’t have to be fluent in Danish to get a job in Denmark, although some jobs require it. You can also find some companies that are specifically looking for English speakers. However, it helps to be able to speak both.
If you don’t speak Danish, you can search for an English-language job in Denmark and learn the language later.
While the country’s official language is Danish, most people speak English in Denmark as well. If you don’t speak Danish, this makes it easier; if there is a demand for your abilities and experience, you will likely secure a role. But, that also means your ability to speak English does not boost your employability. If you want to learn danish click here De Danske Sprogcentre to find a state-approved language center. Job applications may need to be in English sometimes and in Danish sometimes so consult with each employer.
Where in Denmark could you work?
The economy of Denmark focuses on the sectors of service, manufacturing, and trade. Denmark’s maritime industry is well-established and has an excellent global market position. This involves the design, manufacture, and supply of marine equipment and ships.
Big employers in Denmark
- AP Møller – Mærsk is a logistics firm offering solutions in fields such as shipping and freight forwarding
- The Carlsberg Group is a brewing company comprising Somersby and Tuborg with beer brands
- Danske Bank is a bank operating in 13 countries but with core markets in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland
- Integrated Business Solutions is a service provider providing integrated services
- The LEGO Group is a toy manufacturing business.
Skills in demand in Denmark
Employment areas where employees are in demand include:
- Engineering : design, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, energy, and electricity
- IT : consultancy, programming, and design
- Medicine : physicians, nurses, and pharmacists
- Teaching.
Also, see the requirements for the Denmark visa applications.
Image above is person walking in Stockholm, Sweden. Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash
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