I. Main Visa and Work Permit Types

These are the main types covered in this guide and not a complete list of all Danish visa and permit categories.

1. Short-Term Tourism and Business Visits

Chinese ordinary-passport holders travelling to Denmark for short-term tourism or business visits generally need an applicable Schengen Type C visa. Schengen short stays are generally limited to a cumulative 90 days in any 180-day period, counting stays across Schengen countries together.

Visa validity and permitted entries are not the same as the actual authorized stay. A short-term tourism or business visit does not automatically grant the right to work in Denmark. Even where an activity may be exempt from a work permit, Denmark's applicable conditions must be met.

Whether an activity qualifies as a business visit depends on the actual duties, not merely the itinerary label or where salary is paid. Installation, repair, training or on-site client services should be checked carefully for a work-permit requirement or specific exemption.

2. Pay Limit Scheme

The Pay Limit Scheme applies to genuine employment in Denmark paying at least DKK 552,000 annually in 2026 and does not require a specific education or occupation.

Fixed cash salary, labour-market pension and eligible holiday pay must reach DKK 552,000, and the overall employment conditions must meet Danish standards. Benefits such as accommodation, meals, vehicles and telephones are generally not included in the threshold.

Salary must be paid into the applicant's own Danish bank account, which should generally be opened within 180 days after permit approval or entry.

For a contract shorter than four years, the permit is generally issued for the contract term. For a contract of four years or longer, it is generally issued initially for four years. A permit tied to a short contract generally includes a six-month job-search period, but the applicant may not work during that period.

If the applicant becomes unemployed through no fault of their own, they may separately apply for a job-search permit of up to six months no later than two days after the employment ends.

When changing employer, the applicant must first submit a new application. If the job-change rules are met, work may begin from the filing date. A position change within the same company should be assessed under the Pay Limit Scheme's specific rules.

3. Positive List for People with a Higher Education

This pathway applies where the position appears on the list valid on the filing date and the applicant meets the education or professional-authorization requirements for that position.

The position's DISCO code and education requirements must match the current list, which is updated each January or July. Salary and other employment conditions must meet Danish standards, and a genuine employer must provide a complete employment contract. A regulated profession also requires the relevant Danish professional authorization.

The permit is generally issued for the employment contract term, up to four years. A shorter contract usually results in a six-month job-search period, during which the applicant may not work.

If the applicant becomes unemployed through no fault of their own, they may apply for a job-search permit under the applicable rules. A new position must still meet the current list requirements and requires a new application; work may start only when the job-change rules permit it.

4. Positive List for Skilled Work

This pathway applies where the position appears on the current skilled-work list and the applicant has the corresponding vocational education or professional skills.

The position and DISCO code must appear on the current list. Salary must use statistical data effective from August 1, 2026 and meet Danish standards. A role requiring Danish professional authorization requires the applicant to obtain it in advance.

The employer must also meet the Læreplads-AUB apprenticeship-training obligation; no general exemption is provided.

The permit is generally issued for the contract term, up to four years, and may be renewed in time if conditions are met. This pathway does not provide a general six-month job-search right.

When changing employer or changing position within the same company, the applicant must recheck that the position is on the current list and submit a new application. Work may begin only under the applicable job-change rule. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) must be notified when employment ends.

II. Entry, Dependants and Other Arrangements

Visas, work approvals and residence documents should correspond to the applicant's actual activities and to one another's validity periods. A pending application, employment contract or invitation letter cannot be used as proof that entry, residence or work has already been authorized.

A spouse, partner and cohabiting child under 18 of a Pay Limit Scheme holder may apply as accompanying family. Whether the family member may work depends on the approval issued to them and any specific restrictions.

Family members of a holder under the Positive List for People with a Higher Education may apply under the accompanying-family rules. Their work rights depend on their own approved permits.

Eligible family members of a holder under the Positive List for Skilled Work may apply as accompanying family. Whether they may work depends on the authority's decision.

Accompanying family, study, transit and other personal statuses must separately meet their corresponding conditions. The principal applicant's work or residence permit cannot be used directly as a family member's entry, residence or employment document.

III. Renewals, Changes, Termination and Status Maintenance

Termination of employment or an assignment may affect the legal basis for existing work authorization and residence. An unexpired work permit or residence card does not mean the applicant may work directly for any new employer.

If the pathway provides a statutory job-search period or other status transition, assess it against the actual approval conditions and remaining lawful stay.

IV. Support sailglobal Can Provide

If a company plans to send personnel to Denmark for business visits, local employment or short-term projects, or to arrange accompanying family members, sailglobal can help it understand possible visa, work-permit and residence pathways and application requirements based on the person's status, duties and actual itinerary.

Denmark's visa, work-permit and residence applications are independently assessed by the relevant authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee approval or a fixed issuance date.