Overview
Denmark is actively recruiting international talent. For applicants from Pakistan, two of the most used routes in 2025 are the Pay Limit Scheme and the Positive Lists (skilled & highly-educated). Here’s how they actually work—direct from official rules—and exactly what to submit.
What’s new for 2025 (at a glance)
- Pay Limit minimum: DKK 514,000 (annual). Updated 1 January each year. Ny i Danmark
- Fast-track (supplementary pay limit): certified employers can hire from DKK 415,000. Ny i Danmark
- Positive Lists: updated twice a year on 1 Jan and 1 Jul; check if your job is listed. Ny i Danmark
Denmark Pay Limit Scheme
- You qualify if your annual salary ≥ DKK 514,000 (only guaranteed cash, pension, and paid holiday count). Processing time typically listed by SIRI; fees apply. Ny i Danmark
- Employment terms and salary must match Danish standards; minimum 30 hours/week; salary must be paid into a Danish bank account within 180 days. Ny i Danmark
Documents (core)
- Signed employment contract (detailing role, salary, hours, benefits)
- Degree(s)/experience as required by role; authorization if the job is regulated (e.g., medical). Ny i Danmark
Passport, photo, fee receipt, case order ID, biometrics (per SIRI checklist). Ny i Danmark
Fast-track & the Supplementary Pay Limit
If your Danish employer is SIRI-certified, they can apply on your behalf under Fast-track. Tracks include Pay-limit (≥ DKK 514,000) and Supplementary pay-limit (≥ DKK 415,000), plus short-term, researcher, educational. Note: job-seeking permit is not available after the supplementary pay-limit track. Ny i Danmark
Positive List (Skilled & Highly Educated)
If your job title appears on the Positive List for Skilled Work (e.g., welders, electricians, chefs, social and health care workers) or for the Highly Educated, you can apply even below the Pay Limit threshold—provided salary/terms meet Danish standards. The list refreshes on 1 Jan & 1 Jul. Ny i Danmark
Healthcare Note (Doctors & Nurses)
Healthcare professions require authorization via the Danish Patient Safety Authority (STPS)—a separate process (language + tests). For doctors, follow the five-step authorization path. For nurses trained outside EU/EEA, new restriction from 7 October 2025: applications are generally not accepted unless exceptions apply. We help evaluate eligibility before you invest. STPS+1
Step-by-Step: From Pakistan
- Confirm route (Pay Limit / Positive List / Fast-track).
- Get a job offer meeting Danish standards (salary, hours, contract). Ny i Danmark+1
- Create case order ID, pay fee, apply online; submit docs; give biometrics. Ny i Danmark
- Open a Danish bank account (within 180 days after permit issuance). Ny i Danmark
- Move with family (spouse/partner & minor kids can accompany). Ny i Danmark
Quick Checklist
- Valid Passport (≥ 6 months)
- Employment Contract meeting DKK 514,000 / 415,000 (as applicable)
- Degree/experience & authorization where required
- Fee receipt + biometrics appointment confirmation
- Proof of accommodation (if requested), CV
