Denmark Short-Term Work Permit Allows Work Related Activities for Up to 90 Days (Policy Revised 2025)

The Danish Immigration Service has recently updated its guidelines on short-term work permits for foreign nationals visiting Denmark. This update clarifies which work-related activities can be performed without a work permit and which require one. Visa seekers and international workers should take note of these important changes to ensure compliance when planning a short-term visit.

February 2025 Updates on Danish Short-Term Work Permits

Following three (03) major revisions are published by Danish immigration service in February 2025 about their newly launched Danish short term work permit program:

1# Visa vs. Work Permit: What You Need to Know

Most foreign nationals require a residence and work permit to work in Denmark. However, for short stays (maximum of 90 days) on a visa or a visa-free stay, certain work-related activities may be performed without a work permit.

Permitted activities without a work permit include:

• • Receiving training, education, and instruction
  • Participating in business negotiations and meetings

Activities that require a work permit:

• • Contributing to a company’s output, such as creating or modifying a product
  • Performing tasks that go beyond training and directly impact a company’s production

If the nature of work is unclear, visa seekers are advised to contact the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) for an advisory statement before applying.

2# Specific Examples of Work Activities

To help clarify when a work permit is needed, the Danish Immigration Service has provided specific examples:

• Meetings and Briefings: A visa is sufficient for business meetings where discussions do not directly contribute to the company’s production. For example, attending a five-day meeting with employees about projects that will be executed in a foreign country does not require a work permit.
• Tender Participation: Foreign employees participating in tender processes (e.g., submitting proposals for a contract) can do so without a work permit, as long as they do not contribute to the final delivery. If their role directly impacts the company’s production, a work permit is required.
• Training and Assignments: Attending training alone does not require a work permit. However, if the trainee also performs programming or any other work-related task afterward, a work permit is required.
• Stay Duration: If an employee’s stay exceeds 90 days (e.g., a 92-day training program), a work permit is mandatory.
• Incomplete Visa Applications: Applications lacking detailed descriptions of work-related activities may be rejected. For example, if an applicant applies for a 90-day visa but fails to specify the exact nature of their training, the application may be denied.

3# Volunteering Without a Work Permit

Foreign nationals can engage in unpaid volunteer work during a visa or visa-free stay, provided that volunteering is not the primary reason for their visit. Visa applications solely for unpaid volunteer work will be rejected.

A specific evaluation will be made to determine whether unpaid volunteer work falls under the exemption or requires a work permit.

New Application Guidelines for Short-Term Work Purpose for Visiting Denmark for up to 90 Days:

To avoid delays or rejections, visa applicants should include a detailed description of planned activities, such as:

• Type of meetings or training sessions
• Purpose of travel
• Expected output (if any)
• Computer systems or projects involved

Providing clear information allows the Danish authorities to assess whether a work permit is needed and helps streamline case processing.

Announcement: https://nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Words-and-concepts/US/Visum/Visa-(short-term)-or-work-permit.

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