Denmark Updates Positive List for People with Higher Education

SIRI has updated the Positive List for people with a higher education. The updated job titles on the list are based on the Regional Labour Market Councils additions. The new list is applicable from October 1, 2023.

The Positive List is a list of professions experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals in Denmark. Those offered a job included in the Positive List can apply for a residence and work permit in Denmark based on the scheme. To qualify, applicants must have a suitable educational background.

A job title can appear in the list, if there is a regional or national shortage of qualified professionals for the position. A job title can be added to the Positive List if:

• Ongoing labour market monitoring (the Labour Market Balance Model) shows that there is a national shortage of qualified professionals for a job title (twice a year – January 1, and July 1);
• Profession specific unemployment insurance funds (a-kasser) assess that there is a national shortage of qualified professionals for a job title (October 1, and April 1); or
• The Regional Labour Market Councils assess that there is a regional shortage of qualified professionals for a job title (October 1, and April 1).

The added job titles on The Positive List for people with a Higher Education are added by the Regional Labour Market Councils and they will be on the list until at least September 30, 2025.  The profession specific unemployment insurance funds has not added any job titles to the list that will be applicable from October 1, 2023.

The job titles will only apply for the geographical area (municipalities) each council covers. No job titles are taken off the Positive List for people with a Higher Education as a result of this update.

Another list – the Positive List for Skilled Work – is updated twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.

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