Denmark has introduced a work permit exemption allowing certain categories of foreign nationals to work in the country for up to 90 days without obtaining a formal work permit.
The Danish government has published the complete list of individuals covered by the exemption on its official website, specifying the categories of workers who qualify and the conditions attached to the arrangement.
Denmark’s 90-day work permit exemption covers the following categories of foreigners:
1. Researchers and lecturers invited to Denmark to teach or give lectures.
2. Foreign nationals entering Denmark to work as researchers or guest researchers affiliated with a Danish university or company.
3. Prospective PhD students taking part in a screening process conducted by a Danish university to determine their suitability for admission into a doctoral programme.
4. Representatives of foreign companies or organisations without a branch office in Denmark who travel to the country for business purposes.
5. Fitters, consultants and instructors engaged to install, inspect, repair or set up machinery, equipment or computer programmes.
6. Individuals employed as domestic staff by foreign nationals visiting Denmark.
7. Professional athletes, coaches and related support personnel.
The exemption covers professionals and academics from a wide range of fields, creating opportunities for eligible foreigners to undertake short-term assignments in Denmark without going through the standard work permit process. Academic visitors, including researchers and potential PhD candidates, are among those who can benefit from the arrangement when their activities meet the specified requirements.
The policy also accommodates international businesses sending representatives to Denmark for business trips, including meetings and negotiations, where the foreign company or organisation does not have a branch office in the country.
Technical specialists are covered as well, particularly professionals such as consultants, engineers and instructors who travel to Denmark to install, inspect, maintain or repair machinery, equipment or computer programmes.
Foreign nationals visiting Denmark may also be accompanied by household employees who qualify under the exemption. In the sports sector, professional athletes, coaches and members of support teams can similarly benefit, provided their stay is connected to participation in a single major sporting event rather than a longer-term engagement.
