Denmark has updated its 2026 Positive List for Skilled Work, naming 64 professions facing labour shortages where qualified foreigners with a job offer can apply for work and residence permits.

The Danish government reviews the list twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, to reflect labour market needs.

A separate Positive List for the Highly Educated covers university-level roles in shortage fields.

Asylum seekers with a job offer in any listed profession can also apply under the scheme.

Professions on Denmark’s Positive List for Skilled Work

The professions are grouped by field as follows:

Science and Engineering

1. Foreman.

2. Service Electrician.

3. Oil Burner Technician.

4. Foreman, Operations and Production.

5. Electronics Technician.

6. Food Inspection Technician.

7. Agricultural Technologist.

8. Pilot (maritime).

9. Aircraft Technician.

Health

10. Ambulance Driver.

Business and Administration

11. Finance Officer, Credit and Analysis.

12. Finance Officer, Standard Products.

13. Accountant Assistant.

14. Valuer.

15. Insurer.

16. Ship-broker.

17. Flight Dispatcher.

18. Real Estate Agent.

19. Medical Secretary.

20. Customs Officer.

21. Investigator, Police Work.

22. Port Assistant.

Legal, Social, Cultural and Related

23. Visual Merchandiser.

Numerical and Material Recording

24. Finance Assistant.

25. Bank Assistant.

Personal Services

26. Chef.

27. Hairdresser.

Personal Care

28. Social and Health Care Worker, institutions and hospitals (excluding nursing homes).

29. Social and Health Care Assistant, institutions and hospitals (excluding nursing homes).

30. Social and Health Care Worker, private homes (including nursing homes).

31. Social and Health Care Assistant, private homes (including nursing homes).

Note: Danish authorization is required for all Social and Health Care roles. A quota of 1,000 residence and work permits applies to the Social and Health Care Worker positions. Once that quota is reached, the role will be removed from the list.

Rescue and Safety

32. Police Officer.

33. Prison Officer.

Agriculture and Nursery

34. Farm Manager (Field Crops, Agriculture).

35. Landscape Gardener.

36. Farm Manager (Field Crops, Mixed Crops).

Building and Related Trades

37. Bricklayer.

38. Heat and Ventilation Technician.

39. House Painter.

Metal and Machinery

40. Sheet Metal Worker.

41. Vehicle Body Technician.

42. Ship Builder.

43. Steel Construction Work.

44. Blacksmith.

45. Metal Worker.

46. Locksmith.

47. Tool Maker.

48. Industrial Technician.

49. CNC Operator.

50. Mechanic, Passenger Cars and Vans.

51. Mechanic, Trucks.

52. Mechanic, Other Areas (Motor Vehicles).

53. Ship’s Fitter.

54. Industrial Mechanic.

55. Agricultural Machinery Mechanic.

56. Construction Machinery Mechanic.

57. Ship’s Mechanic.

Electrical and Electronic Trades

58. Electrician.

59. Utility Operator.

60. Automation Technician.

61. Service Technician, Electro Technician.

Food Processing, Woodworking and Related Trades

62. Butcher, Retail Trade.

63. Baker (excluding industrial).

64. Cabinet Maker.

The full Positive List and application guidance are available on Denmark’s official immigration authority website.