Changing Employers in Denmark on a Work Permit

Changing employers in Denmark (Kongeriget Danmark — Kingdom of Denmark) on a work permit always requires a new application to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), because Danish work permits are tied to a specific job and employer. The good news is that under the Pay Limit Scheme you can start the new job on the day you submit the new application, without waiting for a decision. If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you may be able to get a six-month job-seeking permit, although it does not let you work. This EU Helpers guide explains the process, timing and risks — international candidates can explore Danish opportunities through EU Helpers. Denmark has been an EU member since 1973 and a Schengen member since 2001, but it has opt-outs from EU justice and home affairs rules, is NOT a eurozone member (it uses the Danish krone, DKK), and has been a founding member of NATO and the Council of Europe since 1949.

Essential Context: How Danish Work Permits Are Tied to Employers

A Danish permit covers one job with one employer.

When You Can Change Employers in Denmark

• Voluntary move — you can change employers at any time, but you need a new permit for the new job.
• Dismissal or redundancy — if you lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be able to get a job-seeking permit for six months while you look for new work.
• Promotion within the same company — usually no new permit is needed, but check that the salary still meets your scheme.
• Moving between schemes — for example from Positive List to Pay Limit Scheme — usually means a new application.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Secure a written offer that meets the requirements of the scheme you will apply under — for example at least DKK 552,000 a year for the Pay Limit Scheme in 2026.
2. Create a new case order ID and pay the fee on the New in Denmark website.
3. The new employer completes its part of the application, and you complete yours.
4. Submit the new application before your current job ends.
5. Under the Pay Limit Scheme, you can start the new job on the day you submit the application.
6. Record your biometrics within 14 days, and collect your new residence card once approved.

Documentation You Will Need

Timing: How Long the Switch Takes

Rules on Notice, Probation and Severance

• Notice — under the Danish Salaried Employees Act (Funktionærloven), a salaried employee usually gives one month's notice to the end of a month, unless the contract or collective agreement says otherwise.
• Probation — contracts often include a probation period of up to three months with shorter notice.
• Severance — resigning does not give a right to severance pay; severance applies only to certain long-service dismissals.
• Holiday pay — accrued holiday allowance is settled when you leave.

Salary and Benefits When Switching

Your new salary must meet the requirements of your new scheme — at least DKK 552,000 a year for the Pay Limit Scheme in 2026, or DKK 446,000 for the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme, and Danish standards for Positive List jobs. Salaries are paid in Danish krone into a Danish bank account. Compare base pay, pension contributions and other benefits.

Risks and Common Mistakes

• Starting without applying — you must submit a new application before you start the new job.
• Letting the old job end first — submit the new application before your current job ends.
• Salary below the threshold — the new job must meet the scheme's requirements.
• Receiving public benefits — this can breach your permit; private A-kasse unemployment insurance is not counted as public benefits.
• Working on a job-seeking permit — it does not allow you to work.
• Forgetting family members — check whether their permits need updating.

Special Cases

• Fast-track scheme — the new employer must be certified by SIRI for Fast-track.
• Positive List — the new job must also be on the current Positive List.
• Side jobs — additional work needs a separate sideline employment permit.
• Moving to another EU country — Danish work permits give no right to work in other EU countries.
• EU, EEA, Nordic and Swiss citizens — no permit is needed.

Final Guidance

Changing employers in Denmark on a work permit always means a new application to SIRI, but under the Pay Limit Scheme you can start the new job on the day you apply. Make sure the new job meets your scheme's salary or Positive List requirements, submit the application before your current job ends, give the right notice under the Salaried Employees Act and record your biometrics within 14 days. If you lose your job through no fault of your own, ask about the six-month job-seeking permit. Always confirm current rules with SIRI before resigning. International candidates can explore Danish opportunities through EU Helpers. EU Helpers supports foreign workers with offer checks, new SIRI applications, timing and documents.