The green card in Denmark

In order to attract more skilled immigrants on its territory, the Danish Government has recently introduced the "green card", which is both a work permit and a residence permit. Under the green card scheme, foreigners are allowed to stay in Denmark up to 3 consecutive years to find a job.

It is not necessary to be in possession of a job offer or a work contract to qualify for a green card in Denmark. However, only graduated candidates with specific professional and language skills can qualify.

Who can apply for a "green card"? 

The green card is primarily designed for foreign nationals residing outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland. Residence and work permits are also granted to green card holder's dependant(s) : husband, wife, partner or children.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To qualify for a green card, it is necessary to obtain a certain number of eligibility points according to several criteria and taking into account your level of education, your professional background, your age and your proficiency in foreign languages. Beyond 100 points, a candidate is qualified.

Eligibility criteria:

1 - Study level

• Bachelor’s degree and equivalent: 30 points
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and followed by one-year Master's degree: 50 points
• Master’s degree: 60 points
• PhD: 80 points

 NB: bonus points ranging from 5 to 15 points may be awarded if your diploma is issued by a high school or university ranking among the top 400 in the world. The top 400 list is available at http://www.topuniversities.com/.

Foreign diplomas are assessed by the CIRIUS under the supervision of the Ministry of technologies and innovation. For more information on CIRIUS, visit their website at http://www.ciriusonline.dk/.

2 - Language Skills

• Level corresponding to German, English, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish Language Test, Level 1 (Prøve i Dansk 1): 5 points
• Level corresponding to German, English, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish Language Test, Level 2 (Prøve i Dansk 2): 10 points
• Level corresponding to German, English, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish Language Test, Level 3 (Prøve i Dansk 3): 15 points
• Level corresponding to Study Test in Danish as a Second Language (Studieprøven) or higher/one year's study or work: 20 points

3 - Professional Skills

• 1-2 years within the past five years as a researcher/in field listed on the Positive List: 10 points
• 3-5 years within the past five years  as a researcher/in field listed on the Positive List: 15 points
• 3-5 years within the past five years, other work: 5 points

 Note: the Positive List (i.e. list of eligible profession) is available at http://www.nyidanmark.dk/.

4 - Adaptability 

• Completion of at least one year study at a higher educational programme in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland: 5 points
• Completion of at least three years study at a higher educational programme in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland: 10 points

OR:

• At least one year (12 consecutive months') legal residence and work in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland: 5 points
• At least two consecutive years of legal residence and work in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland: 10 points

5 - Age

• 35 to 40 years: 10 points
• 34 years or less: 15 points

How to apply for a green card? 

To apply for a green card, fill out the downloadable form (available at http://www.nyidanmark.dk/), attach a copy of your passport, 2 passport-sized photos, copies of your diplomas (or originals if required) together with a certificate of your issuing institution certifying the authenticity of your diplomas, job certificates and language tests (or a statement from an employer regarding your language skills) and a financial attestation (a bank statement from your bank) certifying that you will have enough funds to sustain yourself in the country during the first year in Denmark. It is required to have a minimum of DKK 5,080 per month for people aged under 24 years old or married, DKK 6,124 for people aged 24 or above.

 Note: if your credentials are not written in English, French, German, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish, it is necessary to provide official translations in English or Danish.

Once all the documents gathered, submit your file to the consulate or embassy of Denmark in your area. Fees apply and may vary depending on your situation. For more information about eligibility or requirements, please contact the embassy or consulate of Denmark in your area.

 Useful Link:

New to Denmark - Green Card

http://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/

 

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