Pay Limit vs Positive List Skilled: which Danish visa is right for you?
Two Danish work routes: the Pay Limit Scheme for any job above a salary threshold, and the Positive List for occupations facing a shortage (no salary threshold, but the job must be listed).
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen) (Pay Limit) | The Positive List for Skilled Work (Positive List Skilled) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | Foreign nationals offered a Danish job with a salary above the annual minimum threshold. | Skilled tradespeople offered a job in a vocational profession on Denmark's shortage list. |
| Government cost | ~DKK 6,055 | ~DKK 6,055 |
| Processing time | ~1 month (up to 3 months) | ~1 month (up to 3 months) |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years, renewable | Up to 4 years, renewable |
| Where to apply | Online via nyidanmark.dk; outside or inside Denmark | Online via nyidanmark.dk; outside or inside Denmark |
| Work rights | Full work rights for the specific employer/job | Full work rights for the listed job |
| Pathway to PR | Years on the permit count toward permanent residence after 8 years (or 4 with extra conditions). | Counts toward permanent residence after 8 years (or 4 with extra conditions). |
Which is right for you?
Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen) (Pay Limit)
Foreign nationals offered a Danish job with a salary above the annual minimum threshold.
Full Pay Limit guide →The Positive List for Skilled Work (Positive List Skilled)
Skilled tradespeople offered a job in a vocational profession on Denmark's shortage list.
Full Positive List Skilled guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Pay Limit or Positive List Skilled?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen) (Pay Limit) is the lowest at ~DKK 6,055. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Pay Limit or Positive List Skilled?
Indicatively Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen) (Pay Limit) is the quickest at ~1 month (up to 3 months). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between Pay Limit and Positive List Skilled?
Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen) (Pay Limit) is for foreign nationals offered a Danish job with a salary above the annual minimum threshold. The Positive List for Skilled Work (Positive List Skilled) is for skilled tradespeople offered a job in a vocational profession on Denmark's shortage list.