Positive List HE vs Positive List Skilled: which Danish visa is right for you?
Two Positive List tracks: one for higher-education occupations in shortage, and one for skilled-work occupations in shortage - which applies depends on your qualification level.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | The Positive List for People with a Higher Education (Positive List HE) | The Positive List for Skilled Work (Positive List Skilled) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | Graduates offered a job in a profession on Denmark's shortage list for higher education. | 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 listed job | Full work rights for the listed job |
| Pathway to PR | Time on the permit counts toward permanent residence after 8 years (or 4 with conditions). | Counts toward permanent residence after 8 years (or 4 with extra conditions). |
Which is right for you?
The Positive List for People with a Higher Education (Positive List HE)
Graduates offered a job in a profession on Denmark's shortage list for higher education.
Full Positive List HE 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, Positive List HE or Positive List Skilled?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, The Positive List for People with a Higher Education (Positive List HE) is the lowest at ~DKK 6,055. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Positive List HE or Positive List Skilled?
Indicatively The Positive List for People with a Higher Education (Positive List HE) 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 Positive List HE and Positive List Skilled?
The Positive List for People with a Higher Education (Positive List HE) is for graduates offered a job in a profession on Denmark's shortage list for higher education. 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.