§ 13. Udlændingeloven

In Brief

This section of the Danish Aliens Act states that foreigners must have a work permit to take any paid or unpaid job, start a business, or provide services in Denmark. This rule applies to everyone, in...

Examples

• International student seeking part-time work

  An international student with a valid study permit must apply for a work permit to take up any paid job in Denmark while studying.

• Spouse of a Danish citizen volunteering

  A foreign spouse of a Danish citizen can volunteer without a work permit if they hold a legal residence permit under the family reunification rules.

• Foreign entrepreneur starting a business

  A foreigner wishing to start a business in Denmark must secure a work permit to operate legally, regardless of whether they plan to take a salary.

Common Misunderstandings

• •I can work in Denmark without a permit if I'm an EU citizen. (Incorrect: EU citizens do not need a work permit, but this section applies to non-EU citizens.)
• •Volunteering doesn’t need any permit. (Incorrect: You can volunteer without a permit if you have specific legal residency, but others cannot.)
• •All work permits are the same. (Incorrect: There are different types of work permits depending on the nature of your job and residency status.)

Frequently Asked Questions