Denmark Green Card Scheme

It is possible to be granted a residence permit for the purpose of seeking
work, and subsequently working, in Denmark. In order to be granted a
residence permit under the green card scheme, you must attain a
minimum of 100 points. Points are given for: educational level,
language skills, work experience, adaptability, and age.
                                                                                                 
What permission to live in Denmark do you get on Green Card Scheme?

You can be granted a first-time residence permit under the green card scheme for up to 3 years. Before the end of this period, you can apply for an extension of up to 1 year. Before the end of this period, you can apply for an extension of up to four years.

REQUIREMENTS

Educational level

The level of academic degrees may vary from country to country, even if they have the same title. For example, a Bachelor's degree from another country may not necessarily be equivalent to a Danish Bachelor's degree.

In order to receive points for educational level, you must, as a minimum, have the equivalent of a Danish Bachelor’s degree. You will only be given points for one educational level. Points are given as follows:

• Bachelor's degree/Graduated from medium-length education: 30 points
• Bachelor's degree followed by one-year Master's degree:  50 points
• Master's degree: 60 points
• PhD: 80 points

You will be given bonus points if you graduated from a university which is internationally recognized for its high academic level according to the latest THES-QS World Ranking. Points are given as follows:

• Top 400: 5 points
• Top 200: 10 points
• Top 100: 15 points

To know your institution ranking, visit:
http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings

You will be given 10 bonus points if your education qualifies you to work in a field where Denmark is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals. You can find these fields on the positive list. In order to obtain the bonus points, your education must be of the level specified for the job type in question, e.g. a Master's degree or a Professional Bachelor's degree.

Language skills

To claim points for language skills an applicant is required to prove that they have completed their formal education in English medium and their work experience is also in an environment where the medium of instructions and examinations is English. On provision of this an applicant may claim 20 points for language skills.
Recognized English Language Tests (IELTS/TOEFL) results may also be presented as the proof of language proficiency and in this case the points for language proficiency are more authentic.

Points on English tests
IELTS                                            03                                 05                                                          
IELTS                                            3.5 to 4.5                       10
IELTS                                            05 to 06                         15
IELTS                                              6.5                              20

TOEFL computer based with test score: min. 200 point

TOEFL internet based with test score: min. 72 point               20

TOEFL paper based with test score: min. 533

Work experience

Your work experience can be given points according to how many years, within the last five years, you have worked as a researcher or in a field where Denmark is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals. You can see these fields and specific job titles on the positive list. You can also be given points for other work experience. Points are given as follows:

• 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

You can be given a maximum of 15 points for your work experience.

Adaptability

You can be given points for your educational or work related attachment to the EU/EEA (including Denmark) or Switzerland, as this is seen to increase your ability to quickly adapt to the Danish labour market. Points are given for either education or work. Points are given as follows:

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

• You will be given 5 bonus points for Danish language skills (passed exam in Danish Language Test, Level 2 (Prøve i Dansk 2) or higher).
  
  You can be given a maximum of 15 points for your adaptability.

Points for Age

You can be given points based on your age at the time you submit your application. Points are given as follows:

• 35-40 years: 10 points
• 34 years or younger: 15 points
•  

You can be given a maximum of 15 points for your age.

Financial requirements

To obtain a residence permit under the greencard scheme, you must be able to support yourself during your first year in Denmark. You need to document that you possess financial resources equivalent to one year of Danish Start Help benefits (starthjælp). 

There are differing rates of Start Help, depending on your age and number of dependants.

The monthly Start Help rates are (2010 level):

• DKK 5,267 for persons under the age of 25 living alone
• DKK 6,351 for persons over the age of 25 living alone
• DKK 5,267 per person for spouses or cohabiting partners
• DKK 1,317 per child for married or cohabiting parents
• DKK 1,589 per child for single parents

Bank account statements and similar documents can be used as documentation of your financial resources.