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Brabrand is a district inside Aarhus municipality in Denmark, so work permit rules there are governed by national Danish immigration and labour law rather than local rules. Whether you need a work permit depends on your citizenship, the nature of the job, and your residence status. Citizens of EU/EEA/Switzerland generally have the right to work in Denmark, while non-EU nationals usually need a residence permit that includes the right to work. Applications and decisions are handled by national authorities, and local municipal offices help with registration matters like obtaining a CPR number and access to local services.
Most straightforward work permit applications are administrative, but a lawyer can help in many common situations where complexity or risk is higher. Reasons to consult a lawyer include
- Refusal of a work or residence permit and the need to prepare an appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board - Udlændingenævnet.
- Complex cases involving family reunification or dependent family members, where eligibility thresholds or documentary proof are disputed.
- Change of employment when the existing permit is employer-tied or limited to a specific job category.
- Cases involving allegations of violation of permit conditions, such as working outside the permitted conditions or undeclared work.
- Cross-border employment issues, posted worker rules, or multi-country assignments requiring coordination of Danish and foreign permits.
- Self-employment or company formation where migration rules for entrepreneurs or investors apply.
- Complicated documentation problems, translation and legalization of foreign diplomas, or proving qualified worker status.
- Urgent deadlines for appeals or remedial action following a negative decision, where expert legal drafting and timely submissions matter.
Key legal frameworks and practical points relevant to work permits in Brabrand include
- Udlændingeloven - the Danish Aliens Act. This is the central national law that sets the rules for entry, residence and work for non-EU nationals. It describes permit categories, conditions and grounds for refusal or withdrawal.
- EU and EEA freedom of movement. Citizens of EU/EEA states and Switzerland do not need a Danish work permit but have to register for residence and may need a registration certificate in some cases. They are subject to national labour law and social security registration.
- Permit categories. Denmark uses several common permit routes for non-EU nationals - positive list or shortage occupation rules, pay-limit or high-wage schemes, researcher and researcher projects, intra-company transfers, the fast-track scheme for companies with agreement with SIRI, and special schemes for students, trainees and au pairs.
- Authority handling. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration - Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration (SIRI) - handles most work and residence permit applications. Appeals go to the Immigration Appeals Board - Udlændingenævnet.
- Employment law and collective agreements. Denmark has strong collective bargaining. There is no universal statutory minimum wage. Instead, minimum terms for pay and conditions are often set by collective agreements within sectors. Ensuring your salary and contract meet applicable collective agreement standards is important for a successful application.
- Registration on arrival. After you receive the right to reside and work, you will typically need to register with Aarhus municipality to obtain a CPR number, open a bank account and get access to public services. Local citizen service offices provide practical assistance.
- Family reunification rules. Whether your family can join you depends on the permit type and your income or housing situation. Conditions and thresholds vary, so check the specifics for your permit category.
Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not need a work permit, though they should register their residence. Non-EU nationals generally need a residence permit that includes the right to work. The exact permit needed depends on your job, qualifications and length of stay.
Work and residence permit applications for non-EU nationals are typically submitted to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration - SIRI. Applications may be started online and will require supporting documentation. Local municipal offices in Aarhus help with integration matters after arrival.
Processing times vary by permit type and case complexity. Simple cases may be decided within a few weeks, while more complex or documentation-heavy applications can take several months. Processing time may increase if additional evidence is requested or if you need to apply from abroad.
That depends on the permit. Some permits are employer-specific or tied to a specific job description. Changing employer may require a new permit application or a notification to the authorities. Always check your permit conditions and consult a lawyer if you plan to change jobs.
In many cases family members can apply for family reunification, but eligibility depends on the permit category, your income, housing and whether you meet other conditions. Family reunification rules can be strict, so seek specialist advice early if you want to bring dependents.
Common documents include a valid passport, signed employment contract showing salary and working hours, diplomas and certificates, CV, proof of previous employment, proof of housing, and any translations or legalizations required. The exact list depends on the permit type.
Students from EU/EEA countries can work without a permit but must register. Non-EU students can usually work part time under conditions set by their residence permit - for example, restrictions on the number of hours per week during semester and fewer restrictions during holidays. Check your specific permit.
If your application is refused you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons. You often have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board - Udlændingenævnet. Appeal deadlines can be short, so review the decision immediately and consider engaging a lawyer to prepare an effective appeal.
Costs vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience and the work required. Some lawyers offer fixed fees for straightforward applications and hourly rates for appeals or litigation. Ask for a written fee estimate and information about payment terms before you engage a lawyer.
Whether you can work during processing depends on your current status. If you already have a valid permit that allows work, you may continue. If you are in Denmark without a permit and have applied for one, your right to work will depend on the specific circumstances and any temporary authorizations. Check the conditions on your receipt from SIRI and seek advice if unsure.
Useful national authorities and organizations to consult include
- The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration - SIRI - handles work and residence permit decisions and provides guidance on different permit schemes.
- The Immigration Appeals Board - Udlændingenævnet - hears appeals against negative decisions.
- Aarhus municipality and local citizen service - Borgerservice - provide help with registration, CPR numbers and municipal services in Brabrand.
- International Citizen Service in major Danish cities offers practical arrival guidance for foreigners needing help with registration and public services.
- Trade unions and industry unions - they can advise on collective agreements, employment terms and workplace disputes.
- Professional immigration lawyers and accredited advisers with experience in Danish work permit law. Look for advisers who specialise in immigration and employment matters.
If you need legal assistance with a work permit in Brabrand, follow these practical steps
- Collect your documents - passport, job offer or employment contract, diplomas, CV, proof of housing, and any existing permits or decisions. Make certified translations where required.
- Read the decision or application instructions carefully and note any deadlines for responses or appeals. Acting promptly preserves your rights.
- Contact a specialist lawyer or accredited immigration adviser who has experience with Danish work permits and with cases before SIRI and the Immigration Appeals Board. Ask for an initial assessment and a clear fee quote.
- Consider local support - your employer, a trade union, or Aarhus municipal citizen service can help with practical steps like CPR registration, tax card and local integration services.
- If you receive a refusal, do not delay. Appeals have strict timelines and a timely, well-documented appeal with legal representation improves the chance of a successful outcome.
- Keep a clear file of all communications and documents, including application receipts and correspondence with authorities. This makes legal consultations more efficient and reduces delays.
Remember - this guide explains common issues and options but does not replace personalised legal advice. For case-specific concerns, consult a qualified immigration lawyer in Denmark.
