Herdsmen and Farm Manager Work Permit
Denmark
Last updated: December 23, 2025
maximum 4 years
$1069
1 month
Low
About this Visa
The Danish Herdsmen and Farm Manager work permit is an employer-sponsored work and residence permit designed for skilled agricultural professionals seeking salaried employment in Denmark. This visa targets herdsmen (livestock managers) and farm managers (supervisory agricultural roles) and is explicitly restricted to these professions—general farm workers, mink farm handlers, and managers in horticulture or forestry are ineligible. The visa is available to nationals of any country globally with no nationality-based restrictions or bans. It is one of Denmark's most accessible work permit pathways, with a 99% approval rate in the agriculture sector. The scheme addresses genuine labor shortages in Danish agricultural operations and is administered by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Upon approval, holders receive a combined residence and work card valid for up to 4 years (maximum validity cannot exceed employment contract duration). The permit provides access to Denmark's public healthcare system, unrestricted travel within Schengen for 90 days per 180-day period (though work outside Denmark is prohibited), and the ability to sponsor family members. After 4 years of continuous employment, workers can pursue permanent residence with additional requirements (Danish language level 3, above-average income, and active citizenship demonstration), with a pathway to Danish citizenship following permanent residence status.
Key Benefits
- Unlimited right to work in Denmark for permit validity period
- Work limited to specified employer and position; job changes require new permit
- Unpaid voluntary work permitted
- Access to Denmark's public healthcare system after registration
- Free Danish language lessons (with mandatory completion deposit)
- Unrestricted travel within Schengen area up to 90 days per 180-day period
- Right to sponsor family members: spouse, registered/cohabiting partner (2+ years together), and children under 18
- Family members gain automatic work rights in Denmark (except at sponsor's employer)
- Residence card serves as travel document throughout Schengen area
- Path to permanent residence after 4 years (with language test, above-average income, and active citizenship requirement)
- Path to Danish citizenship following permanent residence
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Valid passport with 6+ months remaining validity
- Professional qualifications in herdsman or farm manager discipline (formal training required, not general farm labor experience)
- Secured employment with salary meeting or exceeding herdsman minimum threshold (DKK 33,903.04/month)
- Employment contract must specify all terms (salary, hours, duties, start date, duration)
- Ability to support self and family members financially
- No language proficiency requirement at application stage (Danish lessons mandatory after arrival with completion deposit)
- No formal health screening required (standard communicable disease restrictions apply)
- No previous work permit rejections by applicant or accompanying family members (two rejections trigger permanent ineligibility)
- Salary must be paid into Danish bank account; account must be opened within 180 days of permit issuance
- Prohibited from receiving benefits under Denmark's Active Social Policy Act
Financial Requirement
Herdsman minimum salary: DKK 33,903.04 per month (approximately DKK 406,836 annually). Farm managers must exceed herdsman salary threshold, assessed individually. Salary must be paid into Danish bank account in applicant's name within 180 days of permit issuance. Applicants must demonstrate ability to support themselves and any accompanying family members financially. Prohibited from receiving benefits under Denmark's Active Social Policy Act.
Documents
- Valid PassportMinimum 6+ months validity; all pages copied
- Employment ContractDated within 30 days of application; must specify salary, hours, duties, start date, and duration
- Application FormAR1 (joint employer-applicant) or AR6 (employer-authorized power of attorney)
- Visa Fee Payment ProofReceipt of DKK 6,055 payment (2025 rate; increases to DKK 6,330 from January 1, 2026)
- Biometric RecordingFingerprints and facial photo; must be scheduled within 14 days of application submission
- Professional QualificationsDiploma or certification from relevant educational program in herdsman or farm manager disciplines
- Work Experience DocumentationEvidence of prior relevant experience in the field
- Certified TranslationsIf education documents are not in English, German, Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish
- Ukrainian Documents Special RequirementIf education completed in Ukraine, must provide dated study records, student cards, and institutional documentation with translations
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.