If you’re a foreigner and want to work in Greenland, you usually require a residency and work visa from the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). One important thing is that the Greenlandic Self-Government (Naalakkersuisut) must accept the permit. In certain situations, the local municipality may also need to provide approval for foreign workers.
Who Can Work Without a Permit in Greenland
Denmark owns Greenland, which is also a part of the Nordic region. People from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and the Åland Islands may go to Greenland and work there. However, certain jobs need specific licenses no matter where you are from.
People from the Nordic countries
If you live in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland:
- You don’t need a work or residency permit to live and work in Greenland.
- You have the same rights as workers in the area.
Citizens of the EU and EEA
If you’re from the EU/EEA (but not Nordic):
- Before you may start working, you need to apply for work and residency permission.
- No automatic right to work applies here.
People from outside the EU/EEA
If you live in the US, Canada, the Philippines, India, or Brazil,
- You need to go via Denmark’s SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) to get a work and residency visa.
Work and Residence Permits in Greenland – Complete Guide for Foreigners
Work in Greenland and Residence Permits
Most people arrange their work and residence permits before arriving. You will generally need:
- A confirmed job offer.
- A completed GL1 application form (filled in by you and your employer).
- Supporting documents such as your employment contract, qualifications, and a passport copy.
Job-Seeking
- Many people secure a job before moving to Greenland.
- The unemployment rate is very low, meaning there are often vacancies, particularly in healthcare, education, construction, fishing, and tourism.
- Check both local Greenlandic job portals and international recruitment sites.
Professional Authorisation
Some professions require official authorisation to work in Greenland:
- In some cases, a Nordic licence is accepted.
- In others, you must apply for Danish or Greenlandic authorisation.
Always confirm with your employer or the relevant authority
Pay and Conditions
- The labour market consists of both public and private sectors.
- Salaries in the public sector are typically set by collective agreements.
- The standard workweek is 40 hours.
- It’s advisable to contact the relevant trade union during recruitment for information on pay and rights.
Trade Unions and Worker Representation
While Greenland does not have a long tradition of trade unions, most professions today are organised in unions.
If you are an academic employee or a secondary school teacher, you may be eligible to join branches of Danish trade unions that accept members living in Greenland.
Being a union member can give you access to:
- Collective bargaining agreements
- Legal support and workplace advice
- Negotiated pay and benefits
For more information, see: Collective bargaining groups in Greenland (Sullissivik).
Unemployment Insurance Funds
Greenland does not operate its unemployment insurance funds.
However, it is highly recommended that you maintain your membership in your existing unemployment insurance fund before moving.
Important points to note:
- You cannot join a Danish unemployment insurance fund while living in Greenland.
- Without continued membership, you will not be covered when you return to your home country.
Housing and Relocation
- Housing is limited in larger towns.
- Many positions — both public and private — include staff accommodation.
- Clarify housing terms before accepting a job, as finding accommodation independently can be difficult.
Taxation
- Stays over 6 months: You are fully taxable in Greenland on worldwide income.
- Stays under 6 months: You are only taxed on income earned in Greenland.
- You will need a tax card (skattekort) and, if moving from Denmark, an exemption from Danish tax.
Social Security
If you move to Greenland for work, you are usually covered by Greenland’s social security system, which can include:
- Unemployment benefits
- Pension
- Sickness and parental benefits
- Child allowances
- Healthcare access
Seasonal Jobs for Young People
- The Nordjobb programme offers seasonal jobs for Nordic and EU citizens aged 18–30.
- Applicants must speak Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish.
Further Information
Source: Nordic Co-operation