If you’re planning to work in Greenland, it’s important to understand the rules for work and residence permits. While citizens from certain countries enjoy free movement, others must go through a formal application process before starting employment.
Find more information at Nyidanmark.dk
Who Must Apply for a Work and Residence Permit in Greenland
Greenland’s immigration rules depend heavily on where you are from. While Nordic citizens enjoy the most freedom, other foreign nationals will need formal permission before they can start working.
Nordic Citizens
If you are from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, or Åland, you have the right to live and work in Greenland without a permit.
- You have equal employment rights to local workers.
- However, certain professions—especially those in regulated industries—still require specific professional authorisation, even for Nordic citizens.
EU/EEA Citizens (Non-Nordic)
Citizens of the EU or EEA who are not from the Nordic countries must:
- Apply for a work and residence permit before starting employment.
- Receive approval from the Danish Immigration Service.
- Understand that there is no automatic right to work in Greenland for this group.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens (Third-Country Nationals)
If you come from countries such as the US, Canada, the Philippines, India, Brazil, or other non-EU/EEA nations, you must:
- Obtain a Danish work and residence permit from the Danish Immigration Service.
- In some cases, also secure a municipal permit from the local Greenlandic authority.
- Wait for full approval before beginning work—processing can take up to three months.
Your permit will be issued either as:
- A formal letter, or
- A plastic ID card (similar to a bank card).
It will be valid only for:
- A specific job at a particular company.
- No longer than one year at a time.
If you want to change jobs, you must apply for a new permit before starting the new role.
Short-Term Work Without a Permit – The “Fitter Rule”
Certain short-term roles do not require a work or residence permit, provided the stay is less than three months. This applies if you are:
- A technical specialist in mining or industry.
- Installing or repairing technical/IT equipment.
- An artist, scientist, or public speaker.
- An actor, film director, or crew member on a production.
- A company representative or salesperson on a short business trip.
No municipal permit is required for these activities.
Spouse, Family Reunification, and Permanent Residence
If you are the spouse or partner of a Danish or Nordic citizen, and you are from a third country:
- You must apply for spouse or family reunification or a work and residence permit.
- A municipal permit may also be required.
- Exceptions apply if you have a special connection to Greenland (e.g., lived there 7 of the last 10 years, or have a Greenlandic spouse).
Permanent Residence:
If you have been granted permanent residence in Greenland, you can work without restrictions.
Extending Your Permit
- Applications for extension must be made before your current permit expires.
- Submit your request to the Danish Immigration Service.
- You can continue working while your extension is being processed.
Appealing a Decision
If your application is denied:
- Municipal permit issues – Contact Greenland’s Ministry of Industry, Labour, and Trade.
- Danish Immigration Service decisions – Appeal to the Ministry of Justice in Denmark.
Source: Nordic Co-operation; Ministry of Justice in Denmark; Ministry of Industry, Labour, and Trade