General rules for third country citizens living in Denmark

A work permit only applies in the country where it was issued

As a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you do not benefit from the free movement of labour, which allows people to work in other EU/EEA countries without a work permit. Third country citizens with a residence and work permit in one of the countries also do not benefit from the free movement of labour, as the permits only apply in the country in which they were issued. There may nevertheless be ways in which you can become a cross-border worker if you comply with certain conditions. 

You must have a work permit that specifically allows you to work in Sweden when living in Denmark or vice versa. You must apply for and receive a permit before you start working. In order to apply for a work permit in Denmark or Sweden, you must first have been offered an employment contract, and when you apply you pay a fee to the country’s immigration authorities. You therefore cannot obtain a work permit allowing you to look for work.

Note!

• If you work in Sweden or Denmark without the correct work permit, both you and your employer risk incurring fines and/or other punishment.
  
  
• You should always contact the immigration authorities in your country of residence to find out what happens to your residence permit if you obtain a work permit in another EU/EEA country and become a frontier worker.

If you live in Denmark and want to work in Sweden

If you live in Denmark and want to work in Sweden, you should visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website to find out whether and how you can obtain a work permit.

Swedish Migration Agency’s website

Further information

It is important to note that work permits and residence permit are two different things, and are issued for one specific country. 

If you have further questions about what applies to third country citizens living in Denmark who want to work in Sweden as a cross-border worker, you should contact the immigration services in the country of residence. 

Contact the Danish Immigration Services