Work Permit for Greenland: Requirements and How to Apply

If you want to work in Greenland, you usually need a residence and work permit before you start. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and applications for work permits are handled by Danish authorities (SIRI), based on approval from the Government of Greenland.

This page explains who needs a permit, what counts as work, and how the application process works in practice.

Who needs a work permit for Greenland

Nordic citizens (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Faroe Islands) can live and work in Greenland without a work permit.

Most other citizens (including EU/EEA citizens who are not Nordic and non-EU citizens such as US/UK/Canada/Australia) must apply for a Greenland work and residence permit.

If you are unsure about your entry rules and visa situation, start here:

What counts as “work” in Greenland

In general, paid employment in Greenland requires a permit if you are not exempt (for example, not a Nordic citizen). This includes full-time and part-time jobs, seasonal work, and most employer-based contracts.

If you plan to stay short-term, note that entry rules and visa rules are a separate topic from work authorization:

The authority handling work permits

Applications to work in Greenland are processed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). The decision is based on an approval from the Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut).

Official starting points:

Work permit requirements (overview)

Exact requirements depend on your situation, but most successful applications have these elements:

  • A job offer from an employer in Greenland (this is the most common legal basis for a permit).
  • Employment terms that match the role (job title, salary, working hours, and duration).
  • A valid passport covering the period you intend to stay.
  • Correct application form for Greenland work permits (SIRI forms).

In practice, most people who move for work first secure a job, then apply, then relocate after approval:

How to apply (step by step)

  1. Get a job offer from an employer in Greenland.
  2. Choose the correct Greenland application form (most salaried work cases use the GL1 form).
  3. Prepare documents (passport, contract, and any additional items requested in the form).
  4. Submit the application through the official channels described by SIRI / Ny i Danmark.
  5. Wait for the decision before starting work or relocating.
  6. After arrival, complete any local registration steps required for residents.

Application forms (GL forms)

SIRI uses specific Greenland forms. For salaried work, the main form is typically GL1.

Fees and processing time

Fees and processing times can change and depend on your case. Always check the official sites for the latest numbers and requirements before submitting.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Starting work before approval. In most cases, you must have the permit first.
  • Assuming a Schengen visa is enough. Greenland is not part of Schengen, and rules differ.
  • Applying with incomplete job details. Missing salary, hours, or unclear contract terms can slow down a case.
  • Ignoring housing reality. Housing can be limited in larger towns, so plan early.

Related guides

Last updated: January 2026