Greenland (GL)

Greenland is the world's largest island and an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, known for its vast ice sheet, dramatic fjords, and indigenous Greenlandic (Kalaallit) culture.

Capital: Nuuk

Region: Americas

Language: Greenlandic

Currency: DKK (kr)

Cost of living: Very expensive (index 95)

Emergency: 112

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Greenland.

Visa-Free Access

Entry rules for Greenland are separate from Denmark and the Schengen Area because Greenland is an autonomous territory outside the EU and outside the Schengen zone. Nordic citizens (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland) have special mobility rights. Other nationalities must check whether they need a specific Greenland visa and whether any existing Danish or Schengen residence permit is valid for Greenland — it often is not. Check current requirements at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI, siri.dk) and the Government of Greenland (naalakkersuisut.gl) before travel.

Use official SIRI (siri.dk / nyidanmark.dk) guidance and confirm requirements with your employer's HR team. Greenland permit rules are not the same as Denmark mainland rules or Schengen travel rules. In several municipalities, especially sled-dog districts, local regulations add further restrictions. The Government of Greenland (naalakkersuisut.gl) is the co-approving authority for all work permits alongside SIRI.

Greenland Residence and Work Permit

Opholds- og arbejdstilladelse til Grønland

DKK 6,810 (standard application fee, 2026; confirm current fee at siri.dk)

Duration: Up to 2 years; renewable. Linked to the specific employer and role stated on the permit.

Eligibility

Non-Nordic foreign nationals who have been offered employment in Greenland and need to stay for more than three months. A permit is granted when there are significant employment or business considerations supporting it, as assessed by SIRI in coordination with the Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut).

Processing time

Several weeks to months; apply before travelling to Greenland — do not start work until the permit is granted

Requirements

✓Signed employment contract with a Greenland employer
✓Documentation of the employer's need to hire a non-Nordic worker
✓Proof of qualifications and professional experience
✓Valid passport
✓Passport-size photographs and biometric data as required
✓Application submitted through SIRI (nyidanmark.dk)

💡 The permit is tied to the specific job and employer on the permit. Changing employer or role requires a new application. A Danish mainland residence permit does not automatically cover Greenland.

Family Reunification / Accompanying Family

Familiesammenføring / medfølgende familie

DKK fee applicable; confirm current amount at siri.dk

Duration: Linked to the sponsor's permit duration

Eligibility

Eligible family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) of a person with a valid Greenland residence and work permit

Processing time

Several weeks to months; apply well in advance of the intended move

Requirements

✓Family relationship documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
✓Passports for all family members
✓Sponsor's valid Greenland permit
✓Confirmed accommodation in Greenland
✓Financial support documentation
✓Translations and legalisation of foreign documents as required

💡 School and childcare planning should begin before permit approval where possible. Children's rights to work are restricted until they hold their own permits.

Student Residence Permit

Studieophold i Grønland

DKK fee applicable; confirm at siri.dk

Duration: Tied to the programme duration

Eligibility

Non-Nordic foreign nationals admitted to an eligible educational programme in Greenland

Processing time

Apply well before the semester start; processing can take several weeks

Requirements

✓Admission letter from the Greenland educational institution
✓Valid passport
✓Evidence of financial support for the duration of studies
✓Health insurance
✓Confirmed housing plan in Greenland

💡 Working rights during study are limited. Confirm part-time work entitlements with SIRI before accepting any paid work.

Short-Stay Visit / Tourism

Besøg / turisme

Visa fee if a Greenland-specific visa is required depending on nationality

Duration: Short stay only (tourism does not lead to long-term residence)

Eligibility

Visitors meeting Greenland entry requirements by nationality and intended itinerary. Nordic citizens enter freely.

Processing time

Depends on nationality; check requirements before booking

Requirements

✓Valid passport
✓Travel itinerary
✓Confirmed accommodation
✓Proof of sufficient funds
✓Return or onward travel
✓Travel and health insurance

💡 A Schengen visa alone is generally not sufficient entry permission for Greenland. Confirm with the Danish embassy or SIRI before travel. Remote work on a tourist basis is not permitted without immigration and tax advice.

No dedicated digital nomad visa

Digital Nomad

N/A

Duration: N/A

Eligibility

Greenland does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Remote workers must analyse their immigration status, tax residency, and any employer permanent-establishment issues before working from Greenland.

Processing time

N/A

Requirements

✓Greenland-specific immigration review (do not assume a Schengen or Danish permit is sufficient)
✓Tax-residence analysis
✓Employer approval and potential permanent-establishment review
✓Health and travel insurance
✓Confirmed housing

💡 Do not work remotely from Greenland on a tourist basis without obtaining specific immigration and tax advice. Greenland's permit rules are distinct from both Danish mainland and Schengen rules.

Premium Section

Visa & Immigration

Unlock the complete Visa & Immigration guide for Greenland — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere