With the demand for farm laborers rising, many employers offer visa sponsorship to attract foreign workers. These jobs are physical but rewarding, offering wages starting with 108kr per hour, depending on the state and your experience level.
Aside from the good income, they also gain valuable work experience while at it. For international applicants looking to establish a life in Denmark, finding farm laborer jobs can be an accessible route to obtaining work experience and income stability.
This article will discuss several farm laborer jobs available for foreigners in Denmark, the visa sponsorship process, and the required qualifications to secure these roles.
What are the Types of Farm Laborer Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Denmark?
Here are some types of farm laborer jobs in Denmark that may offer visa sponsorship:
- Herdsman or farm manager: You can get a residence and work permit if employed as a herder or farm manager in agriculture.
- Grain farm worker: You may need to maintain or assist in maintaining farm infrastructure and facilities. You may also need a valid Class 5 driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Poultry maintenance person: You may be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing systems to ensure the seamless operation of the poultry farm.
You can also check out Agrojob Denmark, a farming recruiting company that finds the best match for motivated workers and Danish farmers. They offer job opportunities on Danish cow and pig farms for qualified workers with or without previous farming experience.
Benefits of Farm Laborer Jobs in Denmark
Benefits of working as a farm laborer in Denmark include:
- Competitive salary: The starting gross salary for farm jobs in Denmark is 19,200 DKK per month for the first three months and 20,800 DKK per month after that. After completing a 12-month contract, you can expect an additional net payment of around 19,100 DKK.
- Work-life balance: Denmark is considered one of the most family-friendly countries in the world, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Employees are entitled to five weeks of vacation per year.
- Social security benefits: Denmark has a welfare state that provides social security for all employees.
- Parental leave: Parents in Denmark are entitled to 52 weeks of parental leave.
- Flexible work hours: Denmark has a flexible labor market; most men and women work.
- Informal work atmosphere: Danish culture is characterized by a flat hierarchy, teamwork, and an informal work atmosphere.
How to Find 108kr Per Hour Farm Laborer Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Denmark
To find farm laborer jobs in Denmark, you can apply through a recruitment agency or job bank that specializes in agriculture and farming:
- Agrojob Denmark: A large recruitment agency that matches job seekers with Danish farms. They offer 12-month contracts or temporary positions and assist with registrations and introductions to the Danish labor market.
- Agri Nord: A job bank that connects applicants with farmers who regularly need labor. They handle visas, work permits, and employment contracts and support fair wages and working conditions.
Here are some other things to consider when looking for farm laborer jobs in Denmark:
- Work permit: The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) typically issues work permits.
- Job advertisement: Jobs are usually advertised locally to prioritize local or EU/EEA candidates.
- Skills and qualifications: International applicants need the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the position.
- Employer sponsorship: The employer must be willing to sponsor the work permit application.
- Language: Danish language skills are generally not required for all positions, but they can be beneficial.
- Seasonal work: Denmark needs seasonal workers to harvest fruits and vegetables.
Required Qualification for Farm Laborer Jobs in Denmark
To work as a farm laborer in Denmark, you’ll generally need:
- A work permit or visa
- Physical fitness
- Willingness to do manual labor
- The ability to work in dirty or dusty environments or outside in all types of weather
- The ability to work efficiently and cohesively within a team
Some jobs may also require a relevant educational program or professional qualifications. For example, a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal science, or poultry is highly regarded for poultry farm jobs.
EU citizens don’t need a visa or work permit to work in Denmark, but they should register to get a CPR number and health card. In addition to the required qualifications, you should also be aware of the following:
- Your salary and terms of employment must meet Danish standards.
- You should attach a copy of your employment contract or job offer when you apply.
- Your salary, holiday entitlements, and terms of notice should be equal to the standards within the professional field.
- You should be able to speak and write English.
- You should be able to speak Danish.
What is the Visa Sponsorship Process for Farm Laborer Jobs in Denmark?
The process for obtaining a visa sponsorship for farm laborer jobs in Denmark involves the following:
- Applying online: You can apply for a Danish work visa online through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).
- Choosing a visa scheme: Select the one that best fits your work situation.
- Creating a case order ID: After choosing a visa scheme, you must create a case order ID.
- Paying the visa fee: Most Danish work visas cost 3,025 DKK (445 USD).
- Submitting required documents: You’ll need to submit documents such as:
- Proof of payment for the visa fee
- A copy of your passport
- A completed power of attorney form
- An employment contract or job offer
- Educational diplomas and qualifications
- Taking biometrics: You’ll need to take your biometrics.
- Waiting for a response: You’ll need to wait for a response from SIRI.
You can grant your employer power of attorney to apply on your behalf. As such, your employer will need to fill out part of the application form and then provide you with a reference number and password so you can complete your part online.
You should submit your application six months before your intended start date in Denmark. If you do, your application is likely to be refused.
Salary Expectations for Farm Laborer Jobs in Denmark
The average gross salary for a vegetable farm laborer in Tórshavn, Denmark, is 211,639 Danish kroner (DKK) per year, or 102 DKK per hour. This is the same for entry-level (1–3 years of experience) and senior-level (8+ years of experience) laborers.
Denmark doesn’t have a mandatory minimum wage, but collective agreements for different types of work usually govern pay. The average employee in Denmark earns DKK 46,972 per month before taxes.
The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has set a new salary level for foreign farm managers and herders who want to work in Denmark’s agricultural sector. The new collective agreement is effective from March 1, 2024.
How to Apply for Visa Sponsorship Agriculture Jobs in Denmark
For those interested in agriculture jobs with visa sponsorship in Denmark, here is a step-by-step application guide:
- Research Companies Offering Sponsorship: Start by identifying companies in the country with a record of hiring international workers.
- Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight relevant experience and skills, even in a different field. Focus on transferable skills such as physical stamina, time management, and communication.
- Submit Your Application: Apply online through job portals or company websites. Indicate your eligibility and interest in visa sponsorship, as employers offering sponsorship often consider applicants open to relocating.
- Interview Preparation: If shortlisted, prepare for interviews by researching the company and familiarizing yourself with the role’s requirements. Emphasize your reliability and adaptability.
- Secure Your Visa: Once hired, your employer will assist you in the visa application process.
- Plan Your Move to Denmark: Arrange your travel and accommodation after securing your visa. Companies may provide initial support in housing, so inquire during the hiring process.