Background Checks for Employment in Greenland

Greenland is a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark rather than an independent state, so employment screening draws on the Danish system while reflecting local administration and a very small, dispersed labour market.

Criminal record certificates

Policing is handled by the Greenland Police, part of the Danish police service, and the certificate structure follows the Danish model. The private criminal record certificate is requested by the individual and passed to the employer. A separate children’s certificate exists for roles involving direct contact with children, disclosing only sexual offences against minors, and it is requested by the employer with the candidate’s consent. Working out which of the two the role actually calls for is the main thing to get right.

What employers can check

Identity, right to work, employment history, and academic qualifications are all standard. Many skilled roles are filled from Denmark or elsewhere in the Nordic region, so verification often involves institutions outside Greenland. Requesting a full criminal record certificate for an ordinary commercial role is not customary and needs a justification tied to the work.

Data protection

Danish data protection legislation applies with adaptations for Greenland, and the principles are those of the GDPR: a lawful basis, transparency, minimisation, security, and limited retention. Criminal conviction data attracts additional protection, and employers should avoid retaining copies of certificates without a clear basis.

Practical considerations

Distance and infrastructure shape hiring here. Recruitment for settlements outside the main towns often involves relocation and housing arrangements, and screening timelines should account for postal and travel constraints rather than assuming same day digital service.

Practical guidance

Identify the correct certificate for the role, obtain consent in the right form, and view rather than store where possible. An employer of record can manage screening and payroll if you have no local entity.