Key Takeaways
• Denmark raises minimum monthly salary to DKK 74,958 for foreign work permits starting July 1, 2025.
• Special lower salary thresholds apply for nationals from 16 selected non-EU countries to ease skilled worker entry.
• International students in unaccredited programs lose work rights and family reunification from May 2, 2025.
Denmark’s work permit rules are set for major changes, with the Danish government confirming a mix of stricter and more flexible measures that will affect foreign workers, employers, and international students. These changes, effective from July 1, 2025, aim to balance the country’s need for skilled labor with the protection of local wage standards and social integration. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing, why it matters, and how it will impact those hoping to live and work in Denmark.
Major Changes to Work Permit Salary Thresholds
The most significant update from the Danish government is the increase in minimum salary requirements for foreign workers seeking a work permit. This move is designed to keep Denmark’s wage standards competitive and to ensure that foreign workers are paid fairly.
What’s New?
– Effective Date: The new salary thresholds take effect on July 1, 2025.
– Minimum Monthly Salary: Foreign workers must now earn at least DKK 74,958 per month (about €10,000 or $11,000 USD) to qualify for a work and residence permit. This is a noticeable jump from previous years.
– Annual Salary Examples:
– Pay Limit Scheme: Now requires an annual salary of DKK 514,000, up from DKK 487,000.
– Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme: Now requires DKK 415,000 annually, up from DKK 393,000.
These new salary rules apply to several popular permit categories, including:
– Pay Limit Scheme
– Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
– Fast-track Scheme
– Researcher’s Scheme
– Positive List for Higher Education and Skilled Work
How Is Salary Calculated?
Only certain parts of your pay count toward the minimum:
– Included: Base pay, holiday allowance, and pension contributions.
– Not Included: Perks like free accommodation or meals.
Payment Rules:
– All salaries must be paid into a Danish bank account. This rule has been in place since January 2021 and is meant to make sure payments are transparent and easy to track.
– For applications submitted from September 1, 2024, salaries must be declared in Danish kroner (DKK).
Which Salary Data Is Used?
– Applications after June 30, 2025, use Q1 2025 salary statistics.
– Applications between April 1 and June 30, 2025, use Q4 2024 data.
What If You Don’t Meet the Threshold?
– If your job offer doesn’t meet the new salary rules, your application will be refused.
– Applications submitted before the change are not affected, but if you renew your permit later, you must meet the salary level that applied when you first applied.
Why the Change?
The Danish government says these updates are needed to:
– Keep wages high for everyone working in Denmark
– Make sure foreign workers are not underpaid
– Help the Danish labor market stay strong and fair
Employers now have to be extra careful to make sure they offer enough pay to foreign workers. If they don’t, they risk losing out on valuable talent.
Special Easing for Select Non-EU Countries
While most foreign workers face higher salary requirements, the Danish government has also introduced a special rule to attract skilled workers from certain non-EU countries.
What’s Different?
– Lower Salary Thresholds: Nationals from 16 specific non-EU countries can qualify for work permits with a lower salary than the new general minimum.
– Why? This is meant to help Denmark fill jobs in areas where there aren’t enough local workers and to bring in talent from a wider range of countries.
How Does It Work?
– If you’re from one of these 16 countries, you can apply for a work permit with a lower salary requirement.
– This creates a “dual-track” system: most people must meet the higher salary, but some get a break if they’re from the selected countries.
What’s the Impact?
– Makes it easier for skilled workers from these countries to come to Denmark
– Helps Danish employers fill jobs that are hard to staff
– Promotes diversity in the Danish workforce
The government will watch how this policy works and may expand or change it in the future.
New Restrictions for International Students
International students are also affected by the new rules, especially those enrolled in programs that are not officially approved by the Danish state.
What’s Changing?
– Effective Date: May 2, 2025
– Who’s Affected: Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Nordic) in non-state-approved (unaccredited) programs
– New Restrictions:
– No right to work during studies
– No right to stay in Denmark after graduation to look for a job
– No right to bring family members to Denmark
Who’s Not Affected?
– Students in state-approved (accredited) programs
– Students who applied before May 2, 2025
Why the Change?
The Danish government wants to make sure that only students in high-quality programs can work and bring family members. This is meant to protect the Danish education system and labor market.
What Does This Mean for Students?
– If you’re thinking about studying in Denmark, make sure your program is state-approved if you want to work or bring your family.
– If you’re already in Denmark or applied before the rule change, your current rights stay the same.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Danish Work Permit After July 1, 2025
If you’re planning to work in Denmark after the new rules take effect, here’s what you need to do:
1. Get a Job Offer
– Your job must pay at least the new minimum salary (DKK 74,958/month or the lower threshold if you’re from one of the 16 selected countries).
2. Salary Declaration
– Make sure your contract clearly states your salary in Danish kroner.
– Only fixed pay, holiday allowance, and pension contributions count.
3. Open a Danish Bank Account
– Your salary must be paid into a Danish bank account if you’ll be in Denmark for more than six months.
4. Submit Your Application
– Use the correct salary statistics for your application date (Q1 2025 for applications after June 30, 2025).
– Submit your application through the official Danish Immigration Service portal.
5. Employer Checks
– Your employer must check that your job and salary match the Danish International Standard Classification of Occupations (DISCO) codes and the latest income statistics.
6. Wait for a Decision
– If your application doesn’t meet the salary or job requirements, it will be refused.
– If you applied before July 1, 2025, the old rules apply to your application.
7. Renewals
– When renewing your permit, you must meet the salary level that applied when you first got your permit, not the new one.
Why Is Denmark Making These Changes?
Denmark has a long history of adjusting its immigration rules to fit the needs of its economy and society. The Danish government says the new rules are meant to:
– Protect Danish wage levels
– Make sure foreign workers are paid fairly
– Attract highly skilled workers where they’re needed most
– Prevent abuse of the system
By updating the salary thresholds every quarter, Denmark can respond quickly to changes in the economy. This means both employers and workers need to stay alert and check the latest rules before applying.
What Do Employers and Experts Say?
The new rules have sparked debate among employers, workers, and immigration experts.
Employers’ Concerns:
– Some employers worry that higher salary requirements will make it harder to hire foreign workers, especially in sectors where there are not enough local candidates.
– Sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare could be most affected.
Expert Opinions:
– Immigration law experts point out that the quarterly updates mean employers and applicants must always check the latest figures before applying.
– They also note that the dual-track system for select non-EU countries could help fill gaps in the labor market.
Government’s View:
– The Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration says the changes are needed to keep the labor market fair and to attract the right kind of talent.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect Denmark’s ongoing effort to balance the needs of its economy with the protection of local workers.
What About International Students?
International students, especially those from outside the EU, need to pay close attention to the new rules. If you’re planning to study in Denmark:
– Check if your program is state-approved (accredited)
– Know that if it’s not, you won’t be able to work, stay after graduation to look for a job, or bring your family
This could make Denmark less attractive for some students, but the government believes it will help keep the quality of education high and protect the job market.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Danish Immigration Policy?
The Danish government has said it will keep updating the salary thresholds every quarter, with the next update set for October 1, 2025. This means the rules could change again soon, so it’s important to check the official Danish Immigration Service website for the latest information.
Officials have also said they may make more changes in the future to keep up with the needs of the Danish economy and society. They will watch how the new rules work, especially the lower salary thresholds for the 16 non-EU countries, and may adjust the policy if needed.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re an employer:
– Review your pay offers to make sure they meet the new minimums
– Check the latest salary statistics before making a job offer to a foreign worker
– Be aware of the dual-track system for select non-EU countries
If you’re a foreign worker:
– Make sure your job offer meets the new salary requirements
– Open a Danish bank account for your salary payments
– Submit your application using the correct salary data for your application date
If you’re an international student:
– Choose a state-approved program if you want to work or bring your family
– Apply before the new rules take effect if you’re already planning to study in Denmark
Where to Find More Information
For the most up-to-date information on work permit rules, salary thresholds, and application forms, visit the official Danish Immigration Service portal. Here you’ll find:
– Latest salary statistics
– Application forms for work and residence permits
– Guidance for employers and workers
Employers can also get help from the Danish Business Authority and immigration law firms that specialize in Danish labor immigration.
Conclusion
The Danish government’s new work permit rules, effective July 1, 2025, mark a big shift in how foreign workers and international students can come to Denmark. With higher salary thresholds, stricter rules for international students, and special easing for select non-EU countries, the changes are designed to protect Danish wages while still attracting much-needed talent.
Employers and workers must stay alert to the quarterly updates and make sure they meet the latest requirements. International students should carefully choose their programs to keep their work and family rights.
By keeping up with these changes and using official resources, you can make sure your move to Denmark goes as smoothly as possible. For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates, VisaVerge.com reports that staying informed is the best way to succeed in Denmark’s changing immigration landscape.
Learn Today
Work Permit → Official authorization allowing foreigners to work legally in Denmark under specific conditions.
Salary Thresholds → Minimum salary levels foreign workers must meet to qualify for Danish work permits.
Non-EU Countries → Countries outside the European Union with special immigration rules for Denmark’s work permits.
State-Approved Programs → Educational courses accredited by Danish authorities, enabling work and family rights for students.
Danish Bank Account → Mandatory bank account in Denmark to receive salary payments for foreign workers staying over six months.
This Article in a Nutshell
Denmark’s new work permit rules, effective July 1, 2025, increase salary requirements, add special rules for select non-EU countries, and restrict work rights for some international students, balancing fair wages with skilled labor demand. Employers and applicants must stay updated on quarterly salary changes to comply successfully.
— By VisaVerge.com
