Key Takeaways
• New salary limits for Danish work permits take effect July 1, 2025, based on Q1 2025 data.
• Minimum annual salaries increased: Pay Limit DKK 514,000; Supplementary Pay Limit DKK 415,000.
• Employers must comply with quarterly updated salary thresholds to avoid application refusals.
Denmark Sets New Salary Limits for Residence and Work Permits: What Foreign Workers and Employers Need to Know for 2025
Denmark 🇩🇰 has announced new salary limits for foreign nationals applying for residence and work permits, effective July 1, 2025. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) will use the latest income statistics from the first quarter of 2025 to decide if job offers meet the required salary levels. This change is part of Denmark’s regular review process, which updates salary requirements every three months to match the country’s current labor market conditions.
These new rules affect both employers who want to hire foreign workers and individuals hoping to live and work in Denmark 🇩🇰. The changes are designed to make sure foreign workers are paid fairly and that their salaries match those of Danish citizens. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing, who is affected, and what steps you need to take if you’re planning to apply for a residence and work permit in Denmark 🇩🇰.
Key Changes to Denmark’s Salary Limits for Residence and Work Permits
On June 20, 2025, Danish authorities announced that new salary thresholds will apply to all applications submitted on or after July 1, 2025. The next review is scheduled for October 1, 2025, continuing Denmark’s quarterly update cycle.
The new minimum annual salaries are:
- Pay Limit Scheme: DKK 514,000 (up from DKK 487,000 in 2024)
- Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme: DKK 415,000 (up from DKK 393,000 in 2024)
These salary limits are based on the most recent labor market data and are meant to keep up with changes in the Danish economy.
Who is affected?
– Foreign workers applying for a residence and work permit in Denmark 🇩🇰
– Employers offering jobs to foreign nationals
– Family members of foreign workers who want to join them in Denmark 🇩🇰
Why Denmark 🇩🇰 Updates Salary Limits Quarterly
Denmark 🇩🇰 uses a quarterly review system to make sure that salary limits for foreign workers stay in line with the country’s economic conditions. This means that every three months, SIRI checks the latest income statistics and adjusts the minimum salary requirements if needed. The goal is to:
– Ensure fair pay: Foreign workers should earn at least as much as Danish citizens in similar jobs.
– Prevent wage dumping: This stops employers from offering lower salaries to foreign workers, which could hurt local workers and the economy.
– Keep up with inflation and labor market changes: As the cost of living and average salaries rise, the minimum salary for work permits also goes up.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these regular updates help Denmark 🇩🇰 attract skilled workers while protecting the rights of both foreign and local employees.
How the New Salary Limits Work
Which applications are affected?
– Applications submitted from April 1 to June 30, 2025: Assessed using Q4 2024 salary data.
– Applications submitted from July 1, 2025 onward: Assessed using Q1 2025 salary data.
What counts toward the salary limit?
– Included: Basic salary, paid holiday allowance, and payments to labor market pension schemes.
– Not included: Benefits like housing, car, or phone allowances do not count toward the minimum salary.
Application fees for 2025:
– Main applicant: DKK 6,055 per application
– Accompanying family member: DKK 2,380 per application
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Danish Residence and Work Permit in 2025
If you want to work in Denmark 🇩🇰, you need to follow these steps:
1. Secure a Job Offer
– You must have a job offer in Denmark 🇩🇰 that meets or exceeds the relevant salary limit (DKK 514,000 for the Pay Limit Scheme or DKK 415,000 for the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme).
2. Prepare Your Application
– Submit your application online through SIRI or at a Danish embassy or consulate.
– Gather required documents, including your employment contract and proof of salary.
3. Pay the Application Fee
– Pay DKK 6,055 for the main applicant. If you have family members joining you, pay DKK 2,380 for each.
4. Salary Assessment
– SIRI will check if your offered salary meets the current Danish standards using the latest quarterly statistics.
5. Processing Time
– Most applications are processed within one month. If more information is needed, it may take up to three months.
6. Decision
– If approved, you and your eligible family members will receive residence and work permits.
For more details and to access the official application forms, visit the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) website.
What Employers Need to Know
Compliance is critical. Employers must make sure that all job offers to foreign workers meet or exceed the new salary limits. If the salary is too low, the application will be refused.
Key points for employers:
– Check the latest salary tables before making a job offer.
– Only certain salary components count toward the threshold: basic salary, paid holiday allowance, and pension contributions.
– Benefits like housing or car allowances do not count.
– Monitor quarterly updates to stay compliant and adjust job offers as needed.
Employers who fail to meet these requirements risk delays or refusals in hiring foreign talent.
What Foreign Workers Need to Know
Eligibility: Only those with job offers meeting the minimum salary can apply under the Pay Limit or Supplementary Pay Limit Schemes.
Family reunification: If you get a permit, your spouse or partner and children under 18 can join you in Denmark 🇩🇰.
Salary payment: If your stay is longer than six months, your full salary must be paid into a Danish bank account.
Pending and renewal applications:
– If you applied before July 1, 2025, your application will be assessed using the previous quarter’s salary data.
– For renewals, the salary threshold stays the same as when your original permit was granted, as long as your job conditions haven’t changed.
Understanding the Pay Limit and Supplementary Pay Limit Schemes
Pay Limit Scheme: This is Denmark’s main route for skilled foreign workers. It targets high-earning professionals and is often used by companies to fill jobs that require special skills.
Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme: This scheme is for jobs that pay slightly less but are still above the average wage. It helps Denmark 🇩🇰 fill labor shortages in important sectors.
Both schemes are central to Denmark’s skilled migration strategy and are updated regularly to reflect the country’s economic needs.
Why Are Salary Limits Important?
Salary limits are not just numbers—they have a big impact on who can live and work in Denmark 🇩🇰. Here’s why they matter:
- Protecting workers: By setting a minimum salary, Denmark 🇩🇰 makes sure that foreign workers are not paid less than local workers.
- Attracting talent: High salary limits help attract skilled professionals who can contribute to the Danish economy.
- Supporting families: The ability to bring family members helps foreign workers settle and integrate into Danish society.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Employers:
– Must keep up with quarterly salary updates.
– Need to adjust job offers quickly to avoid losing out on skilled foreign workers.
– Have to make sure all salary components are correctly included in contracts.
For Foreign Workers:
– Must check if their job offer meets the latest salary limit before applying.
– Should be aware of the rules for bringing family members.
– Need to make sure their salary is paid into a Danish bank account if staying longer than six months.
For Families:
– The new rules allow spouses, partners, and children under 18 to join the main applicant, making it easier for families to stay together in Denmark 🇩🇰.
Background: Denmark’s Approach to Immigration and Labor Market Integration
Denmark 🇩🇰 has a long history of strict immigration and labor market policies. The country regularly updates its salary limits to reflect changes in the economy and to make sure that foreign workers are treated fairly.
The Pay Limit Scheme and Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme have been central to Denmark’s skilled migration policy for years. These schemes help the country attract professionals in fields where there are not enough local workers, while also making sure that salaries stay competitive.
In recent years, Denmark 🇩🇰 has moved from annual to quarterly updates of salary limits. This change helps the country respond more quickly to changes in the labor market and ensures that salary requirements are always up to date.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Future
The next salary benchmark update is set for October 1, 2025. Employers and foreign workers should expect ongoing reviews and possible further increases in salary limits as Denmark 🇩🇰 continues to monitor labor market trends.
It’s important for both employers and applicants to stay informed about upcoming changes. Missing a salary update could mean a job offer or application no longer meets the requirements, leading to delays or refusals.
Summary Table: Denmark 🇩🇰 Work Permit Salary Limits for 2025
| Scheme | Minimum Salary (2025) | Effective From | Salary Data Used | Application Fee (Main) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay Limit Scheme | DKK 514,000 | Jan 1, 2025 | Q1 2025 (from Jul 1) | DKK 6,055 |
| Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme | DKK 415,000 | Jan 1, 2025 | Q1 2025 (from Jul 1) | DKK 6,055 |
| Fast-Track Scheme (Pay Limit Track) | DKK 514,000 | Jan 1, 2025 | Q1 2025 (from Jul 1) | DKK 6,055 |
Note: Salary thresholds are updated every quarter. The next update is scheduled for October 1, 2025.
Where to Get More Information
For the most current salary tables, application forms, and guidelines, visit the official SIRI website. This site provides up-to-date information on all aspects of residence and work permits in Denmark 🇩🇰, including detailed instructions and downloadable forms.
If you have questions or need help with your application, you can also contact SIRI directly or speak with a qualified immigration advisor.
Practical Takeaways and Next Steps
- Employers: Review and update your job offers to make sure they meet the new salary limits. Check the SIRI website every quarter for updates.
- Foreign workers: Before applying, confirm that your job offer meets the latest salary requirements. Gather all necessary documents and pay the correct application fee.
- Families: If you plan to join a family member working in Denmark 🇩🇰, make sure your application is complete and submitted on time.
Staying informed and prepared is the best way to ensure a smooth application process. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Denmark’s regular updates to salary limits are designed to keep the country’s labor market fair and competitive while welcoming skilled workers from around the world.
For more details and to start your application, visit the official SIRI Pay Limit Scheme page.
Final Thoughts
Denmark’s new salary limits for residence and work permits reflect the country’s commitment to fair pay and labor market stability. By keeping salary requirements up to date, Denmark 🇩🇰 ensures that foreign workers are treated fairly and that employers can continue to attract the talent they need. Whether you’re an employer, a foreign worker, or a family member, understanding these changes is key to a successful move to Denmark 🇩🇰. Stay informed, plan ahead, and use official resources to guide your application process.
Learn Today
Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) → Government authority managing foreign work and residence permit applications in Denmark.
Pay Limit Scheme → Primary salary threshold program for skilled foreign workers under Danish immigration policy.
Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme → Secondary salary threshold helping fill labor shortages with slightly lower-paying jobs.
Quarterly Salary Review → Regular update every three months adjusting salary limits by current economic data.
Residence and Work Permit → Official authorization allowing foreigners to live and work legally in Denmark.
This Article in a Nutshell
Denmark raises work permit salary thresholds starting July 2025 to ensure fair wages for foreign workers. Employers and applicants must meet updated salary criteria assessed quarterly by SIRI to comply with the new rules. Family reunification remains allowed for eligible workers, supporting integration alongside labor market protections.
— By VisaVerge.com
