Denmark will introduce major changes to its work visa rules starting July 2025, making it easier for skilled workers from outside the EU to live and work in the country. This move comes as several countries, including those in the EU, Ireland, the United States 🇺🇸, and the United Kingdom, adjust their immigration policies in response to labor shortages, political pressure, and public concerns about migration. The new Danish rules aim to attract more international talent while ensuring fair treatment for workers and strong oversight for employers.
Denmark’s New Work Visa Rules: What’s Changing and Why
From July 1, 2025, Denmark will expand its Positive Lists, which are official lists of jobs that are in high demand. The Higher Education Positive List will now include 190 job titles, a significant increase from previous years. These jobs often require a university degree and cover fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance. At the same time, the Skilled Workers Positive List will feature 65 occupations focused on technical and vocational roles, such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. These lists are updated regularly and each occupation will stay on the list for at least two years, giving both employers and applicants more stability.
The Danish government is also lowering the minimum salary required for non-EU nationals to qualify for a work permit under the Pay Limit Scheme. The threshold will drop from DKK 514,000 to DKK 300,000 per year. This change opens the door for more skilled workers from countries like the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, India, China, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, Malaysia, Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro. However, only companies certified by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) can hire under these new rules. Certification lasts for three years and can be renewed for four more years.
Employers must also meet strict requirements to protect workers’ rights. Every job offered under the new scheme must be covered by a recognized collective agreement, which is a contract negotiated between employers and unions to set fair wages and working conditions. Employers have to submit a sworn declaration and allow union representatives to check that rules are being followed.
Salary Standards and Application Timing
Starting July 1, 2025, salary compliance for work and residence permits will be based on income statistics from the first quarter of 2025. Applications submitted before this date will use data from the last quarter of 2024. This ensures that salary requirements reflect the most recent economic conditions.
What These Changes Mean for Workers and Employers
The new rules make Denmark more attractive to skilled professionals from outside the EU. Lower salary thresholds and more job titles on the Positive Lists mean that people with the right skills have a better chance of qualifying for a Danish work visa. For employers, the changes help fill gaps in sectors where there are not enough local workers, especially in knowledge-based industries and skilled trades.
However, the process is not open to everyone. Only certified employers can sponsor workers under the new rules, and they must follow strict guidelines to ensure fair treatment. Unions play a key role in monitoring compliance, which helps prevent wage dumping—when employers pay foreign workers less than local workers for the same job.
Official Information and Resources
For those interested in applying or hiring under the new rules, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) provides detailed guidance and application forms. You can find official information and contact details on the SIRI government portal.
Broader Context: EU and Ireland Tighten Asylum and Deportation Rules
While Denmark is making it easier for skilled workers to enter, the European Union is moving in the opposite direction when it comes to asylum and deportation. In 2024, the EU approved a major overhaul of its migration and asylum system, with most changes taking effect from June 12, 2026. These new rules aim to speed up the process for handling asylum applications and deporting people whose claims are rejected.
One of the main changes is the introduction of the European Return Order, which will be issued alongside national return decisions. This means that if someone is ordered to leave one EU country, the order will be recognized across all EU member states. The new system also places stronger obligations on returnees, such as cooperating with identity checks, reporting to authorities, and living at a designated address until they leave.
The EU is also setting up Return Hubs, which are legal frameworks for working with third countries to process returns, as long as human rights standards are met. For people considered security risks, forced return will be mandatory.
These changes come as far-right and conservative parties gain influence in many European countries, pushing for stricter migration controls. Governments argue that the reforms are needed to restore public trust and manage migration more effectively. However, rights groups warn that the new rules could lead to more arbitrary detention and send people back to unsafe countries. Legal challenges are expected as the new system rolls out.
During the transition period from 2025 to 2026, both the old and new asylum systems will run in parallel. This could create confusion for applicants and authorities, as different rules apply depending on when an application was filed.
Ireland’s Overhaul of Its Asylum System
Ireland is also making big changes to its asylum process. In April 2025, the government published the General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025, which will replace the current law. The new system introduces a three-month time limit for initial decisions on asylum applications, aiming to speed up the process. The returns process will also be streamlined, making it easier to remove people whose claims are rejected.
Appeals will be handled mainly through written submissions, with fewer oral hearings. This is meant to make the system faster and more efficient, but some worry it could limit applicants’ ability to fully explain their cases.
Ireland has also signed on to the EU’s new Migration and Asylum Pact, so the new system will apply to applications made from June 12, 2026. Earlier applications will be processed under the old rules. The government is setting up Designated Reception Centres where applicants can complete all steps of the process, including legal advice, health checks, and interviews, in one place.
For applicants, these changes mean faster decisions and a more centralized process. However, the transition period, with two systems running at once, may cause confusion and delays.
United States 🇺🇸 and United Kingdom: Focus on Stricter Controls
In 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 has not introduced any major new work visa expansions. The focus remains on enforcement, border security, and tightening eligibility for certain visa categories. This approach reflects ongoing political debates about migration and national security.
The United Kingdom has made several changes to its immigration rules in June 2025. For people applying for long residence, time spent in Crown Dependencies like the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey now counts as lawful presence. The EU Settlement Scheme has also been updated, allowing pre-settled status holders to obtain settled status after any 30 months of residence within a 60-month period. This makes it easier for EU nationals living in the UK to secure their status.
The UK is also raising English language requirements and extending the qualifying period for permanent residence, making it harder for some applicants to qualify.
Expert Opinions and Community Impact
Business groups in Denmark have welcomed the new work visa rules, saying they will help fill critical labor shortages and keep the economy growing. Lower salary thresholds and more job titles on the Positive Lists mean that companies can hire the talent they need more easily. Unions support the requirement for collective agreements, which protect workers from being underpaid or exploited.
In the EU and Ireland, governments argue that tighter asylum and deportation rules are needed to maintain order and public trust. However, rights groups and legal experts warn that faster deportations and fewer oral hearings could put vulnerable people at risk. They point out that some applicants may not have enough time or support to present their cases fully, leading to mistakes and possible harm.
Political shifts across Europe have played a big role in these changes. As right-wing parties gain ground, centrist governments have adopted stricter migration controls to respond to public concerns. At the same time, business sectors warn that making it too hard for people to move and work could lead to labor shortages and hurt the economy.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Immigration Policy
Denmark’s work visa rules are likely to keep evolving as the labor market changes. The government will monitor how the new system works and may adjust the Positive Lists and salary thresholds as needed. Employer compliance and union oversight will remain important to ensure fair treatment for all workers.
In the EU and Ireland, the full rollout of the new asylum and return systems is expected by mid-2026. Legal challenges and debates over human rights are likely as the new rules are put into practice. Governments will need to balance the need for efficient migration management with the protection of individual rights.
In the United States 🇺🇸 and United Kingdom, the focus on enforcement and integration is expected to continue. Further rule changes may come, depending on political developments and public opinion.
Practical Steps for Applicants and Employers
If you are thinking about moving to Denmark for work, check if your job is on the Positive List and make sure your employer is certified by SIRI. Employers should review the new requirements carefully and ensure they meet all obligations, including collective agreements and union access.
For those seeking asylum in the EU or Ireland, it is important to understand which system applies to your application and to seek legal advice if needed. The transition period may bring extra challenges, so staying informed is key.
Where to Find Official Information
- For Denmark’s work visa rules and application forms, visit the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).
- For Ireland’s asylum system, see the Department of Justice.
- For EU migration and asylum policy, check the European Commission Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect a broader trend of countries adjusting their immigration policies to meet economic needs, respond to political pressures, and address public concerns. While Denmark is opening its doors wider to skilled workers, the EU and Ireland are tightening controls on asylum and deportation. The United States 🇺🇸 and United Kingdom continue to focus on enforcement and integration, with further changes possible in the future.
Conclusion and Takeaways
Denmark’s new work visa rules mark a major shift in how the country attracts and manages international talent. By lowering salary thresholds and expanding the list of eligible jobs, Denmark is making it easier for skilled workers from outside the EU to contribute to its economy. At the same time, strict requirements for employers and union oversight help protect workers’ rights.
In contrast, the EU and Ireland are tightening their asylum and deportation systems, aiming for faster decisions and stronger enforcement. These changes reflect political shifts and public concerns but raise questions about human rights and due process.
For individuals and employers, staying informed and seeking official guidance is essential. Immigration policies are changing quickly, and understanding the latest rules can help you make the best decisions for your future.
For more details and the latest updates, always refer to official government sources and consult with certified immigration professionals when needed.
Learn Today
Positive Lists → Official Danish job lists identifying occupations eligible for residence and work permits due to high demand.
SIRI → Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration that certifies employers hiring under new visa rules.
Collective Agreement → Contract negotiated between employers and unions setting wages and working conditions for jobs offered.
Pay Limit Scheme → Denmark’s visa framework requiring applicants to meet minimum salary thresholds for work permits.
European Return Order → EU-wide deportation order ensuring return decisions are recognized across all member states.
This Article in a Nutshell
Denmark’s July 2025 visa changes lower salary thresholds and expand job lists, easing skilled worker entry while enforcing strict employer certification and union protections to ensure fair labor conditions amid global tightening of asylum and migration policies in the EU, Ireland, the US, and the UK.
— By VisaVerge.com
