Denmark Introduces New Income Requirements for Foreign Workers Applying for Permits Starting January 2025

Key Takeaways

1. Denmark will update income requirements on January 1, 2025.
2. Foreign nationals applying for a work and residence permit after December 31, 2024, must meet the new income criteria.
3. The updated salary levels aim to ensure that foreign workers receive compensation in line with Denmark’s standards.

Starting January 1, 2025, Denmark will implement a new income threshold for foreign nationals applying for a residence and work permit to take up employment in the country.

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) announced that the updated income requirement will be used to assess whether the salary offered to a foreign worker meets Danish standards before their permit is approved.

By setting this income level, Denmark aims to ensure that foreign workers are compensated fairly and that their salaries align with those of workers already employed in the Danish labor market.

To be eligible for a residence and work permit, applicants must demonstrate that their salary and working conditions align with Danish standards, meaning their pay must reflect the norms for the type of employment in question.

SIRI clarified that foreign nationals applying for a permit after December 31, 2024, will be assessed based on the new income level. Those who applied between October 1 and December 31, 2024, will have their applications assessed based on the current requirements.

The updated salary requirement applies to both first-time applicants and those seeking an extension of their residence and work permit under various schemes, including the Pay Limit Scheme, the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme, the Fast Track Scheme, the Researcher’s Scheme, the Positive List for Higher Education, the Positive List for Skilled Work, and the Special Individual Qualifications Scheme.

In general, if the employment contract indicates that the position is covered by a collective agreement, Danish authorities assume that the salary meets the required standards. If a salary does not meet these standards, the employer will need to provide additional information before a decision is made on the application.