New Rules for Foreign Healthcare Workers in Denmark Effective July 1

New Rules for Foreign Healthcare Workers in Denmark Effective July 1

Key Takeaways

1. Starting July 1, social and healthcare workers will be added to the Positive List for Skilled Workers.
2. Holders of residence permits under the authorization program will be exempt from needing work permits.
3. Denmark will allow foreigners up to six months to job hunt after their authorization stay.

The Danish Parliament has announced new regulations regarding foreign labor in healthcare, as detailed by Newtodenmark.dk, a website managed by the Immigration Service and the Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

Effective July 1, social and healthcare workers will be included in the Positive List for Skilled Workers, with 1,000 residence and work permits available. This means that if there is a shortage of social and healthcare workers by July 1, 2024, these workers will be eligible for residence and work permits under the Positive List for Skilled Workers.

Newtodenmark.dk also states that the new rules include an extension of the authorization scheme, allowing qualified healthcare professionals to obtain residence permits for the purpose of acquiring Danish authorization. To benefit from this scheme, applicants must be evaluated by the Patient Safety Authority under a new authorization procedure specifically for requested healthcare professionals.

Exemption from Work Permits for Authorization Scheme Residence Permit Holders

Starting July 1, holders of residence permits under the authorization program will no longer need separate work permits to work in Denmark during their authorized stay. This exemption also applies to those with existing valid residence permits under the authorization scheme, even if it is not explicitly stated on the permit.

Newtodenmark.dk further notes that authorities will grant up to six months for job searching after the authorization stay. This period can be used to seek employment in Denmark once the authorization process concludes. Applicants must submit an application for a job search residence themselves. Additionally, the job change rule will be extended to those holding residence permits under the authorization scheme.

Opportunities for Foreign Students in Shortage Professions

Foreign students training in professions facing shortages will also be given the opportunity to stay in Denmark longer, a policy aimed at retaining international talent.

Reported Labor Shortages in Health and Care Occupations

The 2023 EURES Report on shortages and surpluses identified 41 shortages and 146 surpluses in the Danish labor market. Several health and care sector occupations were identified as shortage areas, including:

- Home-based personal care workers
- Child care workers
- Dental assistants and therapists
- Pharmaceutical technicians and assistants
- Medical imaging and therapeutic equipment technicians
- Midwifery professionals
- Nursing professionals
- Specialist medical practitioners
- Generalist medical practitioners

In addition to Denmark, other EU countries have reported similar shortages in these sectors.

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