Denmark implements new regulations for foreign workers

Denmark has announced new regulations for foreign workers applying for work and residence permits, set to take effect from September 2024.

These changes, as relayed by TravelBiz, are ‘designed to align salary declarations with local Danish standards and establish fair wages for international employees.’

Meaning that salaries offered to foreign workers should match what is typical for similar jobs in Denmark.

By aligning salary declarations with local standards, the goal is to ensure that international employees receive fair compensation, reflecting the wages paid to local workers in comparable positions.

The updates, as indicated, will impact the application process and eligibility criteria for work permits in the country.

Higher Salary Requirement Starting October 2024 

As stated, starting October 1st, 2024, Denmark will raise the salary requirements for most foreign workers.

Applicants for work permits, according to reports, must earn at least 10% more than the current salary threshold to qualify. This means that come October, Denmark will increase the minimum salary that foreign workers must earn to be eligible for work permits.

Specifically, applicants will need to earn at least 10% more than the existing salary level. This change aims to ensure that foreign workers receive compensation that is more aligned with local wage standards.

Effects on Work Permit Applications 

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), has clarified that the new salary threshold will be used to evaluate wages offered to foreign workers.

Reports confirm that applications submitted after September 30th, 2024, will be assessed using second quarter 2024 statistics.

Employers must provide a detailed explanation if a foreign worker’s salary does not meet the Danish standards. This requirement, as stated, aims to uphold fair employment practices across the board.

Schemes Affected by the New Salary Requirement 

TravelBiz provides that the updated salary threshold will apply to several work and residence permit schemes, including:

• Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
• Positive List for Skilled Work
• Pay Limit Scheme
• Positive List for People with Higher Education
• Special Individual Qualifications Scheme
• Researcher’s Scheme
• Fast Track Scheme
• Herdsmen and Farm Managers Scheme
• Internship Scheme

These changes impact both new applications and extensions for existing permits.