On June 30, 2025, the Danish government launched immigration reform proposal aimed at expanding access to work permits for nationals of 16 non-EU countries. The initiative is designed to address labor shortages and attract global talent by lowering salary thresholds and simplifying permit requirements.
Key Reforms to Denmark’s Work Permit System
1. Lower Salary Threshold Under the Pay Limit Scheme
Denmark’s popular Pay Limit Scheme will undergo a major revision. The minimum annual salary requirement will be reduced from DKK 514,000 to DKK 300,000. This change significantly broadens access to work permits for skilled professionals across a wider range of industries.
2. Eligible Countries
The revised salary threshold will apply to nationals from the following 16 non-EU countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- India
- China
- Japan
- Singapore
- Brazil
- Malaysia
- Ukraine
- Moldova
- Albania
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Montenegro
This policy is specifically designed to attract talent from outside the EU, as EU nationals already have the right to work in Denmark without a permit.
3. Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme Adjustments
The Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme, which targets sectors with labor shortages, will also see its salary threshold reduced to DKK 300,000, aligning it with the main Pay Limit Scheme.
4. Worker Protections and Employer Obligations
To ensure fair labor practices:
- Employers must enter into a collective bargaining agreement with a relevant Danish trade union if they haven’t already.
- Foreign workers will be required to carry identification while working in Denmark.
Impact and Expectations
While the government estimates the reforms could initially bring in around 550 additional foreign workers, industry leaders anticipate a much larger impact over time. The changes are expected to benefit sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, construction, and logistics—industries that have struggled to fill roles under the previous salary thresholds.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.