On October 7, 2025, the Danish Patient Safety Authority is expected to introduce a quota on the number of applications for authorization as a nurse for the period up to December 31, 2025.
The quota is set at zero, which means that residence permits cannot be granted for the purpose of obtaining Danish authorization as a nurse. This includes pending applications.
Accompanying family members of persons covered by the quota scheme will also no longer be able to obtain a residence permit on that basis. However, accompanying family members of persons who have been granted a residence permit in Denmark before October 7, 2025, for the purpose of obtaining Danish authorization as a nurse, will still be able to apply for and be granted a residence permit as accompanying family members.
The aim is to create a balance between the number of foreign healthcare professionals from third countries who travel to Denmark to obtain Danish authorization and the estimated future need for healthcare professionals within the relevant professional group in regions and municipalities.
The full fee paid in connection with the submission of the application will be refunded if the application is rejected due to the quota system.
There will be no change to the possibility of applying for an extension of an already granted authorization to reside as a nurse and as an accompanying family member, nor will pending extension applications be affected by the changes.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.