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. Certified Employer Scheme
Only companies certified by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) will be eligible to hire under the new scheme. Certification is valid for three years and renewable for four-year periods. Employers must meet strict compliance, financial, and operational standards.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Collective Agreement Requirement
Jobs must be covered by a recognized collective agreement (e.g., DA, FH, Finans Danmark). Employers must submit a sworn declaration and provide union access or employee representation for oversight.
5. Employer Compliance Requirements
To qualify, companies must:
- Employ at least 10 full-time staff
- Have operated for at least 2 years
- Have no unresolved labor or safety violations
- Not have been fined for underpaying foreign workers in the past 2 years
- Submit a service certificate confirming no public debt or criminal convictions
- Attend a mandatory SIRI guidance meeting
6. Employment Conditions
- Full-time employment (DKK 300,000/year minimum)
- Salary must be paid into a Danish bank account
- Job must be considered full-time under the relevant collective agreement, even if under 37 hours/week
7. Quick Job Start
Eligible employees may begin work immediately after submitting their application, paying the fee, and completing biometric registration.
8. Union Oversight
Employers must notify unions of new hires and salaries. Union representatives may meet with employees to ensure compliance. If no rep is elected, unions may still meet with employees twice a year.
9. Certification Withdrawal
Certification may be revoked for non-compliance or fraud. However, employees may continue working until their current residence/work permit expires.
Temporary Work Permit Exemption for Event Personnel
As part of the June 30 political agreement, Denmark will also introduce a temporary work permit exemption for key international staff supporting large-scale business events (e.g., conferences, trade fairs). The exemption will:
- Apply to events with 400+ registered participants
- Cover up to 10 days of work
- Include roles such as managers, planners, technicians, and hosts
Implementation details are pending. Until confirmed, standard work permit procedures remain in effect.
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.