Denmark Implements New Salary Requirements for Work & Residence Permits

Thinking of working and living in Denmark? Be prepared to meet the requirements as the Danish government has updated the salary requirements for those applying for a residence and work permit.

The updated guidelines mandate that applicants’ job offers align with the salary standards prevalent in Denmark. This article provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking residence and work permits in Denmark, focusing on the crucial aspect of salary expectations.

Understanding the New Salary Criteria

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) plays a key role in assessing applications. They utilize income statistics from the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) to determine if a job offer aligns with the standard salary range for that specific position in Denmark. Here’s how the timing of your application affects the assessment:

• Applications after June 30, 2024: SIRI will consider salary statistics from the first quarter of 2024.
• Applications between April 1 and June 30, 2024: The assessment will be based on salary statistics from the 4th quarter of 2023.

Must Read: Salary Thresholds: How Much Do You Need to Earn to Secure a Work Visa in 2024?

Salary Statistics and Updates

SIRI regularly updates salary statistics, ensuring a fair and current assessment process. The next update is anticipated for October 1, 2024, and will be applied to applications submitted from July 1, 2024 onwards.

Minimum Salary Requirements

In most cases, if your application form and employment contract reflect a monthly salary of at least DKK 71,020.83 (as of 2024), SIRI will generally assume it meets the Danish standards. Remember, the salary must be paid into a Danish bank account for applications submitted after January 1, 2021.

Salary and Terms of Employment

Meeting the minimum salary requirement is just one hurdle. You must also demonstrate that your overall employment terms align with Danish standards. This includes receiving remuneration in line with what’s typically offered for similar positions in Denmark.

Who Needs to Comply?

This requirement applies to various permit schemes, including:

• Pay Limit Scheme
• Fast Track Scheme
• Researcher’s Scheme
• Positive List for People with a Higher Education
• Positive List for Skilled Work

It even extends to those applying for work permits for:

• Sideline employment
• As an accompanying family member

Also Read: Denmark Updates Positive Lists For Work Permits; Adds 110 New Job Titles

What’s Included in the Salary Assessment?

Only guaranteed and fixed income components are considered when evaluating if your salary meets the standards. These include:

• Fixed salary
• Payments to labour market pension schemes
• Holiday allowance

Exclusions in the Salary Assessment

Staff benefits like board and lodging offered by the employer, as well as bonuses and commissions (considered uncertain income), are not factored into the salary assessment.

Shorter Stays in Denmark: New Rules

New regulations implemented in November 2023 allow foreign workers to undertake short-term work in Denmark without a residence and work permit. This provision permits Danish employers to hire foreigners for two separate 180-day periods, each lasting 15 days, with a minimum 14-day break in between stays outside Denmark.