Denmark Revises Salary Standards for Skilled Work Visas – Key Changes for 2025

Denmark has released updated wage statistics for the Positive List for Skilled Work, which will take effect on February 20, 2025. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) will use these new figures to assess work permit applications under this scheme.

This change impacts foreign workers seeking employment in Denmark and requires careful attention from applicants and employers. This article breaks down the key changes and what they mean for you.

What is the Positive List for Skilled Work?

The Positive List for Skilled Work includes job roles experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals in Denmark. Foreign workers who secure a job in one of these professions can apply for a Danish residence and work permit under this scheme. The list is updated twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.

Impact of the New Wage Statistics

SIRI relies on wage data compiled by Statistics Denmark to ensure that foreign workers receive salaries matching Danish standards. Here’s what the update means for applicants:

• Applications submitted on or after February 20, 2025, will be evaluated based on the new wage statistics.
• Applications submitted before this date will be assessed under the previous wage statistics.
• All jobs listed in the Positive List for Skilled Work include a classification code (DISCO-08-code), ensuring clarity in job classification.

Salary and Employment Conditions

Foreign workers applying under the Positive List for Skilled Work must meet Danish employment standards. This includes:

• Salary, holiday entitlements, and notice periods must align with Danish regulations.
• Employers generally do not include uncertain salary components like commissions or bonuses in salary calculations.
• Employers must pay salaries into a Danish bank account, including liquid wages, labour market pension contributions, and paid holiday allowances.

Salary Standards and Employment Conditions

For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025, SIRI has revised income requirements to ensure foreign workers receive competitive wages aligned with local norms.

Employers offering jobs not covered by collective agreements or employer organizations must ensure salaries meet Danish standards, with a minimum monthly earning of approximately DKK 74,958.

Other Work Visa Options

If your job requires university-level qualifications, you should refer to the Positive List for the Highly Educated for alternative work permit options. Other work visa schemes include:

• Pay Limit Scheme
• Fast Track Scheme
• Researcher’s Scheme
• Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme

Employer Obligations

To qualify for a work permit under the Positive List for Skilled Work, your employer must comply with apprenticeship training obligations under Læreplads-AUB (Employers’ Training Contribution). Before applying, ensure your employer meets this requirement.

Final Thoughts

With Denmark’s new wage statistics taking effect soon, foreign workers must stay informed about updated salary requirements. If you are considering applying for a Danish work visa, check the latest Positive List for Skilled Work and confirm your employer’s compliance with the necessary regulations.

For more updates on Danish work visas and other immigration policies, stay tuned!