Denmark is tightening its work permit regulations with updated salary benchmarks starting April 1, 2025. These changes affect multiple visa schemes and ensure that foreign workers receive compensation aligned with Danish labor market standards. The new income statistics, released by Denmark’s immigration authority SIRI, play a vital role in processing residence and work permit applications.
What Has Changed in Denmark’s Work Permit Salary Requirements?
Beginning April 1, 2025, all new work permit applications will be assessed using updated income statistics from Q4 2024. These figures, provided by The Confederation of Danish Employers (DA), are reviewed every quarter to reflect current wage trends. Any foreign worker applying for a Danish work visa must ensure their proposed salary matches or exceeds the updated figures.
| Application Submission Period | Income Statistics Used |
|---|---|
| January 1 – March 31, 2025 | Q3 2024 Data |
| From April 1, 2025 | Q4 2024 Data |
The next income update will take effect from July 1, 2025, and all applications filed from that date will be evaluated using Q1 2025 statistics.
Visa Schemes Affected by the April 2025 Update
The new salary benchmarks apply to the following Danish visa schemes:
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Pay Limit Scheme
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Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
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Fast Track Scheme
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Positive List for Higher Education
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Positive List for Skilled Workers
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Special Individual Qualifications Scheme
Applicants under any of these schemes must now meet the revised salary requirements to qualify for a Danish residence and work permit.
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What Is Considered in Salary Assessments?
SIRI, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, strictly evaluates salary and employment terms to protect foreign workers and uphold national labor standards.
Criteria for Assessment:
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Fixed Salary Only: SIRI only considers guaranteed income such as base pay, employer pension contributions, and holiday pay.
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Excluded Items: Bonuses, commissions, tips, food, accommodation, and other employer-provided benefits are not included in the salary calculation.
| Effective Date | Salary Requirement |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2021 | Salary must be paid into a Danish bank account |
| September 1, 2024 | Salary must be stated in Danish kroner (DKK) |
These conditions ensure transparency and consistency in how salaries are documented and disbursed.
How SIRI Evaluates Employer Compliance
SIRI uses several filters to evaluate whether an offered salary meets Danish standards. Their assessment process depends largely on the employer’s organizational structure:
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Employers Under Collective Agreements: If the employer is bound by a collective agreement, SIRI assumes the salary complies with Danish norms.
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Non-Affiliated Employers: If an employer is not a member of a union or does not follow a collective agreement, SIRI conducts a full review. In cases where the salary is below DKK 74,958, the Regional Labour Market Councils (RARs) may also be consulted.
This dual-layer verification system is designed to protect both employees and Denmark’s labor ecosystem.
Key Dates to Remember
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March 31, 2025: Last day to submit applications under Q3 2024 income statistics.
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April 1, 2025: New salary rules based on Q4 2024 income statistics come into force.
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July 1, 2025: Next salary benchmark update expected.
Foreign applicants and sponsoring employers should remain vigilant about these quarterly updates to avoid processing delays or application rejections.
Conclusion
Denmark’s revised income statistics for 2025 are a key part of ensuring fair labor practices for foreign workers. These updates guarantee that salaries offered under various visa schemes meet national standards, thus promoting equal treatment and preventing labor exploitation. As work permit applications are evaluated strictly under these updated rules, staying informed and meeting all salary requirements is essential for success. Employers and visa applicants alike must align with these updates to ensure a smooth permit approval process.
FAQs
When will Denmark’s new work permit salary rules take effect?
The updated income statistics and salary thresholds apply to applications submitted from April 1, 2025.
What happens if my salary is below the threshold?
If the offered salary is below DKK 74,958, SIRI may consult the Regional Labour Market Councils to evaluate the application further.
Do commissions and bonuses count towards the salary requirement?
No, only fixed and guaranteed salary components such as base pay, pension, and holiday allowances are considered. Bonuses and perks are excluded.
What if I apply before April 1, 2025?
Applications submitted before April 1, 2025, will be evaluated using Q3 2024 data. The new Q4 2024 statistics apply only to submissions made after March 31, 2025.
How often are these income statistics updated?
Denmark updates the income statistics quarterly. The next revision after April will take effect from July 1, 2025.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.