Denmark to Lower Work Permit Salary Threshold by Nearly 20,000 DKK for 16 Countries Starting 2027
PublishedEditorial policy
Starting January 1, 2027, Denmark will introduce a new work permit scheme tied to collective agreements. This will reduce the salary threshold by almost 20,000 DKK for citizens of 16 specific countries, aiming to attract skilled professionals.
Key takeaways
- A new work permit scheme takes effect January 1, 2027, linking salary requirements to industry-specific collective agreements, not just a fixed number.
- The salary threshold will decrease by almost 20,000 DKK, but this applies exclusively to citizens of 16 specific countries.
- Citizens from other countries will remain under existing conditions; this is a targeted measure by Denmark.
- Before applying, confirm if your country is on the eligible list and understand the collective agreements relevant to your profession. The financial threshold is not the sole criterion.
Denmark Adjusts Work Permit Salary Threshold for Select Countries
Effective January 1, 2027, Denmark will implement a new work permit scheme that links salary requirements to collective agreements (kollektive overenskomster) rather than a fixed financial threshold. This change will result in a reduction of the salary threshold by nearly 20,000 Danish Kroner (DKK), but this benefit is specifically targeted at citizens from 16 designated countries. The initiative aims to attract qualified professionals from this particular list of nations.
For individuals from these 16 countries, the process for obtaining a work permit is expected to be streamlined if their salary aligns with the collective agreement in their respective industry. While the financial barrier will be lowered, it's important to note that the threshold will not be eliminated entirely. Denmark will continue to ensure that applicants do not compete with local workers on terms below market standards. Prospective applicants should verify if their country is included in the list and understand the relevant collective agreements for their profession.
Sources
Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.
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