New Rules for Living and Working in Denmark: If you’re planning to live and work in Denmark, there’s a significant change you need to be aware of. Starting October 1, 2024, the Danish government will introduce a new salary threshold for those applying to live and work in the country. To qualify for a work permit, your salary must meet the new standard set by Denmark.
The updated rules will apply not only to first-time applicants but also to those renewing their work permits. Every three months, the Danish government will review and adjust the salary requirements. As of October 1, 2024, any application submitted after September 30, 2024, will be evaluated based on the second-quarter wage data from that year.
Which Work Permits Are Affected?
The new salary rules will apply to various work permit schemes. These include:
- Pay Limit Scheme
- Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
- Fast Track Scheme
- Researcher Scheme
If you’re applying for part-time work or even as a family member joining a worker in Denmark, these salary rules will still apply to you.
What Will Be Evaluated?
Denmark’s SIRI (the government office responsible for international recruitment) will examine whether your salary meets Denmark’s minimum standards. They will check if your employer is a member of an employer association, which may have collective agreements in place. If your job falls under such an agreement, and your monthly salary is at least DKK 71,020.83 (2024 levels), SIRI will not further assess whether your salary meets Denmark’s standards.
However, if your situation does not meet the criteria above, SIRI will assess your salary based on data provided by the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) to ensure that your wage aligns with Danish standards.
Other Important Conditions
Your salary must match the requirements set for your job, as per the DA wage data. Since January 1, 2021, the salary must also be deposited into a Danish bank account. SIRI will only consider fixed wages and specific benefits like pension contributions and vacation allowances. However, additional benefits provided by the employer, such as accommodation and meals, will not count towards your salary.
Understanding Denmark’s new salary rules is crucial if you’re planning to work in the country. For more details on whether you qualify, you can visit the official Danish government website.