In a significant move, Denmark has announced revisions to the salary standards for skilled work visas under the Positive List for Skilled Work, which will come into effect on February 20, 2025. This change is critical for foreign workers seeking to apply for work permits in Denmark, ensuring that salaries meet Danish employment standards. If you are considering moving to Denmark for a skilled job, this article will help you understand the essential changes and what they mean for your application process.
What is the Positive List for Skilled Work?
The Positive List for Skilled Work is a list of professions in Denmark facing a shortage of qualified workers. Foreign professionals with skills that match these job roles can apply for a Danish residence and work permit under this scheme. This list is updated biannually, on January 1 and July 1, ensuring it reflects current labor market conditions.
Key Points about the Positive List:
- Job Roles: It includes positions that are in demand but lack enough qualified workers within Denmark.
- Regular Updates: The list is updated every six months.
- Eligibility: Foreign workers who secure jobs in these roles can apply for work permits under the Positive List.
Impact of the New Salary Standards
Starting from February 20, 2025, Denmark’s Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) will use updated salary statistics when evaluating applications under the Positive List for Skilled Work. Here’s how the changes will impact applicants:
New Salary Thresholds
- Post-February 20, 2025: All applications will be assessed based on the new wage statistics.
- Pre-February 20, 2025: Applications will be evaluated using the previous salary data.
The updated wage statistics reflect Denmark’s commitment to ensuring foreign workers receive salaries comparable to local Danish standards, thus promoting fair employment practices.
Salary Classification
Each job role on the Positive List is assigned a specific DISCO-08 code, which helps in clear job classification and ensures the correct salary level is applied according to the latest standards.
Key Changes in Salary and Employment Conditions
When applying for a work permit under the Positive List for Skilled Work, foreign workers must meet specific salary and employment conditions in line with Danish regulations.
What You Need to Know About Salary Standards
- Salary Requirements: Foreign workers must receive competitive salaries based on local norms.
- Employment Standards: These include holiday entitlements, notice periods, and salary payment methods.
- Uncertain Salary Components: Employers must exclude uncertain components such as commissions or bonuses from the salary calculation.
- Danish Bank Account: Employers are required to pay salaries into a Danish bank account, which includes liquid wages, pension contributions, and paid holidays.
The 2025 Wage Update for Work Permits
The Danish Salary Standard for skilled workers has been updated for all applications submitted after January 1, 2025. This includes significant adjustments to income requirements, particularly for those under specific schemes:
| Scheme | Monthly Salary Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pay Limit Scheme | DKK 74,958 |
| Fast Track Scheme | DKK 74,958 |
| Researcher’s Scheme | DKK 74,958 |
| Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme | DKK 74,958 |
These salary requirements ensure that foreign workers are paid in line with Danish employment standards.
Employer Obligations Under the Positive List for Skilled Work
To qualify for a work permit under the Positive List for Skilled Work, your employer must fulfill several obligations:
- Apprenticeship Training: Employers must meet apprenticeship training requirements, as specified under the Læreplads-AUB (Employers’ Training Contribution).
- Compliance: Before applying, it’s essential to ensure that your employer complies with these standards and can offer a salary that aligns with the current Danish regulations.
The Fast Track and Other Schemes
Apart from the Positive List for Skilled Work, there are other visa schemes available for highly skilled professionals:
Fast Track Scheme
This scheme provides quicker processing times for skilled workers and is designed to help employers fill urgent labor shortages in Denmark.
Researcher’s Scheme
Designed for highly qualified researchers, this scheme allows foreign nationals to enter Denmark for research purposes.
Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
This scheme sets a separate pay threshold for roles in specific sectors like high-tech industries or research fields, ensuring that salaries meet competitive standards.
Final Thoughts on Denmark’s Revised Salary Standards
With the new wage statistics coming into play from February 20, 2025, foreign workers seeking employment in Denmark should review the updated Positive List for Skilled Work. Ensuring that both the worker and employer are familiar with the updated salary requirements is essential for a successful application process. Additionally, confirming that the employer meets all necessary regulations will ensure a smooth transition into working in Denmark.
For more updates on Danish work visas and other immigration policies, stay tuned to our blog!
In conclusion, Denmark’s decision to revise salary standards for skilled work visas ensures that foreign workers are compensated fairly according to Danish norms. The Positive List for Skilled Work will be evaluated based on updated wage statistics, which will influence work permit applications starting February 20, 2025. By understanding these changes, applicants can prepare their documents accordingly and avoid potential delays in the application process.
