Learn about Denmark’s revised salary rules for work permits in 2025. Understand the income and employment requirements for foreign workers seeking residence and work permit

New Salary Rules & Compliance for Foreign Workers in Denmark Work Permit 2025

Denmark is revising its salary rules for work permits in 2025, making key changes to income requirements for foreign workers. As of January 1, 2025, all applicants for residence and work permits must meet new income benchmarks. These revised pay rules apply to both new applications and extensions, aligning foreign worker salaries with Denmark’s current standards.

The income requirements are updated quarterly, with the next update scheduled for April 1, 2025. The salary criteria now consider the third-quarter income data of 2024, meaning any application submitted after December 31, 2024, must comply with these updated salary standards. Applications submitted between October 1 and December 31, 2024, will be evaluated based on Q2 of 2024 income data.

Denmark Work Permit: Salary Comparison and Requirements

When assessing applications for a Denmark work permit, foreign workers’ salaries will be compared against Danish pay standards. This comparison includes only liquid funds that are paid out—namely, the fixed salary, guaranteed salary, payments to labor market pension schemes, and holiday allowance.

Employers may offer additional benefits like board and lodging, but these cannot be counted toward satisfying Denmark’s salary requirements. In general, bonuses, commissions, or other variable payments are excluded from the salary assessment.

The Danish Confederation of Employers (DA) provides the income data used by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) to ensure salaries align with local standards. For applications submitted after January 1, 2021, applicants must have their salary deposited into a Danish bank account. Additionally, since September 2024, the salary must be paid in Danish kroner (DKK) to meet the income requirements.

Key Considerations for Denmark Work Permit Applicants in 2025

In cases where the employment relationship is not covered by a collective agreement, and the employer is not a member of an employer’s organization, SIRI will assess whether the salary meets Danish standards up to approximately DKK 71,000. It’s crucial for foreign workers to understand these guidelines and ensure their salaries meet the new pay benchmarks for a smooth application process.

These changes reflect Denmark’s ongoing efforts to standardize the pay structures for foreign workers and ensure that foreign employees are compensated fairly and in line with national norms.

How to Ensure Compliance with Denmark’s Salary Rules for 2025

To comply with Denmark’s updated salary regulations, foreign workers must:

  1. Ensure that their salary is paid directly to a Danish bank account in Danish kroner.
  2. Confirm that their fixed and guaranteed salary, pension contributions, and holiday allowance meet the Danish benchmarks.
  3. Be aware that benefits like board, lodging, and bonuses do not count toward the required salary.

Denmark’s revised salary rules for 2025 work permits highlight the importance of aligning foreign workers’ pay with national standards. By understanding these new income and employment requirements, foreign workers can ensure a successful application process for residence and work permits in Denmark.


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