Denmark Lowers Foreign Worker Salary Threshold to 322,000 DKK: Government Reintroduces Bill for 16 Non-EU Countries in 2026

Denmark lowers foreign worker salary threshold to 322,000 DKK for 16 non-EU countries

Copenhagen, 27 June 2026 — The Danish government has reintroduced a bill to significantly lower the minimum salary requirement for foreign workers from 16 selected non-EU countries, aiming to address acute labour shortages while maintaining safeguards through collective agreements.

The proposed reduction — from the current 552,000 DKK to 322,000 DKK annually — would make Denmark more attractive for skilled and semi-skilled workers in sectors covered by agreements under FH (Danish Trade Union Confederation).

Key Details of the Proposed Danish Foreign Labour Bill

• New Minimum Salary: 322,000 DKK per year (approximately €43,000) for eligible positions under collective agreements.

• Target Countries: 16 non-EU nations, including India, China, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and others with labour cooperation frameworks.

• Scope: Applies to companies covered by collective agreements under FH, covering sectors such as service, production, and certain academic roles.

• Purpose: To ease recruitment challenges in industries facing workforce gaps while preventing social dumping through union-backed standards.

This is the latest attempt by the government to balance Denmark’s historically strict immigration policy with the growing demand for labour in a tight market.

Why Denmark Is Lowering the Threshold

Denmark has one of the strongest economies in Europe but faces demographic challenges and labour shortages in key sectors. The government argues that the current high salary threshold (552,000 DKK) is too restrictive for many needed roles, particularly in manufacturing, services, and technical fields.

By linking the lower threshold to collective agreements, authorities aim to ensure fair wages and working conditions while expanding the talent pool.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

For Danish Companies:

• Easier access to international talent at more competitive salary levels.

• Reduced recruitment costs and faster hiring in shortage occupations.

• Continued protection through union agreements and labour standards.

For Foreign Workers:

• More opportunities to work legally in Denmark with lower salary barriers.

• Access to strong social protections and high quality of life.

• Clear pathways for longer-term residence and integration.

Next Steps for the Bill

The proposal has been reintroduced in Parliament and is expected to undergo debate in the coming weeks. If passed, the new salary threshold could take effect later in 2026 or early 2027.

Employers and potential foreign workers are advised to monitor official updates from the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) and prepare documentation accordingly.

For the latest Denmark work permit updates, foreign labour salary threshold changes, non-EU worker rules 2026, and Denmark immigration news, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/denmark