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Denmark’s New Salary Thresholds for Foreign Workers: Key Updates for April 2025
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
Denmark’s 2025 Salary Thresholds: What Skilled Workers Need to Know
Starting April 1, 2025, Denmark will enforce stricter salary thresholds for foreign nationals seeking work and residence permits. The updated rules aim to align foreign workers’ pay with the Danish standard salary, ensuring fair competition and protecting local labor norms. This move reflects the government’s dual focus on attracting global talent while safeguarding its robust welfare system.
Updated Salary Requirements for 2025
Under schemes like the Positive List and Pay Limit Scheme, foreign workers must meet profession-specific salary benchmarks. Key details:
No National Minimum Wage: Denmark relies on union-negotiated rates to set the Danish standard salary, varying by industry (e.g., DKK 500,000 for software engineers vs. DKK 350,000 for healthcare roles).
Annual Adjustments: Thresholds are updated yearly using data from the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA).
Verification Process: The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) reviews salaries and may consult Regional Labour Market Councils (RARs) to prevent undercutting.
How the Danish Standard Salary is Determined
Denmark’s unique labor model uses collective bargaining agreements rather than a fixed minimum wage. Key factors:
Union Influence: Strong unions negotiate wages, ensuring the Danish standard salary reflects fair market rates.
Role-Specific Benchmarks: Salaries are tied to demand, qualifications, and industry trends (e.g., tech vs. healthcare).
Transparency: Employers must provide contracts in DKK, with SIRI validating compliance.
Impact on Skilled Workers and Employers
The 2025 changes require careful preparation:
Job Offers Must Meet Thresholds: Employers must align salaries with the Danish standard salary for the role.
Fast-Track Permits: The Positive List prioritizes in-demand professions (e.g., engineers, nurses), but salaries must match local norms.
Pay Limit Scheme Flexibility: High earners in any field qualify if salaries exceed ~DKK 495,000 (approx. $71,000 USD).
Navigating the Pay Limit Scheme and Positive List
Positive List: Targets sectors with labor shortages. Check SIRI’s official list (post-Q4 2024) for eligible roles.
Pay Limit Scheme: Open to all industries, provided salaries meet the threshold. Ideal for senior professionals.
Documentation: Employers must submit detailed contracts and salary proof in DKK.
Why Denmark is Tightening Immigration Policies
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s government prioritizes a “zero asylum” approach while streamlining skilled immigration. The 2025 rules reinforce:
Labor Market Integrity: Preventing wage suppression and exploitation.
Economic Sustainability: Ensuring newcomers contribute fairly to Denmark’s high-cost welfare system.
Global Talent Focus: Attracting expertise that aligns with long-term economic goals.
Steps to Prepare for the 2025 Changes
Research Profession-Specific Thresholds: Monitor SIRI’s updates post-Q4 2024 for exact figures.
Negotiate Competitive Salaries: Ensure job offers meet or exceed the Danish standard salary.
Gather Documentation: Prepare DKK-denominated contracts, role descriptions, and employer statements.
Consult Immigration Experts: Navigate complex rules with legal or HR professionals.
Denmark’s Balancing Act in 2025
Denmark’s updated salary thresholds underscore its commitment to a fair, skilled labor market. While the Danish standard salary may pose challenges, it guarantees foreign workers a high quality of life and equitable pay. For those ready to meet the benchmarks, Denmark remains a top destination for career growth and work-life balance.
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