Denmark Updates Wage Statistics for Foreign Workers – Changes Effective February 20!

Denmark has updated its wage statistics for foreign workers under the Positive List for Skilled Work, with new salary requirements taking effect on February 20, 2025. These changes impact foreign professionals applying for work permits in Denmark, ensuring they receive competitive wages aligned with Danish labor market standards.

For employers and international job seekers, understanding these new wage rules is crucial to ensure compliance and successful application processing. This article provides an in-depth guide to the updated wage statistics, what it means for foreign workers, and how businesses can adapt to the changes.

Denmark Updates Wage Statistics for Foreign Workers

Denmark’s updated wage statistics for foreign workers, effective February 20, 2025, ensure fair salaries and labor market stability. If you’re a foreign professional seeking employment in Denmark, it’s essential to check the Positive List for Skilled Work, verify the new wage requirements, and ensure your job offer complies with Danish labor laws.

Employers must adhere to the new salary thresholds to maintain compliance and successfully hire foreign talent. By staying informed about Denmark’s evolving work permit regulations, both employers and employees can ensure a smooth and legally compliant hiring process.

Understanding Denmark’s Wage Statistics for Foreign Workers

Denmark’s Positive List for Skilled Work includes occupations experiencing a labor shortage. Foreign workers in these professions can apply for a Danish residence and work permit if they meet the updated salary requirements.

These statistics are updated biannually on January 1 and July 1 by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). The latest update, effective February 20, 2025, revises salary benchmarks to ensure fair wages for international employees.

Why Were These Changes Implemented?

Denmark regularly updates wage statistics to:

• Ensure foreign workers receive fair compensation comparable to Danish employees.
• Maintain labor market stability by preventing wage undercutting.
• Protect job opportunities for Danish citizens and EU residents.
• Enhance transparency for employers and employees when applying for work permits.
• Ensure compliance with EU and international labor standards.

How Do These Wage Updates Affect Foreign Workers?

1. Work Permit Approval Process

• All work permit applications submitted on or after February 20, 2025, will be assessed based on the new wage requirements.
• If an application was submitted before this date, the previous wage rules will still apply.

2. Minimum Salary Requirements

• Foreign professionals must ensure their salary meets or exceeds the updated benchmarks.
• The salary must be paid in a Danish bank account in the worker’s name.
• Bonuses and commissions cannot be included in the salary calculation.
• Salaries must be structured as fixed monthly payments without any deductions that are not legally required.

3. Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Ensure job offers comply with Denmark’s revised salary guidelines.
• Provide transparent employment contracts, detailing wages and work conditions.
• Register employment details with SIRI to facilitate visa approvals.
• Ensure that wages are aligned with sector-specific collective agreements.

Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Workers Applying Under the New Wage Statistics

If you’re a foreign professional planning to work in Denmark, follow these steps to ensure your salary meets the updated requirements:

Step 1: Check If Your Occupation Is on the Positive List

Visit Nyidanmark.dk to see if your profession is included. The Positive List is updated twice a year, so ensure your job is still eligible.

Step 2: Verify the New Minimum Wage for Your Job

Each profession has a specific salary threshold based on industry standards. Employers must offer wages that comply with the latest statistics.

Step 3: Secure a Job Offer from a Danish Employer

To qualify for a work permit, you need:

• A valid job contract from a Danish company.
• A salary that meets the new wage statistics.
• Compliance with Danish employment laws.

Step 4: Submit Your Work Permit Application

Apply through SIRI using the online application system. Ensure you provide all necessary documents, including:

• Employment contract with salary details.
• Proof of qualifications and experience.
• Copy of passport and other personal information.

Step 5: Await Work Permit Approval

The processing time varies but typically takes 30 to 90 days. Applications submitted before February 20, 2025, will be processed under the old wage structure.

FAQs

1. What happens if my salary does not meet the updated wage requirements?

Your work permit application may be rejected. Ensure your employer adjusts your salary to meet the new threshold before applying.

2. Can my employer include bonuses or commissions in my salary calculation?

No. Only fixed wages are considered. Variable components like bonuses, commissions, and tips cannot be included.

3. Do these changes apply to all foreign workers?

The updates specifically affect those applying under the Positive List for Skilled Work. Other visa schemes may have different requirements.

4. How often does Denmark update wage statistics for foreign workers?

The wage statistics are updated every six months (January 1 and July 1) to reflect market conditions.

5. Where can I check the latest wage statistics?

Visit Nyidanmark.dk for official information on the latest wage statistics.

6. Do self-employed individuals have to comply with these wage statistics?

No. These wage updates apply to salaried employees under the Positive List scheme. Self-employed individuals follow different regulations.