Denmark has introduced updated income statistics for foreign worker applications submitted from April 1, 2025. These updates reflect data from the fourth quarter of 2024, ensuring that applications submitted from this date are processed accordingly. Income statistics undergo quarterly updates, with the next revision expected to take effect from July 1, 2025.
Applications submitted between January 1 and March 31, 2025, will be assessed based on income statistics from the third quarter of 2024. Foreign workers applying for a residence and work permit must meet Danish salary and employment standards. This means their remuneration must align with the pay and conditions typical for their job type in Denmark.
The updated income statistics apply to various work schemes, including the Pay Limit Scheme, Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme, Fast Track Scheme, Positive List for People with a Higher Education, Positive List for Skilled Work, and Special Individual Qualifications Scheme.
When evaluating whether a salary meets Danish standards, only liquid funds that are paid out are considered. This includes the fixed and guaranteed salary, payments to labor market pension schemes, and holiday allowance. Employers may offer staff benefits such as board and lodging, but these are not factored into the salary assessment. Similarly, variable income components such as commissions or bonuses are generally excluded from salary calculations.
The Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) provides the income statistics used by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) in processing applications. In most cases since January 1, 2021, salaries must be paid into a Danish bank account. For applications submitted from September 1, 2024, salaries must be stated in Danish kroner (DKK).
If employment is covered by a collective agreement in the application form and contract, SIRI assumes the salary meets Danish standards. Salary assessments are not conducted for employers who are part of an employer’s organization but not covered by a collective agreement.
For employment not covered by a collective agreement and where the employer is not a member of an employer’s organization, SIRI assesses whether the salary meets Danish standards up to approximately DKK 74,958. If discrepancies arise, SIRI may consult the Regional Labour Market Councils (RARs) and seek employer comments before making a final decision.
