Planning to move and work in Denmark? From October 1, 2024, the Danish government will introduce new salary rules for work permits. This change aims to ensure that international workers receive fair wages according to Danish standards. Whether you’re applying for a job or renewing your work permit, your salary will need to meet the new criteria set by the government.
What Does the New Rule Mean?
Starting October, to work in Denmark, your salary must align with the local wage standards. This rule applies to both new applicants and those looking to extend their work permits. The government will update salary data every three months, so the salary you negotiate needs to meet the requirements for the specific quarter in which you apply.
The new regulations mean that if you are applying for a job after September 30, 2024, your application will be assessed based on salary data from the second quarter of 2024. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) will be responsible for checking if your job offer meets these new standards.
Who Will Be Affected?
The rule applies to multiple types of work permits. Some of the main categories affected include:
- Pay Limit Scheme
- Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
- Fast Track Scheme
- Researcher Scheme
Even if you are applying for a part-time job or as a family member of someone working in Denmark, the new salary rule will still apply to your case.
What Will SIRI Look For?
SIRI will check whether your job is covered by a collective agreement. This means they will evaluate:
- Is your employer a member of an employers’ association with a collective agreement?
- Is your job part of a collective agreement?
- Does your monthly salary meet or exceed DKK 71,020.83 (as per 2024 standards)?
If any of these conditions are met, SIRI will not further evaluate your salary. However, if they aren’t, your salary will be compared with data from the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) to ensure it aligns with Danish pay standards.
Additional Requirements
To meet the salary criteria, your pay should reflect the type of work you’re doing and be based on DA’s salary data. Importantly, your salary must have been deposited into a Danish bank account after January 1, 2021. SIRI will only consider your fixed salary and certain benefits like pension contributions and leave allowances. Perks such as accommodation or meals provided by the company won’t be included in the salary evaluation.
Be Prepared Before You Apply
Denmark’s new salary rules emphasize fair pay and a transparent process for international workers. If you’re planning to apply for a job in Denmark or renew your permit, ensure that your salary meets the updated standards. To know more about these rules and check if you’re eligible, you can visit Denmark’s government website for further details.
