Key Points
- Denmark will apply updated income statistics for work permit evaluations beginning April 1, 2025.
- The updated figures are based on Q4 2024 data from the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA).
- Applications submitted before April 1 will continue to be assessed using Q3 2024 data.
Overview
Effective April 1, 2025, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) will begin using updated income statistics from the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) to assess new work permit applications. These statistics, which reflect data from the fourth quarter of 2024, help authorities determine whether the salaries offered to foreign workers align with current Danish labor market standards.
Work permit applications submitted between January 1 and March 31, 2025, will continue to be evaluated using income data from Q3 2024, while those submitted on or after April 1 will be subject to the revised figures. This ensures that salary levels offered to foreign nationals align with evolving labor market conditions, a central requirement for work authorization under most Danish employment-based immigration schemes.
Quarterly DA data upholds fair labor practices and prevents wage dumping, ensuring that foreign nationals are paid comparably to Danish employees in the same role and sector. SIRI and the Immigration Service update these quarterly thresholds to reflect real-time economic conditions.
Employers and applicants should review the updated DA salary benchmarks before submitting new work permit applications. Failure to meet the required minimum salary based on the applicable quarter may result in application delays or denials.
Looking Ahead
The next scheduled update to Denmark’s income statistics is expected to take effect from July 1, 2025, based on Q1 2025 data. Employers planning to recruit foreign nationals should carefully track these updates and consult the latest salary benchmarks published by the Confederation of Danish Employers.
To ensure compliance and streamline application processing, businesses are encouraged to review employment offers in advance and confirm that salaries meet the applicable standards at the time of submission. Immigration counsel can assist in verifying eligibility and navigating any changes related to evolving salary thresholds.
