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Denmark has updated its salary standards for work visa applications, with the latest changes effective from February 20, 2025, for the Positive List for Skilled Work, and earlier updates from January 1, 2025, for other schemes. Below is a summary of the key updates based on the most recent information:

Key Updates to Salary Standards for Work Visa Applications:

New Wage Statistics for Positive List for Skilled Work (Effective February 20, 2025):

• The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has released updated wage statistics for the Positive List for Skilled Work, which targets professions facing a shortage of qualified professionals in Denmark.
• Applications submitted on or after February 20, 2025, will be evaluated using these new wage statistics, ensuring salaries align with Danish standards for the specific job roles listed.
• Salaries must include only liquid, guaranteed components such as fixed salary, labor market pension contributions, and holiday allowances. Uncertain income like commissions or bonuses is generally excluded.
• Employers must comply with apprenticeship training obligations under Læreplads-AUB (Employers’ Training Contribution) for roles under this scheme.

General Income Requirements (Effective January 1, 2025):

• New income thresholds apply to work-based residence permits submitted on or after January 1, 2025, based on third-quarter 2024 income statistics.
• For jobs not covered by collective agreements or where the employer is not part of an employers’ organization, SIRI assesses salaries against Danish standards, with a benchmark of approximately DKK 74,958 per month (2025 level).
• These rules apply to both first-time applications and extensions across schemes like the Pay Limit Scheme, Fast Track Scheme, Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme, Researcher Scheme, and Positive Lists for Skilled Work and Higher Education.

Previous Updates (Effective October 1, 2024):

• From October 1, 2024, the minimum salary requirement for most foreign workers increased by at least 10%, raising the annual threshold from DKK 445,000 (approx. ₹55.6 lakh) to DKK 495,000 (approx. ₹61.8 lakh).
• Applications submitted after September 30, 2024, are assessed using second-quarter 2024 income statistics from the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA).
• Salary declarations must be in Danish kroner (DKK), and foreign currency declarations are no longer accepted. If a salary is initially stated in another currency, an addendum converting it to DKK is required.

Assessment Criteria:

• SIRI evaluates whether salaries meet Danish standards using DA’s income statistics, requiring details like job title, job description, relevant work experience, and the six-digit DISCO-08 code for the job function.
• Salaries are considered compliant if:
  • The employment is covered by a collective agreement, or
  • The salary is at least DKK 71,020.83 per month (2024 level, updated to ~DKK 74,958 in 2025 for non-collective agreement cases).
• If a salary falls below standards, employers must provide an explanation, and SIRI may consult Regional Labour Market Councils (RBRs) for further assessment.

Additional Requirements:

• Salaries must be paid into a Danish bank account for work periods exceeding three months.
• Only liquid funds (fixed salary, pension contributions, and holiday allowances) are considered; benefits like board, lodging, or bonuses are excluded from the assessment.
• Employment contracts must specify salary in DKK, and terms like holidays and notice periods must align with Danish standards.

Impact and Recommendations:

• Purpose: These updates aim to ensure foreign workers receive equitable salaries aligned with Danish standards, promoting fairness and competitiveness in the labor market while addressing skilled labor shortages in sectors like technology, healthcare, and construction.
• Applicants and Employers: Stay updated on quarterly income statistics (next update expected April 1, 2025) and ensure compliance with salary benchmarks. Research collective agreements to streamline approval, and consult immigration specialists for complex cases.
• Schemes Affected: Pay Limit Scheme, Fast Track Scheme, Positive List for Skilled Work, Positive List for Higher Education, Researcher Scheme, and others.

For detailed guidelines, refer to SIRI’s official website (nyidanmark.dk) or consult an immigration specialist to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.

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