Denmark has recently revised its Positive List for Skilled Work, enhancing the scope of professions that facilitate easier access to Danish residency for foreigners. This initiative aligns with the worldwide trend of attracting skilled migrants across a variety of sectors including science, engineering, sales, real estate, healthcare, HR, floral design, and landscape gardening, now encompassing about 72 job titles.
In a move to address skill shortages in the country, Denmark eased its skilled labor policies in 2023. This included lowering the salary thresholds and simplifying the process for Danish companies to employ foreign workers. The last update to the Positive List was in July 2023, offering a streamlined legal pathway for the hiring of international labor.
Moreover, Denmark offers a significant advantage to international students studying at its universities. Upon graduation, they are automatically granted a three-year period to seek employment, allowing them to stay and work in Denmark without the need for a separate residence permit.
Eligibility for residency under the Positive List for Skilled Work is based on receiving a competitive salary in one's industry. Although the government does not set a specific salary requirement, employment terms including salary, holidays, and notice periods must meet the professional standards of the applicant’s field. Salaries must be deposited into a Danish bank account in the visa holder's name.
Employing companies are required to meet specific training and education standards for their foreign employees, which involves additional financial and administrative efforts.
The application process for residency under this scheme is relatively simple and entirely digital. Applicants must pay a fee of about $1,000 and provide an employment contract, educational qualifications, and details of their salary and benefits.
Pros:
Diversifies the range of professions eligible for easier residency access, attracting a wide array of skilled migrants.
Simplifies the hiring process for Danish companies, aiding in the resolution of domestic skills shortages.
Provides a substantial job search period for international graduates in Denmark, promoting workforce integration.
Cons:
The cost of the application fee may be prohibitive for some candidates.
Additional requirements for employers could discourage some from hiring foreign staff.
The absence of a fixed minimum wage could result in variable salary standards across industries.
In a move to address skill shortages in the country, Denmark eased its skilled labor policies in 2023. This included lowering the salary thresholds and simplifying the process for Danish companies to employ foreign workers. The last update to the Positive List was in July 2023, offering a streamlined legal pathway for the hiring of international labor.
Moreover, Denmark offers a significant advantage to international students studying at its universities. Upon graduation, they are automatically granted a three-year period to seek employment, allowing them to stay and work in Denmark without the need for a separate residence permit.
Eligibility for residency under the Positive List for Skilled Work is based on receiving a competitive salary in one's industry. Although the government does not set a specific salary requirement, employment terms including salary, holidays, and notice periods must meet the professional standards of the applicant’s field. Salaries must be deposited into a Danish bank account in the visa holder's name.
Employing companies are required to meet specific training and education standards for their foreign employees, which involves additional financial and administrative efforts.
The application process for residency under this scheme is relatively simple and entirely digital. Applicants must pay a fee of about $1,000 and provide an employment contract, educational qualifications, and details of their salary and benefits.
Pros:
Diversifies the range of professions eligible for easier residency access, attracting a wide array of skilled migrants.
Simplifies the hiring process for Danish companies, aiding in the resolution of domestic skills shortages.
Provides a substantial job search period for international graduates in Denmark, promoting workforce integration.
Cons:
The cost of the application fee may be prohibitive for some candidates.
Additional requirements for employers could discourage some from hiring foreign staff.
The absence of a fixed minimum wage could result in variable salary standards across industries.