Denmark’s parliament has approved a lower salary threshold for foreign work permits, a change aimed at making it easier for companies to hire from abroad. The new rules are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The measure targets workers from 16 specified countries and comes with conditions attached. Employers will need certification, and the jobs must be covered by collective bargaining agreements, a safeguard meant to protect pay and working standards.
Supporters argue that Danish businesses face labour shortages in certain sectors and need access to workers from outside the country. Lowering the threshold, they say, would help fill roles that have been hard to staff.
Critics of looser immigration rules have raised concerns about wages and integration, a recurring theme in Danish debate. The requirements around certification and bargaining agreements appear designed to address some of those worries.
The law reflects the balancing act Denmark has tried to strike between a tight labour market and a cautious approach to immigration. How many workers ultimately arrive under the new terms will depend on how employers use the scheme.
