Denmark is implementing new criteria for international workers applying for residency and work permits beginning September 1, 2024.
According to TravelBiz, all pay statements and employment contracts must now be in Danish kroner (DKK), the country’s legal currency.
This adjustment is intended to harmonize international workers’ wages with local standards.
The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has changed its standards. To comply with Danish employment laws, international workers must report their salaries in DKK beginning in September.
This rule will be applicable to all work contracts, including the Pay Limit Scheme, Fast Track Scheme, and Positive List for Skilled Work.
SIRI has announced they will no longer accept salary disclosures in foreign currencies. If a salary is initially in a different currency, an additional document translating it to DKK must be included with the application.
Foreign workers must ensure that their income and working conditions match Danish requirements in order to obtain a residency and work permit. This includes:
- Full-Time Employment: Most work schemes require full-time work, usually between 37 to 40 hours per week.
- Included Salary Components: Fixed pay, pension contributions, and holiday allowances will be considered when assessing the salary.
- Excluded Income: Uncertain income like commissions or bonuses will not be included in the salary calculation.
- Salary, Holidays, and Notice Period: These must meet Danish standards for the specific job.
- Assessment in DKK: All salary assessments must be done in Danish kroner.
For workers extending permits granted before the new rules take effect, salaries in foreign currency will still be accepted. In these cases, the conversion will be based on the exchange rate from Denmark’s National Bank.
Additionally, in July 2024, Denmark raised the minimum salary requirement to DKK 71,020.83 for several work schemes, including the Pay Limit Scheme, Fast Track Scheme, and Positive List for Skilled Work.
Employers and applicants should check the guidelines from the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration for more details on how to follow the new rules.