Denmark Lowers Work Permit Salary Threshold for 16 Countries

Denmark has passed new work permit rules for citizens of 16 countries. The new system will start on January 1st, 2027. It will significantly lower the required salary for a permit. Chinese citizens are among the foreign workers who can benefit.

The minimum annual pay will drop to 322,000 Danish kroner. That is just under 27,000 Danish kroner a month. Currently, foreign workers need 552,000 Danish kroner a year under standard rules. That equals 46,000 Danish kroner a month.

Companies must get certified with immigration agency SIRI to hire foreign staff. Applications for certification will open in December 2026. Hiring firms must also sign trade union agreements. This measure protects foreign workers from unfair working conditions.

The rules cover key economic partners including China, the USA, and India. They also cover EU candidate countries and partners with bilateral mobility deals. Sixteen countries qualify right now. The official list could change if trade patterns shift.

People with existing work permits will keep their status. Getting a new permit will become much easier for qualifying citizens. Existing options like the Fast Track Scheme also remain available.