Updated Denmark Work Permit Program Aims to Attract Skilled Foreign Workers

Many countries are experiencing varying degrees of skills shortages—a trend poised to get grow over the next decade. Denmark, specifically, is grappling with this issue; it has recently rolled out efforts to attract foreign skilled workers, particularly from China, Russia, India, and other countries outside of the European Union to fill these positions.

The Danish Labor Shortage and Updated Work Permit

At the end of 2018, the Denmark Ministry of Employment published a comprehensive, 21 point program designed to assist companies internally as they attempt to attract, hire, and retain top talent from locations.

The primary objective of this program was to simplify the application process for skilled foreign workers. Denmark has recently attracted international attention on these matters, particularly an instance where one academic from the United States was trapped by the country's then-current green card rules. Previous efforts only served to dissuade foreign workers from entering the country, making this update a major pivot at a much-needed time.

Denmark's Plan of Action to Hire Skilled Foreign Workers

Moving forward, nationals from 12 countries will now be able to obtain a work permit more easily in Denmark. In order to do so, however, they will need to earn gross annual salaries of at least 330,000 kroner/$51,000. Previously, the limit was 418,000kr/$63.220.

The plan also outlines a number of job titles where there is a particularly pressing need for highly qualified labor at a national level. Provided that they meet the relevant education requirements, working in one of these positions alone can now get someone a green card.

Finding the Right Expansion Partner

Whether your organization is seeking talent outside of Denmark or you’re exploring other destinations, Pebl (previously Velocity Global)’s global immigration services can assist with vital document collection, offer live assistance and consular support, and help ensure the transition is a smooth one.  Or, if you’re considering sending one or more employees to one of the 185+ countries in which we operate, our International PEO (Professional Employer Organization) solution can help you get up and running quickly and seamlessly—no need for an entity.

Want to learn more about how we can help take your organization global? Let’s chat.