Denmark
Denmark Announces New Rules for Work Permits for Foreign Immigrants and Students. Effective from July 1st, Denmark has introduced new regulations affecting foreign students and immigrants. These changes aim to enhance opportunities for foreign students and immigrants, allowing them greater flexibility in work and residence arrangements.
Work Rights for Foreign Students
The new rules now grant foreign students the right to work 90 hours per month and full-time during the summer months of June, July, and August. This update applies to all students who have been granted or will be granted a part-time work permit. These changes provide students with the opportunity to earn more income and gain valuable work experience while studying in Denmark.
Work Permit Exemption for Residence Permit Holders
Starting July 1, 2024, foreigners holding a valid residence permit under the Authorisation Scheme are exempt from the requirement to obtain a separate work permit. This change means that all foreigners with a residence permit can start working immediately without applying for an additional work permit. A residence permit allows individuals to stay in Denmark for the duration of its validity and to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, it does not grant the right to work in other Schengen countries.
Expansion of the Positive Lists
Denmark has updated its Positive Lists as of July 1, 2024. The Positive List for People with a Higher Education now includes 141 job titles, while the Positive List for Skilled Work includes 61 titles. These lists identify professions experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals in Denmark, allowing individuals with relevant skills to apply for a residence and work permit more easily. The lists aim to attract more skilled workers to meet the country’s labor market needs.
New Family Reunification Rules
The new rules for family reunification of spouses also took effect on July 1, 2024. These rules introduce changes to the integration requirements. Now, the spouse residing in Denmark must pass Prøve i Dansk 3 or another Danish language test at the same or higher level to meet the integration requirement. Alternatively, the requirement can be fulfilled by the spouse having been in full-time employment for five years, involving significant communication in Danish.
Moreover, the financial guarantee requirement for family reunification has been reduced from approximately DKK 114,000 to DKK 57,000. Applicants who were previously denied family reunification due to not meeting the financial guarantee or language requirements now have the opportunity to reapply under the new rules.
For further details on family reunification and other immigration policies, please visit the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration.
