Denmark: Immigration Updates for Summer 2024

Key Points  

• Denmark will introduce changes for short-term workers, reunification visa requirements, bank requirements and more beginning 1 July 2024  

Overview  

The government of Denmark will introduce new immigration rules beginning 1 July 2024. These rules include the following: 

• Tightening the requirement so that family members applying for reunification visas cannot have a history of convicting certain crimes. This rule will also apply to foreign nationals seeking permanent residency.  
  • The new rule applies to applications for permanent residence permits and certain applications for family reunification of spouses submitted after 11 April 2024.   
• Allowing extensions to be made under short-term tracks of the fast-track residence permit scheme. This will enable work continuation to be granted for stays that do not exceed 90 days per year.  
  • Employees on the fast-track scheme can now apply for extensions without needing new biometrics or ID checks, streamlining the process for companies and employees. 
• Job Change Rule: Employees can change the basis of their residence without changing jobs, allowing them to continue working while their application is processed. This means international employees can switch their residence basis seamlessly during ongoing employment. 
• Bank Account Requirements: Certain business schemes, such as the researcher scheme and various fast-track tracks, no longer require a Danish bank account. Additionally, the deadline for setting up an account is extended from 90 to 180 days for other schemes. This change addresses practical challenges companies face in meeting the 90-day deadline due to compliance with the Money Laundering Act. 
• Introducing an education scheme for foreign nationals who have lost their grounds for residence but continue to be enrolled in or are undergoing education in a sector currently experiencing labor shortages.  
  • The scheme also means that certain foreign nationals who have lost or will lose their grounds for residence before the law enters into force on 1 July 2024 will, under certain conditions, be able to continue staying in Denmark under certain conditions. 

According to the announcement, these amendments aim to support Danish companies in recruiting international employees more efficiently and provide greater flexibility for short-term projects and specific tasks.  

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of Denmark’s website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.