World Immigration News

Denmark Tightens Immigration Rules in 2026

Release Date: 2026-01-09
Media: ETIAS.COM
Summary: Denmark will tighten its immigration rules from January 1, 2026, introducing higher application fees, increased minimum salary thresholds, and a reduced number of job categories open to foreign workers. The changes apply nationwide and primarily affect non-EU nationals, while EU and Nordic citizens remain covered by freedom-of-movement rules.

Key points include:

Higher application fees for work and residence permits, extensions, and accompanying family members, applicable to both new and renewal applications in 2026.

Increased salary thresholds under schemes such as the Pay Limit Scheme, with applications assessed using updated wage statistics from 2026 onward.

Restrictions on medical professionals, including a suspension of new temporary residence permits for foreign doctors and nurses seeking Danish authorization until the end of 2026 (with limited exceptions).

Continued limits on non-EU students at non-state-approved institutions regarding work rights, post-study job search, and family reunification.

Narrower Positive Lists for higher-education and skilled work, reducing the range of shortage occupations eligible for foreign workers.

Stricter employer obligations, requiring job offers, salaries, and documentation to fully meet updated standards before applications are filed.

Possible longer processing times if additional documentation is requested.

Upcoming ETIAS rollout in late 2026 for visa-exempt short-term travelers to Denmark and other European countries (separate from work or study permits).

Existing permit holders may not automatically be subject to new salary thresholds when extending permits under unchanged employment conditions. Danish authorities advise applicants and employers to carefully review official guidance to ensure compliance with the tougher 2026 requirements.
Tags: Denmark

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