Denmark tightens immigration rules in 2026

Photo: ETIAS

Denmark introduced stricter immigration rules from 1 January 2026, affecting foreign workers, students and certain medical professionals. The changes include higher application fees, increased minimum salary thresholds and a narrower range of job titles eligible for work and residence permits. The measures apply nationwide and primarily impact non-EU nationals.

Higher fees and revised salary thresholds

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration confirmed that updated application fees now apply to both new filings and extensions, including permits for accompanying family members. Salary thresholds under key schemes such as the Pay Limit Scheme and the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme have also been raised, based on updated wage statistics.

Impact on healthcare professionals

Medical professionals have been particularly affected. Denmark has suspended the issuance of new temporary residence permits for foreign doctors and nurses seeking Danish professional authorization. The suspension will remain in place until 31 December 2026 and does not apply to individuals who already hold authorization or qualify under other skilled migration schemes.

Shorter Positive Lists

Denmark’s Positive Lists for 2026, which identify occupations facing labour shortages, now include fewer job titles than in previous updates. Both the list for higher education and the list for skilled work have been reduced, reflecting changing labour market conditions. Only job offers that match the listed titles and requirements qualify under these schemes.

Administrative and policy drivers

Authorities have linked the changes to rising administrative costs, updated wage data and processing capacity constraints. The reforms were finalised toward the end of Denmark’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025, during which several immigration-related updates were announced. Applications submitted from January 2026 are assessed using income data from the third quarter of 2025.

Rules that remain unchanged

Existing permit holders are not automatically subject to the new salary thresholds when applying for extensions, provided their employment conditions remain unchanged. Family reunification continues under existing rules, although application fees have increased. Limited permit-free work for specific short-term activities remains available under defined conditions.

As International Investment experts report, Denmark’s tighter immigration framework for 2026 signals a move toward more selective labour migration. While the reforms aim to align permits with labour market needs, they also raise entry barriers for foreign professionals and increase compliance requirements for employers.