Factsheet for measure
DK-2024-27/3741
– measures in Denmark
Denmark simplifies labour migration to strengthen recruitment and mobility
Danmark forenkler regler for arbejdsmigration for at styrke rekruttering og mobilitet
Background information
In March 2024, the Danish government proposed amendments to the Immigration Act (L147) with the clear objective of making it simpler for companies in Denmark to use labour migration schemes and to support more effective recruitment of foreign workers. At the same time, the reform aims to provide greater flexibility for migrant workers applying for residence permits under these schemes. Key changes include the ability to extend short-term stays under the fast-track scheme without submitting a new application or biometric data, as long as the 90-day annual limit is not exceeded. The job mobility rule is broadened to allow switching residence basis without changing employer, ensuring continued employment during processing. Additionally, the requirement to hold a Danish bank account is lifted for selected schemes, and the deadline extended from 90 to 180 days for others. The amendments entered into force on 1 July 2024.
Legislative Proposal L 147 – Proposal to amend the Immigration Act (tabled on 20 March 2024)
Content of measure
The recent amendment to Denmark's Immigration Act aims to increase flexibility for foreign workers and simplify administrative procedures for businesses recruiting international labour.
The reform introduces greater flexibility for short-term stays under the fast-track scheme, allowing foreign workers to extend their stay without submitting a new application or additional personal data, provided the total stay does not exceed 90 days per year. This change reduces the administrative burden for both employers and employees, making the process more efficient.
Additionally, the job mobility rule has been expanded. Foreign workers can now apply to change their residence status while remaining with the same employer. This ensures that workers can continue working while their application is being processed, preventing unnecessary employment gaps.
Finally, the requirement for a Danish bank account has been lifted for certain schemes, including for researchers and fast-track schemes. For other schemes, the deadline to establish a Danish bank account has been extended from 90 to 180 days, addressing practical challenges related to banking procedures for foreign workers.
Use of measure
No information yet.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Social partners jointly
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No special funding required
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Any other form of consultation, institutionalised (as stable working groups or committees) or informal
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Any other form of consultation, institutionalised (as stable working groups or committees) or informal
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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No involvement
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
The involvement of social partners in the proposal to amend the Immigration Act was requested by the institutional setting. As part of the consultation process, the Danish government engaged with social partner organisations to gather feedback on the proposed changes, which aimed to simplify administrative procedures and improve the flexibility of the immigration system.
The consultation involved key employer organisations, including Lederne (representing managers) and DA (the Confederation of Danish Employers), as well as trade unions such as Akademikerne (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) and FH (the Danish Trade Union Confederation). These organisations were asked to provide their views on the proposed amendments, specifically related to the fast-track scheme, job mobility rules, and the requirement for a Danish bank account for foreign workers.
Views and reactions
Employer organisations, such as Lederne (representing managers) and DA (the Confederation of Danish Employers), expressed support for the reform, particularly the simplified administrative procedures and increased flexibility for businesses in recruiting foreign workers.
Trade unions, including Akademikerne (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) and FH (the Danish Trade Union Confederation), were generally supportive of the broader reforms but raised concerns about the removal of the Danish bank account requirement. Akademikerne specifically suggested that if foreign workers are paid into foreign bank accounts, the bank statements should be reported to SIRI to ensure compliance with Danish wage standards.
Sources
