In 2022, Denmark received 66 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 36% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 63% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 16% labour migrants, 19% family members (including accompanying family) and 2% humanitarian migrants. Around 8 900 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 8 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 43 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 39% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Romania and Germany were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Ukraine registered the strongest increase (29 000) and Lithuania the largest decrease (‑300) in flows to Denmark compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑47%, to reach around 2 400. The majority of applicants came from Syria (500), Afghanistan (400) and Eritrea (200). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Syria (100) and the largest decrease nationals of Ukraine (‑2000). Of the 1 600 decisions taken in 2023, 62% were positive.
Emigration of Danish citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑13% in 2022, to 9 200. Approximately 19% of this group migrated to Sweden, 14% to Spain and 13% to Norway.
On 4 June 2024, the Danish Parliament adopted an amendment to the Aliens Act to simplify the use of the work schemes for companies in Denmark, while increasing flexibility for foreign workers. Third-country nationals with a residence and work permit based on the Researcher Scheme, or the Fast Track Scheme’s pay limit track, researcher track, education track and short-term track, are now exempted from the requirement that their salary be paid to a Danish bank account; others have 180 days instead of 90 days to open their bank account. Only accredited companies with at least ten full-time employees in Denmark and meeting certain requirements can use the Fast Track Scheme. It is now possible to change residence and work schemes within the same job without having to interrupt employment.
On the same date, the parliament created a new residence scheme based on educational attachment. Certain foreign nationals who lose their grounds for residence and who are enrolled at or are undergoing education in an area where there is a labour shortage may remain. Upon completing the educational programme, a residence permit for a maximum of 6 months in order to seek employment will be granted.
New rules effective on 17 November 2023 allow foreign employees of foreign companies affiliated with a Danish company with at least 50 employees to work in Denmark for short periods (15 days per period, twice within 180 days) without a work permit. At least 14 days outside Denmark must pass between work periods. Workers must be legally allowed to enter and stay in Denmark. In specific sectors, the exemption applies only to managerial or highly skilled roles.
Changes in family reunification rules for spouses became effective 1 July 2024. Spouses will now meet the integration requirement through five years of full-time employment or by passing a language test equivalent to CEFR A2/B1. The financial guarantee for reunification is reduced to DKK 57 000. The rules for permanent residence permits now bar applicants charged or indicted with certain crimes from obtaining a permit. This also affects family reunification applications (except family of refugees).
Denmark’s job and training programme, integrationsgrunduddannelse (igu), launched in 2016 to integrate refugees into the labour market, has been extended until 2028. The programme targets migrants aged 18 to 50 who arrived in the past 20 years under refugee or family reunification schemes, including those from Ukraine and Afghanistan. The two‑year programme combines school and practical training, managed by municipalities and employers, with “language buddies” supporting language learning. Refugees receive trainee wages and qualify for unemployment insurance, while employers receive financial incentives.
In January 2024, a new inter-ministerial working group has been set to review Danish language courses for adults. Five Ministries are represented and will have to report to the government by the second quarter of 2025 at the latest.
In April 2024, border control with Germany was temporarily reintroduced for six months in order to be able to effectively counter the significant threat to public policy and internal security caused by terrorist threats.
For further information: www.uim.dk (in Danish) | www.nyidanmark.dk
