…Denmark introduces higher application fees for employers, higher salary thresholds for foreign workers
…Creates stricter scrutiny of citizenship applicants’ public statements and beliefs
…Suspends temporary work permits for foreign doctors and nurses until December 31, 2026
Denmark’s Ministry of Immigration and Integration is proposing a review of its citizenship process for non-EU nationals such as those from Nigeria, to include a closer scrutiny of applicants’ public statements and beliefs.
In addition, only one naturalisation round will take place in 2026, potentially delaying approvals for some candidates.
Also, temporary work permits for foreign doctors and nurses has been frozen and temporarily suspended until December 31, 2026 due to processing backlogs. Medical professionals who already hold Danish authorisation, or who qualify under alternative skilled migration routes, will not be affected.
Overall, the country has introduced a sweeping set of immigration changes that will affect foreign skilled workers, non-EU students and prospective citizens, tightening conditions around work permits, earnings thresholds and access to long-term residency.
Under the new framework, employers sponsoring Nigerian professionals will be required to pay a revised application fee ( DKK 6,330) for residence and work permits, while foreign workers must meet a higher minimum annual salary requirement (DKK 514,000) annually.
For those sponsoring family members, the updated fee schedule includes the payment of DKK 2,385 in 2026 to apply for each family member.
The measures, due to take effect on January 1, 2026, and are intended to reflect inflation, administrative costs and tighter labour market controls.
At the same time, non-EU students enrolled in non-state-approved institutions will continue to face limits on employment rights, post-study job search opportunities and family reunification.
Read also: Denmark commits €57.7m to provide scholarships to Africans, including Nigerians
The reforms, drawn from official sources including SIRI, the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, the Danish Parliament and Arbejdstilsynet, coincide with Denmark’s conclusion of its presidency of the Council of the European Union at the end of 2025.
Authorities say the measures aim to balance labour market needs with stricter compliance, enhanced worker safety and stronger integration standards.
According to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, “This forms part of the changes to its immigration framework, which includes higher application fees, stricter compliance rules and revised salary thresholds for foreign workers globally.
The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) confirmed that all fees are non-refundable and apply to both new and extension applications.
Here are some of the restrictions in more detail:
Restrictions for non-EU students and posted workers
Non-EU students enrolled in institutions not approved by the state will continue to face restrictions on employment rights, post-study job search permits and family reunification.
Meanwhile, the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) has announced tougher requirements for foreign companies posting workers to Denmark. These include stricter documentation, more frequent inspections and higher penalties for breaches.
Read also: Nigerian, African businesses to get Denmark’s $40m clean energy fund
Higher salary thresholds for work permits
From January 2026, Denmark will raise minimum salary requirements for key work permit schemes. Under the Pay Limit Scheme, foreign workers must earn at least DKK 514,000 annually, while the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme will require a minimum of DKK 415,000.
SIRI confirmed that the new thresholds will apply to all applications submitted from 2026. Existing permit holders may still apply for extensions if their employment terms remain unchanged, even if their salaries fall slightly below the revised limits.
Short-term exemptions for event staff
Denmark has introduced a new exemption allowing certain foreign workers to undertake short-term employment without a work permit at international conferences, trade fairs and corporate events.
Eligible staff employed by overseas organisers may work for up to 10 days per event, provided the event is closed to the general public.
