Denmark | Relaxed immigration policies forthcoming

Danish immigration authorities are relaxing policies for short-term workers, family reunification and bank requirements beginning July 1.

Key Points:

• Foreign nationals under the short-term fast-track residence permit scheme can extend their stay and continue working more easily within their 90-day period starting July 1.
  • Employees can continue working without providing new biometric data or a new identification check to authorities and do not have to obtain a provisional work permit.
  • The short-term fast-track permit still only allows for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 12-month period, but this change will allow greater flexibility to employees within the 90-day period.
• Dependents of certain Danish nationals will now be eligible for a standard dependent permit to simplify family reunification effective July 1.
  • Dependents previously needed to apply under the more complex family reunification scheme and now may qualify for the same permit that dependents of foreign nationals use to simplify the reunification process.
• Finally, the requirement for certified companies to have a bank account in Denmark to employ foreign nationals will be eliminated effective July 1. Employees under the fast-track scheme also do not need to have a Danish Bank account.

BAL Analysis: The government hopes to provide employers and employees with greater flexibility as well as make it easier for Danish nationals and their families to return to Denmark. These policy changes should also support employer recruiting efforts for highly skilled workers and provide greater options for short-term work.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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