IMPACT – HIGH

Denmark has put new COVID-19 entry restrictions in place, including a new 10-day quarantine for all international arrivals.

Key Points:

  • Ten-day quarantine. Under a change that took effect Feb. 7, anyone arriving from abroad, including Danish nationals, must isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Those who are arriving for work can break the quarantine to go to work but otherwise must quarantine. If they test negative for COVID-19 at the earliest 48 hours after the test taken on arrival they can break the quarantine. This test must be a PCR test. Those traveling for reasons unrelated to work can break quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19 on the fourth day of isolation. Arrivals who do not isolate as required may face fines for noncompliance.
  • Testing requirements. Besides being required to provide documentation of a “worthy cause” to enter Denmark, travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours before traveling. Travelers are also required to take a rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport. Those who test negative upon arrival can enter Denmark and begin their 10-day isolation.
  • “Worthy purposes” for entry. Authorities continue to adjust the list of “worthy purposes” for entering Denmark. The current list is available here, but it is subject to change with little or no notice. Authorities are also taking additional measures against arrivals from countries that have high rates of COVID-19 infections, particularly countries with new COVID-19 variants such as the United Kingdom and South Africa.
  • Workplace testing. Danish employers and workplaces are now required to have a COVID-19 testing plan in place, including plans to administer PCR COVID-19 tests to all new hires from abroad.
  • Documentation requirements. Documentation requirements for foreign nationals arriving for work, their family members and other coming to Denmark continue to change. Those traveling to Denmark are encouraged to reach out to their immigration or relocation provider for the most up-to-date requirements.

Analysis & Comments: The changes will add to the time it takes to plan travel to Denmark. Some travelers may be barred from entering, depending on their reason for travel and the country from which they are departing. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in Denmark and other countries.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Danish government has extended the country’s travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Key Points:

  • Travel restrictions have been extended until Feb. 28.
  • Travelers who wish to enter Denmark must continue to submit negative COVID-19 test certificates from tests taken no more than 24 hours before boarding their inbound flights.
  • Travelers who are not Danish nationals and who wish to enter Denmark must continue to have a “worthy purpose” for entering the county. The list of purposes considered worthy for entering was recently narrowed; however, working in Denmark and important private family matters are still considered worthy purposes, provided they can be documented properly.

Background: Many countries from Europe and other parts of the world imposed new entry and travel restrictions in the second half of December to mitigate the spread of the new COVID-19 variant.

Analysis & Comments: The extension maintains restrictions that will add to the time it takes to enter Denmark. Those seeking immigration services in the country should anticipate the likelihood of delays. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Danish authorities have issued guidance for U.K. nationals who are living in Denmark.

Key Points:

  • U.K. nationals residing in Denmark in accordance with the EU rules on free movement must be aware that in 2021 they will be required to apply for new residence status and a new residence document showing they benefit from a continued right of residence in Denmark under the United Kingdom’s Brexit Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union.
  • U.K. nationals and their family members residing in Denmark must apply for the new residence document before Dec. 31, 2021. The issuance of this document is a precondition for maintaining the right to work and reside in Denmark. This requirement also applies to persons with permanent residence rights in Denmark. Existing rights with regards to residence and work are maintained, while the application is being processed.
  • Residence documents that have been issued in accordance with EU rules on free movement will continue to be valid as documentation for residence rights until a new residence document is issued. This also applies if you are the holder of residence documents of older age, e.g., a document issued to a citizen of a European Community (EC) member state.
  • Applications for a residence document under the Withdrawal Agreement can be submitted when the transition period provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement has ended, i.e., Jan. 1, 2021, and must be submitted before Dec. 31, 2021, at the latest. Applications are to be submitted to the Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).
  • U.K. nationals living in Denmark and having obtained a Danish CPR number will receive a letter from SIRI via e-boks in November 2020 with information on the new application procedure. In December an additional letter will be sent to advise the U.K. national on the dates on which the application can be lodged. Not all U.K. nationals will apply at the same time.
  • Once the online application has been lodged, biometrics recording is required as part of the process. There is no governmental fee for the application or for the biometrics recording at The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).
  • Until the new residence document is issued, U.K. nationals are recommended to carry the existing residence documents issued under EU rules (“EU-registreringsbevis”/”EU-opholdskort”) when traveling to and from Denmark in order to prove a residence right beyond 90 days for the purpose of border checks.
  • Commuters who are working in Denmark, but living in another country, must also go through the new application process. They will not be notified automatically via e-boks as they are not CPR registered, but must keep updated via the authority’s websites, and apply before Dec. 31, 2021. Until their new travel document has been issued, commuters can use alternative documentation as proof, like an employment contract that confirm they were working in Denmark before the end of the transition period.

Background: When the Brexit transition period comes to an end, U.K. nationals will have to apply for residency if they are living in a European Union member state. The requirements vary depending on the country of residency and Deloitte will continue to provide updates as EU countries provide additional information.

Analysis & Comments:
 Employers should ensure that all U.K. employees are meeting the current requirements for the transition period before Dec. 31, 2020, and for the new residence status before Dec. 31, 2021. U.K. nationals who only arrive in Denmark after Jan.1, 2021 will be regarded as regular third country nationals so they fall under the national rules for residence and work permits for Non EU nationals.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

 

 IMPACT – HIGH

Denmark has implemented new COVID-19 testing requirements for most foreign nationals arriving at Danish borders. The changes took effect Oct. 26 and were implemented to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The new requirements do not apply to Danish nationals or to travelers who are registered at an address in Denmark and hold a valid residence and work permit (for non-EU nationals) or a valid yellow health care card (for EU nationals).

Key Points:

  • Non-EU arrivals. Travelers from most non-EU countries are now required to produce the following when entering Denmark:
    • Proof of a “worthy cause” to enter Denmark (a short list of exceptions applies, but it may change at short notice).
    • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
  • EU arrivals. Travelers arriving from most EU counties are required to produce the following when entering Denmark:
    • Proof of a “worthy cause” to enter Denmark if the country the traveler is coming from is classified as an “orange” country.
    • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival if the country the traveler is coming from is on the EU’s high-risk classification list.

Analysis & Comments: Companies should advise their employees to determine before traveling whether they have a valid reason to enter the country and whether they need a COVID-19 test. Those traveling to Denmark are also advised to check to see if there are any departure restrictions in their country or if clearance is needed in order to leave. Deloitte encourages anyone traveling to Denmark to start any required application processes well in advance because of significant processing delays in Denmark at this time.

Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in Denmark and other countries.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Denmark has implemented a host of changes that will affect employers sponsoring non-EU/EEA foreign workers.

The following changes took effect Jan. 1:

  • The minimum salary for non-EU/EEA workers under the Pay Limit and Fast-track schemes has increased. The new salary minimum is DKK 436,000 per year (about US$64,800 or €58,345). The new minimum applies to all applications filed on or after Jan. 1, and represents a 2.1% increase over the 2019 minimum of DKK 426,985 per year. For work permit extensions, employers may continue to use salaries from the initial application.
  • A new Positive List has taken effect, identifying jobs for which there is a labor shortage. Officials added 18 jobs and removed 35 jobs from the list. Among those added were research and development manager, architect, hospital doctor and web developer. Among those removed were IT manager, IT engineer, finance manager and marketing manager. An overview of all of the changes to the Positive List is available here.
  • Immigration fees have been reduced. The fee for work permits under the Pay Limit, Fast-track and Positive List schemes is now DKK 2,990. The application fee for family members who are accompanying employees is DKK 1,470.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should review the changes and make sure they are meeting new salary thresholds. Employers are reminded that applicants can only apply for a work permit through the Positive List Scheme if their job appears on the new version of the list, which will remain in effect through June 30. The reduced immigration fees are a welcome development. A full list of the new fees is available here.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

What is the change? Danish officials have made minor changes to work permit programs.

What does the change mean? Under rules that will take effect June 1, Denmark will reduce the hours-per-week requirement in the Pay Limit Scheme, ease penalties on employers who make minor mistakes when using the Fast Track Scheme, and allow for multiple short-term stays within a 12-month period.

  • Implementation time frame: The changes will take effect June 1.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits under the Pay Limit and Fast Track schemes.
  • Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals applying for work permits under the Pay Limit and Fast Track schemes.

Additional information: On April 30, the Danish government announced small changes to work permit programs. Among the announcements:

  • The hours-per-week requirement will be reduced from 37 to 30 for workers in the Pay Limit Scheme.
  • Officials said they would not change the Pay Limit Scheme minimum salary requirement of 426,985.06 kroner (about US$64,224) per year, nor will they change the requirement that wages be paid into a Danish bank account.
  • Officials will allow for short-term stays of a total of 90 days within a 12-month period under the Fast Track Scheme. Previously, foreign nationals were limited to one stay of up to three months per year; now there is no limit on the number of stays, as long as the total number of days is no more than 90. This will ease the burden for employers who use foreign nationals under short-term contracts.
  • The period during which employers will not be permitted to use the Fast Track Scheme (quarantine period) after making minor mistakes in the application process will be reduced from two years to one year.
  • Officials will change one of the eligibility requirements for the Fast Track Scheme. Previously, Danish companies were deemed ineligible for the scheme if they incurred fines under the Danish Aliens Act of more than 20,000 kroner in the past year. The threshold has now been lifted to 60,000 kroner for companies with fewer than 250 employees and 100,000 kroner for companies with 250 or more employees.
  • Ph.D. students who hold a Danish student permit will be permitted to work immediately after submitting an application for a work permit.

Analysis & Comments: While the changes are minor, they will in some cases make it easier for employers to sponsor workers in the Pay Limit Scheme or employers to qualify as eligible for the Fast-track scheme.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

 IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the update? Applicants now need to book appointments to apply for an EU registration certificate. Previous to the change, which went into effect April 10, appointments were not required.

  • Implementation time frame: April 10.
  • Documents affected: EU registration certificates.
  • Who is affected: EU nationals who are currently working in Denmark and are planning to stay and work in the country for more than three months; EU nationals who will be moving to Denmark to work for more than three months.

Background: Effective April 10, EU registration certificates must be obtained at the Agency for International Recruitment (SIRI), located at Ellebjergvej 52, 2450 Copenhagen SV, and applications must be submitted in person. The most recent change requires applicants to book appointments to submit certificate applications, adding an additional step to the application process. According to the authorities, the process is not operating yet, but certificates will eventually be issued during the appointments.

Analysis & Comments: Employees submitting registration certificate applications will need to book appointments online, effective April 10. Booking information can be found here.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? EU registration certificates will now be administered by the Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) and not the Regional State Administrative Office (RSA).

What does the change mean? SIRI has begun processing certificate applications as of April 1. Applications must be submitted in person.

  • Implementation time frame: April 1.
  • Documents affected: EU registration certificates.
  • Who is affected: EU nationals that are currently working in Denmark and are planning to stay and work in the country for more than three months.

Background: EU/EEA nationals who have employment in Denmark and are planning to stay and work in the country for more than three months may obtain an EU Registration Certificate. Previously, certificates were obtained at the Regional State Administration (RSA). Beginning April 1, certificates will be obtained at the Agency for International Recruitment (SIRI), located at Ellebjergvej 52, 2450 Copenhagen SV.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should keep in mind the new registration certificate process and ensure that applications are submitted in-person at the SIRI office.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Denmark has updated its Positive List, adding 24 job titles and removing 15.

Job titles added to the list: 

  • Finance manager
  • Deputy/assistant manager, sales
  • District manager
  • After school club manager
  • Nursing home administrator
  • Deputy head teacher
  • Restaurant manager
  • Environmental engineer
  • Landscape architect
  • Land surveyor
  • Health and wellness counselor
  • Midwife
  • Food service manager
  • Occupational therapist
  • Research assistant, humanities
  • Senior research, natural and technical science
  • Professor, health and wellness
  • Associate/assistant professor, university college
  • Upper secondary school teacher
  • Web developer
  • Civil economist
  • Psychologist
  • Psychotherapist
  • Laboratory dental technician

Job titles removed from the list:

  • Sales manager
  • Production manager
  • Statistician
  • Actuary
  • Civil engineer
  • Engineer, design and innovation
  • Hospital doctor
  • Teacher at a public primary and lower secondary school teacher
  • Teacher at independent boarding school for lower secondary school student
  • Speech-hearing therapist
  • Attorney
  • Assistant attorney
  • Assistant judge
  • Assistant prosecutor
  • National economist / socio-economist

Analysis & Comments: The Positive List is a list of occupations for which there is a labor shortage in Denmark. Non-EU nationals who have been offered a job on the list, including job titles that were recently added, are eligible to apply for a work permit through the Positive List Scheme. The current Positive List will remain valid through June 30. The complete list is available here.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the Brexit news? The Danish government has released plans on how it would administer the status of U.K. citizens in Denmark in the event of a “no deal” Brexit.

Key points:

  • Transition period. If no deal is agreed upon by the second half of February, the Danish government will legislatively establish a “temporary transitional scheme,” which will go into effect March 30. The scheme would ensure that U.K. nationals are allowed to continue residing and working in Denmark until legislation is introduced to address the future status of U.K. nationals. The transition scheme would not cover family reunification as is currently afforded to EU nationals, although it would cover children born or adopted after March 29.
  • Residence and work permits. U.K. nationals living in Denmark before Brexit will be allowed to reside and work as normal during the transition period and will be eligible to apply for residence and work permits, although the types of permits have not been determined.
  • New arrivals. U.K. nationals arriving in Denmark after March 29 will not be covered under the temporary transition scheme and will need to apply for residence and work authorization in accordance with the national rules for third-country nationals.

Background: The U.K. is set to leave the European Union on March 29, and although the U.K. and the EU have negotiated a draft withdrawal agreement, the U.K. Parliament has not approved it.  EU member states are releasing plans on how they will address the end of EU free movement as applied to U.K. citizens.

Analysis & Comments: The government’s contingency plan provides some certainty to employers and U.K. citizens in Denmark, as the transition period would allow employees to continue working and living in the country while awaiting clarification by the government regarding their permanent status. Though the status of U.K. citizens and their families after the transition period is unclear at this time, they will most likely need to apply for residence permits during the transition period. Employees should register with local authorities and obtain an EU registration certificate before March 29 to prove that their residence status was originally issued in accordance with EU free movement laws.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.