The latest about Denmark is that the country is facing a shortage of skilled workers. If you are looking to work in Europe? You should now fasten your belts to land in Denmark. The Danish Government has just updated its list of job opportunities for foreign workers, making it quite easy to search and find employment as a non-EU worker. Let’s find out more details about the labor shortage in Denmark ahead in the post.
Details Regarding the Labor Shortage in Denmark
It is not only Denmark that is facing this issue rather the labor shortages are found all across the continent which has led European countries to relax immigration rules. Therefore, Denmark is no exception. To attract international talent, the country has lowered minimum salary requirements. It has also expanded its work permit fast-track scheme and provided more job openings for foreigners. Additionally, foreign students in Denmark who complete their university degrees there are now granted an extended job search period to overcome the labor shortage. These changes, agreed by parliament on March 23, now came into effect on April 1.
Jobs – Vacant for Foreign Workers in Denmark
Denmark (like many European countries in the region) experiences a shortage of workers. According to the reports and European Commission, 42% of companies located in Denmark reported recruitment challenges in the first 3 months of 2022. To tackle and address this serious issue, Denmark updated its ‘Positive List for People with a Higher Education’ and its ‘Positive List for Skilled Workers’ on 1st July.
These lists depict professions that are presently witnessing a shortage of workers in Denmark. If you are provided with (offered) a job that is available (included) on these lists, you are able and can apply for a Danish residence and work permit. If your application turns out to be successful, you will be subject to similar terms of employment as Danish citizens undergo.
The country is presently facing a shortage of professionals in the fields of science, engineering, teaching, healthcare, finance, and information technology who hold a degree. Denmark even has opportunities for priests holding a Master’s degree.
Procedure for Application
If you like to apply for residence along with a job that comes within the Positive List for People Holding Higher Education, you will be required to provide evidence of your qualifications (educational qualifications).
Normally, you need to possess a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree that is required. These lists are updated two times a year (twice a year), and the roles of the job remain on these lists for this duration of two years. The jobs were added to the list on 1 July 2023 and they will be eligible till 30th June 2025.
Will Foreigners Be Able to Work in Denmark with Ease?
Denmark is expanding the list of job titles for which foreigners can apply and making it easy for companies to even recruit nationals from third countries. The pay threshold will be lowered so that more jobs can be opened to foreign nationals. According to the new law, foreign nationals who earn a minimum of DKK 375,000 (€50,344) will be able to apply for work and residence permits, which was previously set at DKK 465,000 (€62,434).
Danish companies that want to hire or employ foreigners can now apply for fast-track certification, which grants them fast processing of work permits and more flexible terms for their employees. Earlier in Denmark, companies had to have 20 full-time employees to apply for this kind of certification, but now this limit has been lowered to 10 employees which now opens the scheme for up to more companies.
There is also big news for third-country citizens. Denmark is going to expand its start-up scheme for them. In the past, the scheme was only offered to entrepreneurs who wanted to establish a new business in Denmark.
International Students Also to Be Benefited
International students studying in Denmark too are going to be benefited. They will be encouraged to stay in the country after they graduate from there. Previously, they were offered two years stay after their graduation. New rules will automatically be granted them a 3-year job search period following their graduation. During this time, they will be able to search for employment and live in Denmark without getting a separate residence permit.