The Danish government has lifted all COVID-related entry requirements for those traveling to Denmark.

Key Points:

  • As of March 29, individuals who are traveling to Denmark no longer face any COVID-19 restrictions.
  • Travelers will no longer be required to have proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of arrival.

Additional Information: In case of new virus variant, an “emergency brake” can be applied to the lifting of entry requirements. More information regarding Denmark’s decision to lift the entry ban is available here.

BAL Analysis: COVID-19 entry requirements no longer apply to those traveling to Denmark. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Danish government has announced it will change how it assesses salary requirements for those applying for residence and work permit extensions.

Key Points:

  • Beginning March 1, the salaries of foreign nationals who are applying for work or residence permit extensions must meet current Danish salary requirements instead of the salary requirement from their original employment contract.
  • Danish authorities will assess whether foreign nationals’ salaries meet current standards for those applying under the positive list for people with a higher education, the positive list for skilled work, the pay limit scheme and work permits including employment for adaptation and training purposes for individuals on authorization stay, among other schemes.
  • Permit extensions will not be granted if an applicants’ salaries are below current standards on or after March 1.

Additional Information: More information regarding current Danish salary requirements is available here. Information on applying for extensions for residence and work permits is available here.

BAL Analysis: Employers must meet the current salary requirements for its employees who are applying for work and permit extensions on or after March 1. Applications that were filed but not processed before March 1 may be affected by the new salary requirements. Danish employers should take note of the change and adjust their budgets as necessary.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Danish government has updated its entry requirements for travelers entering the country as of Feb. 1.

Key Points:

  • Travelers from EU/EEA countries can enter the country without testing or quarantining if they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 180 days. Other travelers from EU/EEA countries must take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entry or take a PCR test or antigen test within 72 or 48 hours before arrival, respectively.
  • Travelers from “COVID-19 risk countries” can enter the country without testing or quarantining if they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 180 days. Other travelers from “COVID-19 risk countries” must take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after arrival regardless of testing that was completed before arrival.
  • Travelers from “COVID-19 high-risk countries” can enter the country without testing or quarantining if they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 180 days. Other travelers from “COVID-19 high-risk countries” must take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after arrival and quarantine for 10 days. Individuals can shorten their quarantine if they receive a negative PCR test taken at least six days after arrival.

Additional Information: More information regarding entry restrictions, exemptions and country lists is available here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Danish government has set the government fees and minimum salary for foreign nationals working in Denmark under the Pay-limit scheme for 2022.

Key Points:

  • Denmark’s minimum gross salary increased to 448,000 kroner per year (37,334 DKK per month) under the Pay-limit scheme.
  • Authorities adjusted the 2022 governmental fees for principal and dependent Pay-limit scheme applicants as follows:
    • An increase to 4,430 DKK for principal applicants.
    • A decrease to 1,640 DKK for dependent applicants.

BAL Analysis: Employers must meet the new threshold for new work permits under the Pay Limit scheme as of Jan. 1. Extensions of existing work permits may continue to use salaries from the initial application.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Danish government provided updated processing time estimates, saying it will not be able to meet goals for processing times that is set in May.

Key Points:

  • Authorities updated the expected processing times for visa applications submitted for the rest of 2021 as follows:
    • Fast Track – 1-2 months.
    • Pay Limit Scheme – 3-4 months.
    • Agriculture – 1-2 months.
    • Interns – 2-3 months.
    • Other work schemes – 1-4 months.
    • Researchers – 1-2 months.
    • Students (non-PhD) – 2 months.
    • PhD students – 1 month.
    • Au pairs – 3 months.

Additional Information: The estimated processing times are subject to change. Officials estimate that 70 to 90% of cases will be processed within the aforementioned timeframes.

BAL Analysis: Employers should take note of the updated processing time estimates and plan timelines and start dates accordingly. The processing delays will most likely improve as the Danish government increases the number of employees who are processing cases. However, applicants should expect continued delays until the application backlog is reduced.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs opened travel for vaccinated travelers from the U.K., U.S. and 11 other countries on June 5.

Key Points:

  • Vaccinated travelers from “yellow” third countries and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, including the U.K. and the U.S, are now permitted to enter the country without having a “worthy purpose” for travel.
  • Travelers must show proof of a European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved vaccine administered at least 14 days prior to arrival in Denmark.
  • Vaccinated travelers from the aforementioned countries are exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirement but still must adhere to testing protocols. If a traveler has not been vaccinated, he or she will be subject to post-entry testing and quarantine requirements
  • Previously infected individuals must show proof of a positive antigen or PCR test that was conducted between 14 days and 8 months of intended entry into Denmark to be exempt from other testing requirements.

Additional Information: Effective on June 11 until June 26, travelers from the U.K. must provide a negative PCR test conducted within 48 hours of departure to the country. Travelers from red countries are still barred from entering the country. To see a full list of Denmark’s country color categorization click here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Ministry of Foreign affairs recently eased travel restrictions for individuals who have been vaccinated or were previously infected with COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • The following rules came into effect May 1:
    • Fully vaccinated and previously infected residents of Denmark will be able to travel to orange countries without having to test or quarantine when returning to the country.
    • Fully vaccinated and previously infected residents of Denmark will no longer have to present a negative test prior to boarding flights to Denmark from yellow or orange countries.
    • Fully vaccinated residents of other EU or Schengen countries are no longer required to present a negative test, have a worthy purpose of travel or quarantine upon arrival in Denmark.
  • To be covered by the above rules, individuals must have:
    • Been vaccinated by an approved European Medicines Agency vaccine within the EU or Schengen countries.
    • Received the final dose of vaccination at least 14 days, but no more than 180 days, prior to travel.
  • Stricter entry requirements for red countries are still in effect.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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 – 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.