Immigration News July 2026

New Positive Lists
New Positive Lists have been published for individuals with higher education qualifications and those in Skilled Worker positions. These lists are effective from 1 July 2026.

For details on which positions are included in the new Positive Lists, please refer to this link.

Updated Wage Statistics for the Positive List for Skilled Workers
Updated wage statistics for the Positive List have been published and are effective from 1 August 2026. These statistics are used by SIRI to verify that offered salaries align with Danish standards when assessing work permit applications.

The updated wage statistics are available here.

Updated Income Statistics
The Confederation of Danish Employers' (DA) salary statistics have been updated and published. These updated statistics apply to all applications submitted from 1 July 2026 onwards. The salary statistics are reviewed and updated quarterly, with the next update taking effect on 1 October 2026.
These salary statistics are used to determine whether an employee's offered salary meets Danish standards — a requirement for work permit approval.

Should you require assistance in determining an employee's appropriate salary level, our team is available to help.

The updated income statistics can be accessed here.

Important Notice: UK Nationals with Residence Documents under the Withdrawal Agreement
UK nationals who obtained a Residence Document under the Withdrawal Agreement following Brexit between 2021 and 2023 have been issued documents valid for five years. These documents will expire between 2026 and 2028 and cannot be renewed.

Action is required to secure residency status before expiry — our team can advise on available options.

Ukrainian Citizens – Proposed Legislative Amendment on Residence Permits
On 25 June 2026, a bill was submitted to amend the Ukraine Special Act that would introduce new requirements for Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60. If approved, the proposed amendment would require these individuals to provide documentation of exemption from military service to obtain or extend a residence permit under the Special Act. Ukrainian men under the age of 23 would be granted permits until they reach 23, after which exemption documentation would be required for extension.

The new rules would apply to all applications submitted on or after the date the amendment enters into force. People who applied before 25 June 2026 and received a permit would not be affected by the amendment. The Danish Immigration Service may review permits granted after 25 June 2026 if the amendment enters into force.

As this is a proposed bill and not yet law, the requirements and timelines may change. For the latest information on this legislative proposal and guidance on residence permit matters, our team is available to assist Ukrainian nationals and their employers.

SIRI Processing Times Update
SIRI has updated its case processing times for the second half of 2026.

The processing time for residence and work permit applications under the Fast Track and Pay Limit schemes remains at one month. However, extension applications under these schemes are now processed within four months, including extension applications for accompanying family members.

As usual, if additional documentation is required, processing times may extend by one to two months depending on the application type.

For the most current and comprehensive information on processing times for all application types, please visit SIRI's official website or contact our team for guidance specific to your application.