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Denmark aims to attract more highly qualified foreigners

Denmark is among the European countries which are least successful at attracting foreign experts, according to a new Expat Study.

The study charts the views of highly qualified foreigners on being stationed to or establishing themselves in Denmark. The Government now wants to make it easier for foreign students to stay in Denmark following their studies.

– Highly qualified foreign experts are central to creating growth and new jobs. They don't just fill the empty job openings where Denmark itself lacks a qualified workforce, but also contribute to the development of new technology and can lead the way to new markets – which is crucial to a knowledge-based society in a globalised world. This is why we must focus on making their transition to and residence in Denmark a happy and successful one, says Science Minister Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

The Government wishes to attract and retain highly qualified foreign workers and has launched a number of initiatives to achieve this goal since 2001:

  • The Positive list: Foreigners who work within a particular field that already has a lack of qualified workers, have more ease of access to the Danish labour market.
  • The Greencard scheme: Provides a residence permit to foreigners seeking work in Denmark, if there is a likelihood that they will find qualified work in Denmark.
  • The research tax scheme: Has been improved to now allow researchers and key employees work for five years with a 26 percent tax rate, before they are subject to regular Danish taxation.

The new study shows that there must continue to be focus on providing expats with good opportunities. For example, Denmark must be better at retaining international students once they have finished their studies.

– We are currently working to reduce the current remuneration limit for foreign workers seeking a residence permit in Denmark from DKK 375,000 to DKK 300,000. This will be particularly beneficial to foreign students in Denmark as it is rare for a new graduate to get such a high starting salary compared to other newly-arrived and highly educated workers, says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

Denmark can also improve its systems for providing practical help. Nine out of ten expats find it important to receive practical help and guidance in connection with their stay in Denmark. Meanwhile, 76 percent of expats employed in the public sector say that they had to look after the practical details of their stay themselves.

– Denmark needs the skills of highly educated foreigners. The foreigners need more help in understanding Danish systems. It would be advantageous for both parties if the sought-after expats can navigate Danish society more quickly, so they can concentrate on the work they came to Denmark for, says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen.

For further information please contact press officer Charlotte Holst, tel: +45 2211 0200 or email: chhh@vtu.dk .