Denmark Introduces New Work Permit Rules for Nurses from Non-EU Countries
Denmark may halt the hiring of nurses from nations outside the EU
Denmark has introduced new rules and regulations for nurses seeking to work in the country from non-EU countries. These changes aim to standardize the qualifications and integration of foreign nurses into the Danish healthcare system, while addressing potential labor shortages.
Impact of the New Rules
- PD3 Exam: Non-EU nurses must now pass the Danish 3 Exam (PD3) with scores of 10 in oral, and 7 in both reading and writing. This exam is part of the authorization process for nurses seeking to work in Denmark [1][2].
- Temporary Recruitment Suspension: The Danish Ministry of the Interior and Health has proposed a temporary suspension, effective October 2025, of the recruitment of nurses from outside the EU/EEA. However, nurses with specific job offers for adaptation and training may still be eligible under certain conditions [3].
- Authorization Process: The process for obtaining authorization for non-EU nurses involves filling out an online application, paying a fee, and potentially undergoing a six-month adaptation period [3].
Changes to the Process
- Adaptation Period: Nurses from non-EU countries may need to undergo a six-month adaptation job to meet Danish standards [1][2].
- Residence Permit Requirements: Nurses must obtain a SIRI Authorisation residence permit, which includes a 2025 funds requirement. This permit is necessary for non-EU nurses to legally work and reside in Denmark [1][2].
- Employment Conditions: Full-time employment is required, typically involving 37-40 hours of work per week. The job must not be part of a legal labor dispute [5].
Effective Dates
- PD3 Exam Re-Introduction: The PD3 Exam has already been re-introduced as of updates in July 2025 [1][2].
- Temporary Suspension Proposal: The proposal for a temporary suspension is scheduled to be effective October 2025, pending legislative approval [3].
These changes aim to ensure that foreign nurses meet the required standards and are well-integrated into the Danish healthcare system. The government's decision comes despite recent policies favoring international labor.
Background
The healthcare system in Denmark is currently in a better position than a few years ago, according to Minister for the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde. The new rules could potentially improve the situation for nurses from non-EU countries who are currently struggling to obtain Danish authorization and are forced to return home disappointed.
The number of nurse applications from non-EU countries to work in Denmark has significantly increased, reaching 7,310 in the past year and the first five months of 2025. However, the government has plans to limit recruitment of nurses from non-EU countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
The potential loss of personnel from the healthcare sector in India and the Philippines to Denmark could put their health systems under strain, according to analysts. The Danish government recently introduced an agreement with India and the Philippines to increase the number of health sector workers from those countries in Denmark.
The report suggests that the new rules could potentially affect the number of nurses coming to Denmark from non-EU countries and prevent the high number of applications from overwhelming the Danish authorities. The newspaper Berlingske reported the figures on the increase in nurse applications from non-EU countries.
Løhde stated that the new rules could prevent the situation where nurses arrive with high hopes but are unable to obtain Danish authorization. The government has plans to reform the Pay Limit Scheme, a pathway for non-EU nationals to be granted work permits.
These changes aim to ensure that the Danish healthcare system maintains a high standard of care while addressing potential labor shortages through specific exemptions for needed professionals.
