Let’s not fear the global – let’s use it wisely

Copenhagen’s international community is not just a demographic trend – it’s a lifeline. Our hospitals, kindergartens, construction sites, laboratories and restaurants rely on talent from all over the world. In fact, more than 40% of all job growth in the city over the past decade has come from international employees.

Internationals are a vital part of Denmark’s future economy and society, writes Lean Milo of Moderaterne. Photo: Moderaterne

Since 2022, 75% of all job growth in Denmark has come from international hires. Today, more than every eighth employee in Denmark holds a non-Danish passport. And last year alone, international workers contributed over DKK 27 billion to our public finances – even after deducting expenses related to accompanying family members. That’s not just a net gain. It’s a vital part of Denmark’s future economy and society.

A smarter, faster system – with built-in responsibility

This new scheme is not a free-for-all. It’s based on the Danish labour model and open only to certified companies that respect collective agreements. It allows for faster hiring processes, lower minimum salary thresholds for certified companies, and significantly less red tape. Crucially, it also includes a built-in “emergency brake” – if Danish unemployment rises significantly, the scheme can be suspended. It’s flexible, demand-driven, and designed for real-world needs.

By 2030, Denmark is expected to lack almost 99,000 skilled workers. Without access to sufficient talent, our green transition will stall, construction projects will be delayed, and our welfare services will face growing strain. In this context, the certification scheme is not a minor tweak – it’s a structural shift.

A welcoming city must also be an enabling one

Copenhagen thrives when diversity is matched by opportunity. This new system gives companies the people they need, when they need them – while ensuring basic fairness. But policy alone is not enough. If we want to be a truly attractive city for international professionals and their families, we need to improve multilingual communication from the municipality, support international inclusion in civic life, and strengthen access to

education, housing, and networks.

We must not fear the global. We must use it wisely – and build a Copenhagen that is open, future-proof, and ready to grow.

Published in The Copenhagen Post, Jul. 8, 2025 read here: https://cphpost.dk/2025-07-08/life-in-denmark/opinion/lets-not-fear-the-global-lets-use-it-wisely/