In an update on its website, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), which processes work permit applications, said that new rules mean it can no longer issue work permits to doctors with foreign professional qualifications under a quota system.
The quota system allows a set number of doctors to be given work permits so they can enter Denmark while awaiting their qualifications to be authorised.
To set the quota, authorities assess the number of medical professionals needed within a given field.
“As of December 15th 2025, the Danish Patient Safety Authority has introduced a quota on the number of applications for authorisation as a doctor,” SIRI stated.
“The quota has been set at zero, which means you cannot be granted a residence permit with the purpose of applying for Danish authorisation as a doctor,” it said.
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“Accompanying family members covered by the quota scheme are also no longer accepted for residency on this basis,” it also said.
A similar quota system was introduced for nurses earlier this year, which also resulted in new work permits for authorisation being halted for nurses.
The quota of 0 for foreign doctors will be in place until December 31st 2026, SIRI said.
Family members of doctors who were granted this type of work permit prior to the quota taking effect can still be given residence permits.
The purpose of the quota is to “create a balance between the number of foreign healthcare professionals from third [non-EU, ed.] countries who travel to Denmark to obtain Danish authorisation and the estimated future need for healthcare professionals within the relevant professional group,” SIRI said in the statement.
Doctors who already have work permits in Denmark under the authorisation rules will be able to apply for extensions.
Application fees for any cases rejected based on the quota system will be refunded.
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