Potential Suspension of Nurse Recruitment from Non-EU/EEA Countries

The Danish Ministry of the Interior and Health has submitted a proposal to amend the Authorization Act for consultation.

If adopted, the proposal will introduce a temporary suspension – effective 7 October 2025 – of the recruitment of nurses from countries outside the EU/EEA.

This is because the shortage of nurses in Denmark is no longer as pronounced as before.

Specifically, this will mean:

• For a period starting on 7 October 2025, applications for Danish authorization from nurses trained outside the EU/EEA will, as a general rule, not be accepted.
  Exception: Individuals who already have a legal basis for residence in Denmark, or who are covered by the rules for specifically requested healthcare professionals, will still be able to apply.
  
• Applications submitted before 7 October 2025 will, as a general rule, be rejected without their cases being fully processed.
  
  Exception: This does not apply to applicants who, on the effective date, already have a legal basis for residence in Denmark, including an authorization-related residence permit, or who are covered by the rules for specifically requested healthcare professionals.

Following the proposal, an exception is also expected to be established, under which individuals educated in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland, regardless of citizenship, will not be subject to the quota.

L 223 Proposal for an Act amending the Act on the Authorization of Healthcare Professionals and on Healthcare Professional Activities.

(Quota for the number of authorisation applications from third countries, rejection of applications already submitted, rejection of applications for authorisation residence permits and cutting off administrative appeal rights in connection with quotas).

By: Minister of the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde (L)

Committee: Health Committee

Collection: 2024-25

Status: Submitted

Read the full Bill here