Denmark has relaxed its regulations for foreign professional models, allowing them to work in the country without a work permit for short durations. This new rule, effective June 1, 2024, represents a significant shift in policy.
To qualify for this exemption, foreign professional models must be affiliated with companies that host major international fashion shows. According to SchengenNews, the permit allows these models to enter Denmark without a work permit for up to three separate work periods, each lasting three days, within 180 days.
Furthermore, this change permits foreign models to work in Denmark for up to nine days within 180 days without needing a work permit, provided that no single work period exceeds three days. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) emphasized that to qualify for this exemption, professional models must either be exempt from the visa requirement or possess a valid Schengen visa that allows entry into Denmark.
Models must also be legally able to enter and stay in Denmark, either as residents of visa-free countries or by holding a valid visa, to utilize the new exemption rule.
Wage Disparity in the Modeling Industry
Earlier reports from Nairametrics highlighted the financial landscape of Nigeria’s modeling industry, which heavily relies on agency commissions, leaving models with irregular and often modest earnings.
Models in Nigeria face a financial structure that is a double-edged sword. While agencies can provide consistent bookings, the growing influence of social media means agency membership doesn’t significantly alter employment dynamics. Although agency models tend to earn more, higher fees could paradoxically reduce demand for their services unless they secure work independently.
Compensation for a shoot can vary widely, ranging from as little as N20,000 to N50,000 or as much as N250,000 – N300,000, depending on exposure and the client. The most lucrative assignments pay up to N1 million but require models with substantial influence.
In contrast, the international modeling market offers full-time models the potential to earn between €50,000 – €100,000 per year, even after factoring in agency expenses. International markets present modeling as a viable career, unlike the situation in Nigeria, where annual fashion shows offer meager earnings that barely sustain individuals given the local economic conditions.
