The Danish Government and key labour market organisations have reached an agreement on a new work permit scheme designed to support international recruitment in areas covered by collective agreements. The scheme is expected to take effect on 1 January 2026, pending parliamentary approval.
A Targeted Option for Certified Employers
The new scheme will be available only to certified companies that are subject to a Danish collective agreement. Certification ensures that the employer adheres to Danish labour standards and is authorised to engage international talent under this scheme.
This is not a general pathway for all companies in Denmark. Only those with certification and a collective agreement in place will be able to use the new option for recruiting foreign employees.
Key Conditions for Hiring
Employers using the scheme must meet specific conditions, including:
- Minimum Salary: At least DKK 300,000 per year (2025 level), which is lower than the thresholds in the current Pay Limit and Supplementary Pay Limit schemes.
- Full-Time Employment: The job offered must be full-time.
- Salary Payment: The employee’s salary must be paid into a Danish bank account.
- Collective Agreement Compliance: Salary and employment conditions must align with the relevant collective agreement.
Labour Market Threshold
To safeguard the Danish labour market, the scheme may only be used if the seasonally adjusted gross unemployment rate remains at or below 3.75% on average over the three months leading up to the application.
This ensures that the scheme is only active when there is a genuine need for international labour.
Limited to 16 Nationalities
The scheme is restricted to nationals from a defined list of 16 countries, including:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- China
- Japan
- Australia
- Canada
- India
- Brazil
- Malaysia
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- North Macedonia
- Albania
- Ukraine
- Moldova
This targeted list reflects Denmark’s current priorities for international recruitment.
The agreement must be formally adopted by the Danish Parliament before it takes effect. If passed, the new work permit scheme will be available starting 1 January 2026.
At Holm/Thomsen Law, we are following the legislative process closely and will keep our clients informed as the details are finalised. If your company is certified and covered by a collective agreement, and you are considering international recruitment in the near future, this scheme could offer a valuable new pathway.
Please contact us if you wish to discuss how this change might impact your hiring plans.
