Denmark to launch new work permit scheme in 2027; sets DKK 322,000 as the minimum salary

Denmark has announced the introduction of a new work permit scheme for eligible foreign workers from January 1, 2027, allowing them to apply for residence and work permits for jobs covered by approved collective agreements, subject to a minimum annual salary requirement.

The new Collective Agreement Scheme was approved by the Danish Parliament, the Folketing, on September 3, 2026.

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Under the scheme, foreign workers must earn at least DKK 322,000 a year, based on the 2026 salary level. Their jobs must be covered by a collective agreement, which sets employment terms and pay through arrangements between employers and trade unions.

However, workers cannot apply through this route unless their employer has first obtained certification.

Who can apply for Denmark's new work permit?

Foreign workers must have a job offer or employment agreement with a certified company. Their position must fall under a collective agreement approved by the relevant minister, and their annual salary must meet the minimum threshold.

Applicants must also be citizens of a country included on the Danish government's official list of eligible countries.

Applications will be subject to an additional condition linked to Denmark's seasonally adjusted gross unemployment rate, averaged over the previous three months. The rate must remain within the threshold set by the minister.

Employers must submit a declaration confirming that the job is covered by an approved collective agreement, is full-time under that agreement and will be subject to ongoing checks to ensure compliance.

Is India eligible for the scheme?

The Danish government has not yet published the list of eligible countries. According to SIRI, the list will include citizens of 16 countries and will be issued by the Minister for Immigration and Integration.

Countries may qualify if they are among the top 10 non-EU countries based on the combined value of Danish investments abroad and foreign investments in Denmark, are negotiating to join the European Union, or have signed a bilateral mobility agreement with Denmark.

The minister can exclude countries for specific foreign policy reasons. Certain visa-required nationals classified under visa groups 4 or 5 will not qualify.

Indian professionals will need to wait for the official list before determining whether they can apply under the new route.

How will employers and unions be monitored?

The scheme includes checks to ensure that employers comply with collective agreements.

SIRI can share an employer's declaration with the relevant trade union without requiring the company's consent. The union then has 10 working days to object if it believes the information is false.

If a provisional work permit has been issued and a union objects, SIRI has six weeks to determine whether false information was provided. If the matter is not resolved within that period, the provisional permit is withdrawn.

Employers must also allow workplace monitoring. Where there is an elected union representative, the representative must be informed about such hires and can meet workers and inspect relevant information, including pay arrangements. Where no representative exists, the union must be informed and can meet workers and the employer twice a year.

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Companies may lose their certification for breaching the collective agreement or obstructing monitoring, subject to the applicable procedures.

When will applications open?

SIRI expects employers to be able to apply for certification from early December 2026. Applications for residence and work permits under the scheme will be processed from January 1, 2027.

New application pages for employer certification and work permits are expected to be available on SIRI's website.