Denmark Introduces New Collective Agreement Work Permit Scheme Effective January 2027

• Denmark will launch a new Collective Agreement Scheme on Jan. 1, 2027, allowing certified employers covered by collective bargaining agreements to hire eligible foreign nationals at a lower salary threshold than certain existing work permit programs. 

Collective Agreement Work Permit Scheme  

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has announced the introduction of a new work authorization pathway, the Collective Agreement Scheme, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. The scheme is designed to facilitate the recruitment of foreign workers by employers whose positions are covered by collective agreements.  

Eligibility Requirements for the Collective Agreement Scheme 

To qualify for a residence and work permit under the new scheme: 

• The foreign national must be offered a position with a minimum annual salary of DKK 322,000 (at the 2026 level).  
• The offered position must be covered by a collective agreement.  
• The applicant must be a citizen of one of 16 eligible countries.  
• The sponsoring employer must obtain certification before hiring under the scheme.  

Employer Certification Requirements 

The new program includes a mandatory employer certification process: 

• Employers must obtain certification before sponsoring foreign nationals under the scheme.  
• Foreign workers cannot submit residence and work permit applications until the employer has obtained certification.  
• SIRI expects employers to be able to submit certification applications beginning in December 2026.  

Application Timeline 

According to SIRI:

• SIRI expects to open employer certification applications in early December 2026.
• SIRI will begin processing residence and work permit applications under the new scheme on Jan. 1, 2027, when the program officially enters into force.
• SIRI will make new online application forms available to both employers and foreign workers before the launch date.

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