Denmark Unveils Collective Agreement-Based Business Scheme – New Immigration Pathway for 16 Non-EU Countries

COPENHAGEN, September 5, 2026 — The Danish government has passed legislation establishing a new collective agreement‑based work permit scheme for certified employers, creating a dedicated immigration pathway for foreign nationals from 16 non‑EU countries starting January 1, 2027.

The Collective Agreement‑Based Business Scheme (Erhvervsordning) is designed to help qualifying Danish companies recruit foreign workers while maintaining safeguards to protect Danish wage and employment standards. The new pathway offers a lower salary threshold compared to existing schemes, making it easier for businesses to hire international employees.

"The scheme is intended to facilitate recruitment of foreign workers by qualifying Danish employers while maintaining safeguards designed to protect Danish wage and employment standards." – EY Tax Alert

Denmark launches Collective Agreement-Based Business Scheme for 16 non-EU countries from January 1, 2027.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

The scheme applies to citizens of 16 countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland:

Region	Eligible Countries
Americas	United States, Canada, Brazil
Europe	United Kingdom, Ukraine, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Albania
Asia‑Pacific	India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia

Note: Hong Kong is included under China. The list reflects countries with which Denmark has an economic and trade partnership.

Employer Certification Requirements

To use the scheme, Danish companies must first obtain certification from the Danish immigration authorities. The conditions for certification include:

Requirement	Details
Minimum Employees	At least 10 full‑time employees on a permanent basis in Denmark
Operating History	At least two years in operation with submitted annual reports
Collective Agreement	Must be covered by a relevant collective agreement for the positions in question
Employee Representation	Must have elected employee representatives or a separate agreement
Service Certificate	Must submit a service certificate from the Danish Business Authority
Compliance Record	No labour disputes, enforcement notices, or recent penalties for underpaying foreign workers
Guidance Meeting	Must participate in a guidance meeting with SIRI

The first certification is valid for three years, with subsequent renewals possible for four years at a time.

Salary Threshold and Work Conditions

The scheme sets a minimum annual salary of DKK 322,000 (2026 level). By comparison, Denmark's standard Pay Limit Scheme requires DKK 552,000 for 2026.

Additional requirements for the foreign employee:

• Offered a position with a certified employer

• Position must be covered by a relevant collective agreement

• Full‑time employment in accordance with the collective agreement

• Salary and terms must correspond to Danish standards

Implementation Timeline

Milestone	Date
Bill introduced	June 25, 2026
Legislation passed	September 3, 2026
Scheme effective	January 1, 2027

Key Features of the New Scheme

Feature	Details
Visa Type	Residence and work permit under the new business scheme
Salary Threshold	DKK 322,000 annually (2026 level)
Employment Type	Full‑time, covered by a collective agreement
Employer Certification	Required; valid for 3 years initially
Processing	Managed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI)
Unemployment Trigger	Scheme is only activated when gross unemployment is low

What This Means for Employers and Workers

For Employers

• Provides a new, lower‑salary recruitment channel for non‑EU talent

• Requires certification and compliance with Danish labour standards

• Not all employers will qualify – the requirements are intentionally strict

For Workers

• Opens a new pathway to work in Denmark from 16 non‑EU countries

• Salary threshold is significantly lower than the standard Pay Limit Scheme

• Employment must be full‑time and covered by a collective agreement

Read Also

• Denmark Positive Lists July 2026 Update: New Roles Added for Higher Education & Skilled Work – Full Guide for International Talent Seeking Danish Work Permits + Comprehensive FAQ

• Denmark Work Visa Types: A Complete Guide to Residence and Work Permits in 2026

• Denmark Leads EU Push for Return Centres Outside Europe as Five-Nation Coalition Takes Shape

Official Resources

Resource	Link
Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI)	nyidanmark.dk
Fast‑Track Scheme Information	nyidanmark.dk
Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen)	erhvervsstyrelsen.dk
Bill text (Danish Parliament)	Available via ft.dk

📊 Quick Reference Summary

Aspect	Details
Scheme Name	Collective Agreement‑Based Business Scheme (Erhvervsordning)
Effective Date	January 1, 2027
Eligible Countries	16 (US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, China, Japan, and more)
Salary Threshold	DKK 322,000 (2026 level)
Employer Requirements	10+ employees, 2+ years operation, collective agreement, certification
Work Conditions	Full‑time, covered by collective agreement, Danish standards
Certification Validity	3 years (initial), 4 years (renewal)

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