On June 30, 2025, the government has announced a new deal between employers and trade unions which will ease work permit rules for nationals of 16 non-EU countries.
Under the scheme, the salary threshold will be significantly reduced to DKK 300,000 from the current DKK 514,000 (or DKK 415,000 for sectors experiencing labor shortages).
The countries initially covered by the scheme are Albania, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.
To be certified for the scheme, employers must be covered by collective agreements, and must also meet the conditions that already apply for certification for use of the fast-track scheme. This means that the company:
- must have a minimum of 10 full-time employees;
- must not be subject to a legal labor dispute;
- must not have been punished more than twice under the Immigration Act within the last two years;
- must not have an immediate order from the Danish Labour Inspectorate that has not been complied with; and
- must have participated in a guidance meeting at the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.
The certification is valid for three years with the possibility of extension for up to four years at a time, and the certified company can employ foreigners with the possibility of a quick job start with a temporary residence and work permit.
In order for a foreigner to be granted a residence and work permit under the collective agreement-based business scheme, the person concerned must:
- have a salary of at least DKK 300,000 per year (2025 level);
- work full-time in accordance with the collective agreement they are employed under;
- have their salary paid into a Danish bank account;
- not have committed certain types of crime within the past two years; and
- be a citizen of one of the specified third countries.
If the company has its certification revoked, the foreigner has the right to stay and work until the permit expires.
The government has not yet announced a timeframe for the implementation of the new scheme.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.