Denmark will introduce a new employer-led immigration pathway for foreign workers from 16 selected countries.
The new route will launch on January 1, 2027, under the Collective Agreement-Based Business Scheme. It will allow eligible Danish companies to recruit foreign nationals if they meet specific requirements.
The initiative will provide another option for employers seeking qualified workers from outside the country.
Denmark Opens Route to Workers From 16 Countries
The new scheme will be available to nationals from 16 selected countries.
These include Albania, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan and Malaysia. Workers from Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore and Ukraine will also be covered.
The United Kingdom and the United States are also included in the scheme. However, foreign workers cannot access the pathway independently.
They will need employment from a Danish company that qualifies under the programme.
Employers Must Meet Strict Requirements
Companies wishing to recruit through the new route must meet several conditions.
Employers must be covered by a relevant collective agreement.
The company must also have operated for at least two years. In addition, employers must have at least 10 full-time workers employed in Denmark.
Companies will also need to register with the Danish immigration authority.
They must obtain certification confirming their eligibility before using the immigration route. These requirements mean the scheme will not automatically be available to every employer.
Only businesses meeting the required conditions can recruit workers through the programme.
Minimum Salary Set at DKK 322,000
The scheme will also introduce a minimum salary requirement for foreign workers.
Eligible workers must receive an annual salary of at least DKK 322,000.
This threshold is lower than several other commonly used salary requirements in Denmark. The salary condition could make the route accessible for a wider range of eligible positions.
However, applicants will still need to meet the other requirements of the immigration scheme.
New Opportunities for Foreign Workers
The employer-led route could provide new opportunities for people seeking employment in Denmark from the selected countries.
It could also help qualifying Danish businesses recruit overseas workers for positions they need to fill.
However, the scheme includes clear restrictions on participating companies and eligible nationalities. Foreign nationals should therefore confirm that their prospective employer is certified under the programme.
The Collective Agreement-Based Business Scheme is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
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Further application procedures and requirements will determine how eligible employers and foreign workers can use the pathway.
