Denmark Work Permit 2026: New Salary Requirements and Process
Do you dream about working in the most digitised country in the world with a 37-hour workweek and the so-called Danish hygge? The situation has changed in case you are a non-EU professional who wants to immigrate to Denmark in 2026.
The Danish state has already implemented a number of major changes to its immigration policy, such as the increase in the minimum wage requirements, a new work permit program to be applied to certain ethnicities, and the rise in application costs. It is important to know these SIRI (Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) updates so that even prior to being reviewed by a caseworker, your application is not rejected.
Revised Salary Thresholds (Requirement of 2026)
These are the best important figures to any non-EU applicant. The application will automatically be rejected in case your employment opportunity is not in line with these 2026 minimums.
The Pay Limit Scheme
The most sought after path of high-paid employees has been increased in its entrance as it accesses yearly adjustment of inflation.
- Pay Limit Scheme (Minimum DKK 552,000): You are to receive an annual income of not less than DKK 552,000 (that is, about DKK 46,000 monthly).
- Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme (Minimum DKK 446,000): This is a lower limit which is an option, however the job has to be posted on Jobnet and EURES portal at least two weeks prior to your application.
The New Collective Agreement Scheme
The 2026 update is a significant one, namely the Collective Agreement Scheme. This enables the certified companies under a Danish collective bargaining agreement to employ individuals representing 16 special nations (including the USA,UK, India, Canada and Singapore) at a considerably reduced wage level of DKK 300,000.
Fast-track & Positive Lists
- Fast-track Scheme: Only the companies that are certified by SIRI can use it. It offers a “Quick Start,” i.e. you can be able to start working immediately you submit your biometrics instead of waiting months to get a final decision.
- Positive List in the Higher Education: Hitches such positions as Data Technicians, Software Developers and BI Specialists.
- List of Skilled Work: It has 54 job titles (specialised Chefs and Electricians).
- Establishment Card: The card is intended to be used by international students who have completed a Master or PhD in Denmark and who have time to seek a position that suits the Pay Limit schemes.
The 2026 Application Process Fee and Compliance
The application of the work permit in Denmark is more of a digital-first process, although the expenses and compliance checks have become more stringent.
- Government Fees (2026 Increase): The overall fee of applying a work case has increased to DKK 6,810 in 2026.
- Biometrics Requirement: You are required to be registered in a VFS Global center or a Diplomatic mission in Denmark within 14 days following your online application.
- Salary Standard: As much as you may earn DKK 600,000, SIRI can check whether your salary is considered as normal within your line of job. They rely on the most recent statistics of Danish Employers Association (DA) to ascertain that the foreign workers are not underpaid based on the local standards.
- Danish Bank Account Requirement: According to law, you are required to open a Danish Bank account within 180 days of getting the permit. Your wages should be deposited to this account under your name.
Work Culture Better Paycheck
Denmark has always been top in the work-life balance. The following are the words of power that you should find when looking through your contract:
- Kollektivavtal (Collective Agreement): Although you are on an individual contract, you have rights to certain insurance standards and pension standards in a collective agreement.
- 6 th Holiday Week (Feriefridage): Several Danish employers provide an additional 6 th week of vacation on top of the 5 weeks which are required by law.
- Flexitime: High level of autonomy is expected. It is understandable that by 4:00 PM the offices usually get empty since the workers already go back to their families.
FAQs
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Can I use the fact that I am already in Denmark as a tourist to apply to get a work permit?
No, as a rule. Denmark has stringent rules on legal stay. The permit is granted when most of the applicants are in their home country, unless they are eligible to be under a scheme known as Fast-track in which the applicant is considered the Quick Start.
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Which is the processing time of a work permit in 2026?
In the case of Pay Limit and Fast-track plans, we are targeting 1 month. Nevertheless, in the case, when SIRI requires additional information (e.g., checking your level of salary), it may take up to 3 months.
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Does Danish working permits have an age restriction?
There is none as such, and as long as you have the salary and professional qualification, it is not a problem.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 changes indicate that Denmark aims at recruiting highly specialized labor force and at the same time have its labor standards high. You can sail through it by approaching a salary rate higher than DKK 552,000 or by approaching an employer with a Collective Agreement. Target areas that are of higher priority such as Green Energy and Digitalization to increase your likelihood of success.
Disclamier
The information on this job is disseminated to educate and inform only. Before applying, please check with the official employer, or a government site (Nyidanmark.dk).