Key takeaways
  • Denmark's Collective Agreement Scheme starts on 1 January 2027.
  • The minimum salary is DKK 322,000 a year (2026 level), lower than the Pay Limit Scheme's DKK 552,000.
  • It is open to citizens of 16 countries, including India, at certified employers.
  • Companies can apply for certification from the beginning of December 2026.

Denmark has been hard for many international applicants because the Pay Limit Scheme needs DKK 552,000 a year in 2026. From 1 January 2027 there is a second route with a much lower salary, and India is on the list.

The new scheme in short

Start1 January 2027
Minimum salaryDKK 322,000 a year (2026 level)
Eligible nationalities16 countries, including India
Employercertified, with a collective agreement

The job must be covered by a collective agreement, and the company must be certified before the employee can apply. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration expects companies to apply for certification from the beginning of December 2026 and will process applications from 1 January 2027 (SIRI).

Which countries

According to reporting on the law, the 16 countries are India, Albania, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States. Reported conditions for employers include at least two years of operation and at least 10 full time employees in Denmark, and an "unemployment brake" can limit the scheme if Danish unemployment rises (Business Standard). Check SIRI's official pages before you rely on the details.

What it means for you

  1. Look for certified employers. Only they can use this scheme.
  2. Target jobs under collective agreements. Common in many Danish industries.
  3. Check the salary. At least DKK 322,000 a year at the 2026 level.
  4. Watch SIRI's website. New application pages are coming.

Common questions

Can Indians use Denmark's new scheme?

Yes, India is one of the 16 eligible countries, but you need a job at a certified employer under a collective agreement.

When does it start?

On 1 January 2027.

Does it replace the Pay Limit Scheme?

No, it is an additional route.

Sources

Written by Swapnil (Samadhan Mule)

I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.