Denmark to Launch New Work Permit Program for Indian Nationals

The new scheme is closely aligned with Danish labor market rules. To qualify, employers must be bound by a relevant collective agreement, have been in continuous operation for at least two years, and maintain a workforce of at least 10 full-time employees in Denmark. The pathway is specifically designed to help Danish businesses that are struggling to fill roles due to labor shortages.

Before hiring foreign workers under the scheme, employers are required to register with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, also known by its Danish acronym SIRI. In addition, they must obtain a certification that verifies they meet all necessary conditions to participate in the program. SIRI will oversee the process, including implementation and monitoring.

Foreign professionals recruited through the Collective Agreement-Based Business Scheme will be entitled to a minimum annual salary of DKK 322,000, which currently equals roughly ₹47 lakh at the 2026 exchange rate. This salary threshold is set lower than the minimum requirement under some of Denmark’s existing work permit routes, potentially making this scheme more accessible to both employers and prospective employees.

A notable feature of the scheme is an “unemployment brake” mechanism, which enables Danish authorities to suspend or restrict the use of the route if the unemployment rate in Denmark rises above a specified level. This safeguard is intended to balance the need for foreign labor with protections for the local workforce.

Indian nationals are among the citizens of the 16 countries deemed eligible under the scheme, positioning India as a key partner in Denmark’s drive to attract international talent. The procedural details, application forms, and final implementation rules are expected to be published by SIRI closer to the scheme’s start date in early 2027. The Collective Agreement-Based Business Scheme is part of Denmark’s broader employment-based immigration framework and represents an effort to modernize the Danish labor market to meet evolving economic demands.