Work permits in Denmark: the 2026 rules
The main routes to a Danish work permit for non-EU/EEA citizens, the salary limits for 2026, how long SIRI takes and who can come with you. Read this before you start your assessment.
Updated 30 October 2026
Key figures
Pay Limit Scheme
DKK 552,000
Minimum yearly salary in 2026.
Supplementary Pay Limit
DKK 446,000
Minimum yearly salary in 2026 under the supplementary scheme.
Fast-track
10 days to 1 month
Normal processing time for employees of SIRI-certified companies.
Permit length
Up to 4 years
Normally for the length of the job (up to 5 years under the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme).
The main schemes
Pay Limit Scheme
For jobs paying at least DKK 552,000 a year (2026). Only guaranteed pay, labour market pension and holiday allowance count, and the salary must be paid into a Danish bank account.
Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
For jobs paying at least DKK 446,000 a year (2026), with the extra conditions SIRI sets for this scheme.
Positive Lists
For occupations where Denmark lacks qualified workers, with lists for people with a higher education and for skilled work. The lists are updated every 1 January and 1 July.
Fast-track scheme
Lets companies certified by SIRI recruit international employees quickly, and lets the employees work in Denmark and abroad without losing their permit.
Researcher scheme
For international researchers employed at a Danish university, research institution or company.
General requirements
- A valid passport.
- A signed employment contract or job offer from a Danish employer.
- Salary and employment conditions that meet Danish standards, with the salary paid into a Danish bank account.
- A Danish authorisation where the job requires one, for example as a doctor or nurse.
Processing times
Fast-track
Normally about 10 days to 1 month.
Pay Limit Scheme and Positive List for people with a higher education
Normally 1 month.
Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
Normally 2 months.
Positive List for skilled work
Normally 3 months.
Cases where SIRI needs more information take longer.
New in 2026
- The Pay Limit Scheme threshold is DKK 552,000 a year from 1 January 2026.
- New Positive Lists apply from 1 July 2026; the lists are updated every 1 January and 1 July.
- If you change jobs, you can start the new job straight away when you apply for a new permit on the same day.
- From 1 January 2027 a new pay limit scheme based on collective agreements (DKK 322,000 at 2026 level) opens for certified companies hiring citizens of 16 listed countries.
Your family
Your spouse, registered or cohabiting partner and children under 18 can apply as accompanying family members together with you. They can live and study in Denmark and generally have the right to work.
Read more
Ready to check your case?
Start the assessment in the client portal, or book a consultation and let our advisers prepare your application with SIRI.