Denmark Raises Minimum Salary for Foreign Workers in 2026

Denmark has set a new minimum annual salary of DKK552,000 ($84,254) for foreign workers seeking residence and work permits through its Pay Limit Scheme, as per updated guidance from the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) on September 22, 2026. This threshold, effective from January 1, 2026, amounts to DKK46,000 per month and represents an increase from DKK514,000 ($78,483) in 2025, marking a rise of DKK38,000 ($5,800, or about 7.4%).

The Pay Limit Scheme allows foreign nationals with high-salary job offers in Denmark to apply for permits without needing a specific educational background or professional field. Applicants generally require an employment agreement with a company registered in Denmark, although exceptions exist for certain foreign companies.

SIRI processes these applications and mandates that the salary must meet the pay limit and align with Danish standards for the relevant profession. Additionally, workers who lose their jobs are granted an automatic six-month residence permit to seek new employment, although this permit does not allow them to work during the job search.