On 30 June 2025, the Danish government introduced a new agreement to facilitate the recruitment of international workers from 16 designated non-EU countries. The initiative, known as the Collective Agreement–based Business Scheme, is aimed at securing skilled labour under regulated and fair working conditions.
The scheme allows employers to hire foreign nationals from a selected list of countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, China, Japan, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia, Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. According to the Ministry of Employment, the selection is based on the countries’ status as key trade partners or as candidates for EU membership.
Under the new framework, positions must be covered by a Danish collective labour agreement, either within the private sector or public institutions. The salary threshold has been reduced to DKK 300,000 annually (approximately EUR 40,000), provided the role is covered by such an agreement.
To participate in the scheme, employers must be certified by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). The system also includes new measures to prevent labour exploitation and ensure orderly recruitment. These include compulsory ID cards for workers on large construction sites and enhanced monitoring of work conditions.
The new agreement replaces previous transitional schemes and forms part of Denmark’s ongoing efforts to balance labour market needs with protections against social dumping. It is expected to be implemented in coordination with employers’ associations and trade unions, maintaining Denmark’s labour market model.
