The Pay Limit Scheme 2026
Work permit in Denmark with a salary of at least DKK 552,000 per year
Work permit under the Pay Limit Scheme
The Pay Limit Scheme is the fastest route to a work and residence permit in Denmark if you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and have been offered a highly paid job. There are no requirements regarding education or type of position – what matters is the salary and the terms of employment.
We help both employees and companies with the entire process: from reviewing the contract to submitting the application to SIRI (the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration).
The pay limit in 2026
To apply under the Pay Limit Scheme, your salary in 2026 must be at least DKK 552,000 per year (DKK 46,000 per month). The pay limit is adjusted every year on 1 January.
Only cash salary counts, including fixed allowances, employer pension contributions and paid holiday. Free housing, a company car, meals and similar benefits are not included.
Requirements for a permit under the Pay Limit Scheme
- You have been offered a job in Denmark with an annual salary of at least the pay limit
- The salary is paid into a Danish bank account in your name no later than 180 days after you receive your permit
- Salary and terms of employment meet Danish standards
- You work at least 30 hours per week
- The position is not affected by a lawful labour dispute
- If the position requires Danish authorisation (e.g. doctor or nurse), you must have it
Fee and processing time
The fee for an application under the Pay Limit Scheme is DKK 6,810 in 2026. SIRI normally processes the application within 1 month, but it can take up to 3 months if more information is needed.
Can your family come with you?
Yes. Your spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner and your children under 18 can apply for residence as accompanying family members.
Is the salary below DKK 552,000?
Then you may be able to apply under the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme (at least DKK 446,000) or under the Positive List, if your position is on the list. If you work for a certified company, the Fast-track scheme can give faster processing.
How to apply – step by step
Steps marked we handle this for you are included when you use us.
- Job offer and contractwe handle this for you
You need a concrete job offer with a salary of at least DKK 552,000 a year. We check that the salary and terms meet the requirements before you spend money on the fee.
- Create a case ID and pay the fee
The employer or you create a case ID with SIRI and pay the fee of DKK 6,810.
- Collect documentationwe handle this for you
Passport, employment contract, proof of education (if relevant) and authorisation if the job requires it. We review everything before it is submitted.
- Complete and submit the applicationwe handle this for you
The application (AR1, or AR6 by power of attorney) is completed online. We prepare and submit it for you if you wish.
- Biometrics
You must have fingerprints and a photo recorded within 14 days – at SIRI in Denmark or at a Danish mission abroad.
- Decisionwe handle this for you
SIRI normally replies within 1 month. If you receive questions or a hearing letter along the way, we help with the reply.
Documents to have ready
- Copy of all pages of your passport
- Signed employment contract or job offer stating salary, position and hours
- Receipt for the fee and your case ID
- Proof of education, if the position requires it
- Danish authorisation, if the job requires it (e.g. doctor, nurse)
- Power of attorney, if the employer or we submit on your behalf
Send us your documents We review them and tell you what is missing – before you pay any fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to earn under the Pay Limit Scheme?
Your salary must be at least DKK 552,000 a year in 2026. The limit is adjusted every 1 January. Only cash pay, fixed allowances, employer pension contributions and paid holiday count – not free housing, car, phone or meals.
Do I need a specific education?
No. The Pay Limit Scheme has no education requirement. What matters is the salary and the job itself. If the job requires a Danish authorisation, for example as a doctor or nurse, you must have it.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
SIRI usually decides within 1 month, but it can take up to 3 months if information is missing. The fee is DKK 6,810.
Must my salary be paid into a Danish bank account?
Yes. Your salary must be paid into a Danish bank account in your own name. You have 180 days from starting to open the account. It is checked during inspections, so payslips and bank statements must match.
Can I change jobs once I have a work permit?
Your permit is tied to the specific job and employer. If you change jobs, you must apply for a new permit. If the new job also meets the Pay Limit Scheme, you can usually start on the day you submit the new application.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner and children under 18 living at home can apply as accompanying family members. Accompanying family members generally have the right to work in Denmark.
Can SIRI check my salary later?
Yes. SIRI regularly compares permits with data from the Danish income register. If your salary is lower than stated in the application, your permit may be revoked. If you receive a control letter, reply before the deadline and have your case reviewed.
Last updated September 2026. Source: nyidanmark.dk – The Pay Limit Scheme. Amounts and rules change regularly – we always check the current requirements in your case.
Review of your case
We go through the documents from you and your employer and assess whether you meet the requirements of the Pay Limit Scheme. If you wish, we prepare and submit the entire application for you.
Get help with your application
We go through your documents and tell you honestly whether you meet the requirements before you pay any fees.
Or call 32 23 38 22
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