The Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
Work permit with a salary of at least DKK 446,000 per year (2026)
Work permit under the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme
The Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme allows companies to hire employees from countries outside the EU/EEA at a lower salary than under the ordinary Pay Limit Scheme. In return, there are more requirements – including for advertising the position and for unemployment in Denmark.
The pay limit in 2026
In 2026 the salary must be at least DKK 446,000 per year (approx. DKK 37,167 per month). As under the Pay Limit Scheme, cash salary, fixed allowances, pension contributions and paid holiday count – but not benefits in kind such as free housing or meals.
Requirements for a permit
- You have been offered a full-time job (37-40 hours per week) with an annual salary of at least DKK 446,000
- The position has been advertised on Jobnet and EURES for at least 2 weeks within the 6 months before the application
- The seasonally adjusted gross unemployment rate in Denmark must not exceed an average of 3.75% in the three months before the application
- The company must not have received fines of DKK 3,000 or more within the last 2 years
- Salary and terms of employment meet Danish standards
- The salary is paid into a Danish bank account in your name no later than 180 days after the permit is granted
- If the position requires Danish authorisation, you must have it
The job advertisement is what most often goes wrong
Many applications under the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme fail on the advertising requirement. The position must be advertised on both Jobnet and EURES, in the right period and with a description that matches the position applied for. We review the advertisement with you before the application is submitted.
Fee, processing time and family
The fee is DKK 6,810 in 2026. Normal processing time is 2 months and up to 5 months. The permit can be granted for up to 5 years. Spouses, partners and children under 18 can apply for residence as accompanying family members.
How to apply – step by step
Steps marked we handle this for you are included when you use us.
- Check that the scheme is openwe handle this for you
The scheme only applies while gross unemployment is below 3.75%. We check the current figure before you start.
- Job advertisement on Jobnet and EURESwe handle this for you
The position must have been advertised for at least 2 weeks within the last 6 months. We help the employer document this.
- Create a case ID and pay the fee
A case ID is created with SIRI and the fee of DKK 6,810 is paid.
- Collect documentationwe handle this for you
Passport, contract with a salary of at least DKK 446,000, proof of the job advertisement and the employer's declaration. We review everything.
- Submit the applicationwe handle this for you
We prepare and submit the application if you wish.
- Biometrics and decision
Fingerprints and photo within 14 days. SIRI normally replies within 2 months.
Documents to have ready
- Copy of all pages of your passport
- Employment contract with a salary of at least DKK 446,000 a year
- Proof of the job advertisement on Jobnet and EURES (date and duration)
- The employer's declaration on the advertisement and terms
- Receipt for the fee and your case ID
- 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
What is the salary requirement under the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme?
Your salary must be at least DKK 446,000 a year in 2026. The limit is adjusted every 1 January. The pay must also be normal for the position in Denmark.
Where must the job be advertised?
The position must have been advertised on Jobnet and EURES for at least 2 weeks. As a rule, the advertisement must be no more than 6 months old when you apply. The employer confirms this in a declaration, and SIRI carries out spot checks.
Can the scheme close?
Yes. It only applies as long as the average seasonally adjusted gross unemployment rate over the last 3 months does not exceed 3.75%. If unemployment rises above that, no applications can be submitted until it falls again.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Processing normally takes 2 months and up to 5 months if information is missing. The fee is DKK 6,810.
Can I change jobs?
Your permit is tied to the specific job. If you change jobs, you must apply for a new permit, and the new job must also meet the requirements – including the Jobnet and EURES advertisement.
How is it different from the regular Pay Limit Scheme?
The regular scheme requires DKK 552,000 and no job advertisement. The supplementary scheme only requires DKK 446,000, but the job must be advertised and the scheme can close when unemployment is high. We review which scheme fits your salary and position.
Last updated September 2026. Source: nyidanmark.dk – The Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme. Amounts and rules change regularly – we always check the current requirements in your case.
Review of your case
We review the contract, the job advertisement and the company's circumstances and assess whether you meet the requirements. 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