Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen)
The Pay Limit Scheme (Beløbsordningen) is Denmark’s most popular work permit route for non-EU workers. If your salary is above the threshold, you qualify — regardless of your occupation or educational background. No degree requirements, no shortage list to match. Just salary.
What is the Pay Limit Scheme?
The Pay Limit Scheme is a Danish work permit based purely on salary level. If your employer offers you a salary at or above the threshold, and the job has standard Danish employment terms, you qualify. No occupation restrictions, no degree verification, no points system.
Salary threshold (2026)
The minimum annual salary for 2026 is approximately 400,000 DKK (updated each January). This is the gross salary before tax but after mandatory pension contributions. Employer pension contributions above a certain percentage may be excluded from the calculation — check the current rules on nyidanmark.dk.
At approximately 33,300 DKK/month gross, this threshold is achievable for many professional roles in Denmark, especially in tech, engineering, finance, and pharma.
Requirements
- Job offer with a Danish employer (signed contract)
- Salary at or above the threshold
- Standard Danish employment terms — working hours, holiday, pension that match Danish norms
- Valid passport
- No criminal record that would prevent issuance
There is no education requirement, language requirement, or specific occupation list.
How to apply
Sign your employment contract
The contract must clearly state a salary above the threshold and include standard Danish terms.
Apply online at nyidanmark.dk
Submit the application with your employment contract, passport copy, and any supporting documents. Your employer may co-submit.
Pay the fee
Application fees are typically 3,000–6,000 DKK. Check current fees on nyidanmark.dk.
Biometrics
Attend a biometrics appointment at a Danish embassy or SIRI office in Denmark (fingerprints and photo).
Receive your permit
Processing takes 1–3 months. The permit is valid for the duration of your contract, up to 4 years. Renewable.
Tip: If your employer is SIRI-certified (Fast-Track), the process is faster. Ask your employer’s HR department.
Processing time
Typically 1–3 months. Faster through the Fast-Track scheme (2–4 weeks). Complete applications with all documents process faster — missing paperwork is the #1 cause of delays.
Changing jobs
Your Pay Limit permit is tied to your specific employer and position. If you change jobs, you must apply for a new permit with the new employer. You cannot start the new job until the new permit is approved (with some exceptions under the Fast-Track scheme).
Common problems
My salary includes variable bonuses — do they count?
Only the guaranteed base salary counts toward the threshold. Variable bonuses, commissions, and overtime are generally excluded.
My pension contribution reduces my cash salary below the threshold
Employer pension contributions are handled separately. The threshold applies to your gross salary before tax but after deducting the pension portion exceeding a standard amount. Check the exact calculation on nyidanmark.dk.
Questions and answers
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse/partner and children can apply for family reunification.
Can I apply for Forskerskatteordningen too?
Yes — if you meet the separate tax scheme requirements. The permit and tax scheme are independent.
What if I lose my job?
Your permit becomes invalid. You have a short grace period to find a new position and apply for a new permit. Contact SIRI immediately.
Sources
- nyidanmark.dk — Pay Limit Scheme rules and threshold.