Denmark approves collective‑agreement scheme to hire foreign workers; Macedonian citizens gain access from 2027
Danish Parliament approved two bills on 3 September to let certified companies hire workers from 16 countries while keeping Danish labour standards.
On 3 September the Danish Parliament approved two bills that introduce a new business scheme, based on collective agreements, intended to simplify hiring of foreign workers from 16 countries. The legislation aims to make it easier for companies to recruit abroad while preserving Danish labour standards, and its application will begin on 1 January 2027. Macedonian citizens will have access to the new scheme from 2027.
How the scheme will work
The scheme is available only to certified companies that can guarantee appropriate working conditions and fair pay and that are covered by a relevant collective agreement. Danish employers that want to use the model must first obtain certification from the Danish Immigration Service.
Key certification requirements include that the business has been operating for at least two years, has filed an annual report, and at the time of application employs a minimum of ten full‑time employees on permanent contracts.
Supporters say the new framework seeks to balance easier access to foreign labour with protection of existing Danish working standards and collective bargaining. The approved bills set out both the certification process for companies and the conditions under which foreign staff may be hired under the collective‑agreement model.
Implementation starts on 1 January 2027, when certified companies will be able to register and begin hiring under the new rules. The government and immigration authorities will run the certification process prior to that date to allow employers to prepare.
Photo: Пекселс)
