The Danish Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme Explained

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Denmark is renowned for its stable and prosperous economy. The country’s well-developed welfare state provides a safety net for residents, making it an appealing place to live and work. Since April 1, those who have been offered a job in Denmark with a yearly salary of at least DKK 375,000 can apply for a residence and work permit under the newly created supplementary pay limit scheme. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the intricacies of this unique scheme, shedding light on eligibility criteria, application processes, and the rights granted upon receiving a permit.

Understanding the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme

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The supplementary pay limit scheme stands alone, distinct from the ordinary one, and is tailored for individuals offered high-paying jobs in Denmark. Notably, it comes with specific conditions that set it apart from its ordinary counterpart. You are not required to have a specific educational background or a job within a specific professional field. It also allows your family to come with you to Denmark. A permit can be granted to your spouse, registered or cohabiting partner, and children under 18 living at home.

Benefits

  • No specific educational background is required.
  • You can bring your family members along with you during your stay.
  • Your spouse/partner is eligible to work in Denmark.
  • The length of the permit depends on the size of your employment contract in Denmark. For permanent employment contracts (those with no stipulated end date), work permits are granted for an initial period of 4-5 years. 
  • It allows you to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within the latest 180-day period.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the supplementary pay limit scheme, prospective applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • An annual salary of at least DKK 375,000 (INR 45,93,823)
  • The job position is posted on Jobnet and the EURES portal.
  • Terms of employment align with Danish standards.
  • Weekly working hours of 37-40.
  • The job should not be entangled in a legal labour conflict.
  • No fine exceeding DKK 3,000 (INR 36,750) under the Danish Criminal Code or the Aliens Act.

Application Process

  1. Minimum Salary Requirement: Ensure your job offer meets the annual minimum salary, updated every January 1st. Only specific salary components, including liquid assets, pension scheme payments, and holiday allowances, are considered when assessing the minimum amount.
  2. Processing Time and Fee: The standard processing time is one month, possibly extending to three months if additional information is needed. A processing fee of DKK 4,670 (INR 57,208) applies.
  3. Rights Upon Permit Approval: A granted permit allows you to stay in Denmark for its validity period and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within the latest 180 days. However, working in other Schengen countries is not permitted.

How to Apply?

Below is a step-by-step guide to applying to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

  • When submitting an application or appeal involving a fee, the first step is to generate a case order ID. Ensure that you create your Case Order ID, complete the payment, and submit your application within the same calendar year. 
  • Collecting all the necessary documents before commencing the application process is advisable; a helpful checklist is provided below. If you’re submitting documents not written in English, Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish, make sure to include certified translations into Danish or English. For those representing a company, specific documentation may be required to assess the economic foundation for an employee’s salary, especially for one-man businesses or newly established companies. Here’s a list of the documents you must submit:
    • Documentation of paid fee. Attach the receipt for your payment.
    • Copy of all pages of your passport – including all empty pages and the passport’s front and back cover
    • An employment contract or job offer which contains information about your salary and terms of employment and a job description
    • Declaration that the job position has been posted on Jobnet and EURES for at least 2 weeks
    • Declaration that you have not received a fine of DKK 3,000 or more under the Criminal Code or the Aliens Act
    • Documentation of education relevant to the job offer, if applicable
    • Documentation of authorisation. Only relevant if the job requires a Danish authorisation
      • One-man businesses can attach
        • Its latest annual account and general ledger balance as documentation for the economic basis of the company
      • Companies setting up in Denmark can attach
        • A detailed plan for the set up of the Company with information about when the company expects to be up and running
        • A documented overview of the larger expenses connected to the set-up of the company in Denmark
      • Newly established companies, where the first annual accounts are not available, are kindly asked to attach
        • A business plan/business concept
        • A budget or general ledger balance as documentation for the economic basis of the company.
    • Complete and submit the application form –  After gathering these documents, complete and submit the application form. You and your employer will have access to two relevant application forms: AR1, where you and your employer complete separate parts, and AR6, where you grant your employer power of attorney to apply on your behalf.
    • When applying for a residence permit, it’s essential to have your biometric features recorded, including a facial photo and fingerprints. This data is stored on a microchip embedded in the residence card issued if the permit is granted. Ensure your biometric features are recorded no later than 14 days after submitting your application.
    • A successful submission entails:
      • Creating a case order ID.
      • Paying the fee.
      • Submitting the application.
      • Recording biometric features.
    • SIRI will contact you or your employer if further information is needed for case processing.

Note: For the official link, click here.

Permit Durations Based on Employment Period

  • 5 Years or More: Typically, a permit for a period of 5 years is granted. The extension requires a new application based on the employment extension.
  • Less than 5 Years: The permit aligns with the employment period. To continue working, apply for an extension.
  • New Job or Contract Extension: A new job requires a new application under the supplementary pay limit scheme or another work scheme. Extensions for employment contract extensions are also necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding the supplementary pay limit scheme is crucial for anyone considering a job opportunity in Denmark. By meeting the eligibility criteria and navigating the application process efficiently, you can unlock the doors to a rewarding professional journey in Scandinavia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are my rights if I am granted a permit?

A residence and work permit allows you to stay in Denmark for the permit’s validity. It also permits up to 90 days within the Schengen area. However, you cannot work in other Schengen countries.

Q. Can my family get a residence permit?

Yes, your spouse, registered or cohabiting partner and children under 18 can be granted a residence permit.

Q. How long is the permit valid?

For employment of 5 years or more, the permit is typically valid for 5 years. For shorter employment periods, it aligns with the job’s duration.

Q. What if I find a new job or my contract is extended?

Submit a new application based on the new job or contract extension. You can start working before receiving the permit.

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An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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