Denmark · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorial review pending. The official links below are checked — confirm specifics with the authority.
Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a Danish higher-education programme normally need a SIRI residence permit for studies. Apply only after admission to an eligible institution or programme — requirements vary by programme type and can include tuition payment as well as admission and funds. Permits can carry limited work rights, and family members and post-graduation job-seeking are governed by separate rules.
Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a Danish higher-education programme normally need a SIRI residence permit for studies. Requirements depend on programme type and can include admission, funds, tuition payment and valid documents.
- Apply only after admission to an eligible institution or programme.
- Permits can include limited work rights; verify the exact conditions on the permit.
- Family members and job-seeking after graduation have separate rules.
- 1
Check the programme is eligible
Requirements depend on programme type, and not every course supports a study permit. Confirm eligibility before paying deposits.
- 2
Apply only after admission
SIRI expects admission to be in place first. Applying earlier wastes the fee and the processing slot.
- 3
Settle tuition where required
Some programmes require tuition payment as part of the permit documentation. Check whether yours does, since it affects when you can apply.
- 4
Read the work rights on the permit itself
Permits can include limited work rights, but the exact conditions are stated on the permit. Verify them there rather than assuming a standard allowance.
- 5
Plan family and post-study steps separately
Family members and job-seeking after graduation are governed by separate rules and separate applications. Do not assume the study permit covers either.
- Programme eligibility for a study permit confirmed
- Admission granted before applying
- Tuition paid where the programme requires it
- Proof of funds prepared
- Valid travel documents held
- Work conditions on the permit read
- Family and post-study routes researched separately
- New to Denmark — study
Official SIRI study-permit guide.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for a Danish study permit?
Only after you have admission to an eligible institution or programme. Applying beforehand wastes the fee and the processing slot, and some programmes also require tuition payment before the file is complete.
Can I work on a Danish study permit?
Permits can include limited work rights, but the exact conditions are stated on your permit. Verify them there — the allowance is not identical across programme types.
Does the study permit cover my family or a job search after graduating?
No. Family members and job-seeking after graduation have separate rules and require their own applications. Research those routes early if either matters to your plans.
Government portals
- Life in Denmark — The state's English-language guide to moving to, living and working in Denmark.
- Skattestyrelsen — Danish Tax Agency — Tax card, preliminary and annual tax assessment, and deductions.
- New to Denmark (SIRI) — Residence and work permits, the Positive List, and family reunification.