Visas & Permits

Overview

Two Systems, One Country

Denmark runs two completely separate immigration tracks: one for EU/EEA citizens who move freely and register, and one for non-EU nationals who must secure a permit before boarding their flight. Getting the distinction wrong can mean deportation and a re-entry ban.

EU/EEA registration deadline

3 months after arrival

Non-EU permit required

Before travelling to Denmark

Governing authority

SIRI (Styrelsen for International Rekruttering)

Application portal

nyidanmark.dk

Standard processing time

1–3 months (non-EU)

Work Permits

Non-EU Work Permit Routes

Denmark offers four main routes for skilled non-EU workers. The Pay Limit and Fast-track schemes require a specific job offer with a high salary. The Positive List targets shortages by occupation. All fees increased in January 2026.

Pay Limit salary threshold (2026)

DKK 552,000/year gross

Supplementary Pay Limit (2026)

DKK 446,000/year gross

Fast-track processing time

~2 weeks (certified employers)

Positive List occupations

180 higher-ed + 54 skilled trades

Application fee (2026)

DKK 6,810 per application

1. Confirm your employer is on the Fast-track certified list or your salary meets Pay Limit/Positive List requirements
2. Create a Case Order ID on nyidanmark.dk and pay DKK 6,810 online
3. Complete the application form jointly with your employer
4. Submit biometrics at a SIRI branch or Danish mission within 14 days of application
5. Await decision (1–3 months standard; ~2 weeks Fast-track)
6. Register at your municipality for a CPR number within 5 days of permit arriving

Study & Family

Study, Family & Job Seeking

Students from outside the EU need a permit before arrival with proof of DKK 7,426/month funds. Family reunification now has a relaxed financial guarantee. Post-study job seekers get a generous 3-year window to find employment.

Student permit financial requirement

DKK 7,426/month in bank

Student work rights (term-time)

20 hours/week maximum

Post-study job-seeking permit

Up to 3 years

Spousal reunification guarantee (2026)

DKK 61,709 (halved from 2024)

Minimum age both partners (reunification)

24 years old

Study permit application fee

DKK 3,060

1. Secure admission letter from a SIRI-approved Danish educational institution
2. Demonstrate DKK 7,426/month for the full study duration in a verifiable bank account
3. Apply online at nyidanmark.dk, pay DKK 3,060 fee
4. Submit biometrics within 14 days of application
5. Upon graduation, apply for a 3-year job-seeking permit to remain in Denmark

Permanent Stay

Permanent Residence & Citizenship

Permanent residence requires 8 years for non-EU nationals (reducible to 4 with all conditions met), or 5 years for EU citizens. Danish citizenship demands 9 years, Prove i Dansk 3, a separate citizenship test, and self-sufficiency. Dual citizenship has been allowed since 2015.

Non-EU permanent residence (standard)

8 years minimum

Non-EU permanent residence (fast-track)

4 years with all supplementary conditions

EU permanent residence

5 consecutive years

Citizenship residence requirement

9 years (Nordic/spouses may qualify earlier)

Citizenship test pass mark

36/45 correct (incl. 4/5 on values)

Citizenship processing time

17–24 months via Parliament

1. Verify you meet the residence requirement and check your entry count in your residence permit history
2. Pass Prove i Dansk 3 (B2 level) at a certified exam centre
3. Pass the Indfoedsretproeven (citizenship test) scoring 36/45 minimum
4. Submit citizenship declaration or application through uim.dk
5. Attend the mandatory citizenship ceremony and handshake