Student Visa for Denmark

Denmark uses the term residence permit rather than “student visa.” If you have been admitted to a higher educational programme in Denmark, you can be granted a residence permit to live and study in Denmark. This applies whether you plan to complete a full degree or join as a guest/exchange student, and can also cover a linked preparatory course if specific conditions are met. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not apply for a residence permit; they must instead obtain an EU residence document (Swiss citizens follow equivalent Swiss-specific rules). You must study full time; part-time study does not qualify. Where pages differ, we follow the main application page.

Applications are handled by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Before you apply, your Danish educational institution completes its part of the ST1 application, after which you receive an email to complete your part online or via a printable form. You must first create a case order ID and pay the processing fee, then submit the application and have your biometrics recorded. If you are abroad, you normally submit at a Danish embassy/consulate or application centre; if you are legally in Denmark (e.g., with a valid visa or visa-exempt), you may submit in Denmark at a SIRI branch office (appointment required).

The official page shows a normal processing time of 2 months. You should start as soon as you have your admission and your institution is ready to complete its part, so that you can finish your steps—including biometrics—well before studies begin. Online applicants must have biometrics recorded within 14 days of submitting the form; if embassy appointments are delayed, you should notify SIRI of your booked time to avoid rejection. Your residence permit must be issued before travel; after a decision, your residence card is produced and sent to your registered address in Denmark.

You must provide proof of fee payment to SIRI (receipt or bank statement) and a copy of all pages of your passport, including empty pages and both covers. You also need documentation from your Danish institution: the institution completes its part of the ST1 form confirming your admission to full-time study; if you are a guest/exchange student, provide proof that you are enrolled at a home institution. If you are under 18, add the required parental declarations of consent, birth certificate and parents’ passport copies; your Danish school must also sign a declaration confirming proper residence and study conditions. Documents not in English or Danish must have certified translations, with originals attached.

For finances, include either a bank statement (dated no more than 30 days before submission and showing your name, balance, currency) or documentation of a scholarship or student loan meeting the monthly requirement. If you must pay tuition and have already paid the first semester fee, that payment is accepted as proof of sufficient funds for that period. SIRI accepts only liquid assets; statements in someone else’s name or letters from third parties are not accepted. If you submit multiple bank statements, they must be issued on the same date.

You must be able to speak and understand the language of instruction at a level that lets you participate actively in your courses. The page does not list specific tests or minimum scores, and you should follow your programme’s language of instruction. Information not available on official sources regarding named tests or score thresholds.

You must document funds of DKK 7,086 per month (2025 level) for the months you will study in Denmark; if your study period exceeds one year, you document a maximum of 12 months (DKK 85,032). Acceptable proofs are a recent bank statement, or documentation of a scholarship or student loan that meets the monthly amount for the relevant months. If your first-semester tuition is paid, that payment counts as sufficient funds for that period; otherwise, combine acceptable proofs as applicable. Only liquid funds are accepted; restricted investments and third-party accounts are not.

Information not available on official sources.

If you are enrolled in a state-approved higher educational programme, your residence permit includes a limited work permit: up to 90 hours per month during the normal study period September–May, and full-time during June, July and August. If your programme is not state-approved but has an EVA advisory statement, work rights depend on when you applied: applications on or after 2 May 2025 do not include a limited work permit. Working more hours than allowed counts as illegal work and can lead to warnings, fines, or permit revocation.

If your programme has a mandatory internship, you are normally granted a full-time work permit for the internship period. If the internship is arranged later and not reflected in your original permit, you must apply for a separate full-time work permit for the internship before starting it. The internship must be part of your programme and approved by your institution.

If you are a student in a state-approved higher educational programme, your spouse, registered or cohabiting partner, and children under 18 living at home can be granted residence permits to live with you in Denmark. From 2 May 2025, family members cannot be granted accompanying permits where the student’s programme is non-state-approved and relies on an EVA advisory statement (for applications made on or after that date). Family members must also be able to support themselves and are not allowed to receive certain public benefits.

The normal processing time shown on the page is 2 months. Actual time depends on whether your application is complete, whether additional information is requested, and any checks needed. You will receive a decision after SIRI processes your case; if more details are required, SIRI will contact you or your institution. Your residence card is sent to your registered address (CPR) in Denmark, so ensure your name appears on your mailbox to avoid delivery issues.

The processing fee is DKK 2,255. You must create a case order ID and pay the fee before submitting your application; include proof of payment (receipt or bank statement) with your materials, as a website payment “status” page alone is not accepted as a receipt. Local embassies/application centres may have additional local requirements (e.g., photos, copies, or local service fees) for submissions abroad; check their information before you lodge your file.

Biometrics are part of the application. If you applied online, you must have your fingerprints and facial photo taken within 14 days of submission—at a Danish mission abroad or at a SIRI branch office if you are in Denmark. In countries without a Danish mission, Denmark may use certain Norwegian missions; if you submit there and are granted a permit, you must give biometrics within a specific time after entry to Denmark. Follow the instructions you receive to avoid your application being rejected for missing biometrics.

After a positive decision, your residence card will be produced and posted to the address registered in the Civil Registration System (CPR). Ensure your name is on the mailbox to prevent failed delivery and return of the card to SIRI. If your passport expires soon, note that your permit cannot run beyond a point tied to your passport’s validity; you may need to renew the passport and then seek a permit extension.

Start by coordinating with your educational institution: they complete the first part of the ST1 application and must enter the same email you will use to access your part. Then create a case order ID, pay the fee, and gather documents—including full passport copies, fee receipt, and financial proof—before you open the form. If your documents are not in English or Danish, attach certified translations along with the originals.

Plan your finances precisely: ensure your bank statement is ≤30 days old on submission, shows your name/balance/currency, and reflects only liquid assets; third-party accounts are not accepted. If first-semester tuition is paid, use that as proof for that period; otherwise, combine acceptable proofs like scholarships or loans that meet the monthly DKK 7,086 (2025) requirement. Finally, book biometrics promptly (within 14 days for online applications), and keep your passport valid long enough for your intended permit period.

This guide was written by Modoante using original research and information gathered from official education and immigration resources. Always verify deadlines and requirements on the official university or government portal before submitting your applications/documents.

Visit- the official Danish immigration website

https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Study/Higher-Education

This guide summarises official information as accessed on 3 October 2025. Immigration rules change; always check the official website before applying. This is not legal advice.