Planning to study in Denmark? This guide explains when you need a student residence permit or EU residence document, the required funds and fees, how to apply and your work rights.
Who needs a student residence permit for Denmark
The document that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to study in Denmark for more than three months is normally called a “residence permit” rather than a short-stay “student visa”.
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens staying longer than three months generally apply for an EU residence document, not a student residence permit. Nordic citizens are exempt from both.
- Other non-EU/EEA citizens normally apply for the residence permit before travelling for a degree programme.
The official Nordic-citizen guidance explains the separate right to live, study and work in Denmark.
Admission and eligibility for a Danish student residence permit
Before starting your study abroad in Denmark, you will have to be admitted to an eligible programme. Whether you also need a residence permit depends on your nationality and length of stay.
Your first step is to choose a university and apply for a degree in Denmark. Once you've received your admission offer, you can prepare your residence permit application.
To apply, you'll need:
- Proof of admission: You must be accepted into a full-time programme at an eligible institution. Check whether your programme is state-approved or has an EVA advisory statement, as this can affect your right to work during and after your studies.
- Proof of sufficient funds: You must show that you can cover your living expenses in Denmark using financial evidence accepted by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). A relative's promise to support you financially is not enough.
Documents required for a Danish student residence permit
These are some of the documents you need to submit during the application for a residence permit:
- Evidence that you meet the programme’s language requirements, if requested
- Acceptance letter from your university
- A signed and filled-in application form
- A valid passport or another form of travel document
- Passport photographs or biometric details as instructed by the application centre
- Travel or health-insurance evidence where required for your circumstances
- Detailed information regarding your study programme
- Accommodation information where requested
Danish student permit fees and required funds
- Residence permit processing fee: DKK 3,060 in 2026. Embassy or application-centre service fees may be additional.
- Proof that you have enough funds for your stay in Denmark: DKK 7,426 per month in 2026, for up to 12 months (DKK 89,112). Accepted evidence includes your own accessible funds, a scholarship or an eligible student loan.
Under SIRI’s higher-education requirements, paying the first semester’s tuition can satisfy the financial-documentation requirement for a fee-paying programme. Check the conditions that apply to you.
How and when to apply for your Danish student permit
You can apply for the residence permit using the official New to Denmark website.
Create a case order ID, pay the applicable fee and complete the ST1 application with your educational institution. Follow SIRI’s instructions for supporting documents and biometrics.
Start applying as soon as admission and the application window allow. Some documents need to be signed and biometrics need to be submitted, so the overall preparation time may vary.
SIRI’s normal processing time for higher-education applications is two months, or up to three months if further information is needed. This is not a fixed nationality-based timetable.
Have your biometric features recorded as required. For an online application, the usual deadline is 14 days after submission; if appointment availability prevents this, notify SIRI as instructed.
Residence registration and permit validity after arrival
The authority handling EU residence documents and student permits is SIRI, not the former Regional State Administration. After obtaining the required residence document or permit, register your address for a CPR number through the municipality or International Citizen Service.
Bring the documents requested for your category, which normally include:
- Your passport
- Your residence permit or EU residence document, where required
- The letter of admission from the university.
Your residence permit is normally valid for the duration of your courses, subject to passport validity and continuing eligibility. Check the dates in your decision.
If you need more time to complete your studies, apply for an extension before your permit expires. An additional year is not automatically granted to every student.
Working while studying in Denmark
As an international student, your right to work in Denmark depends on your nationality and programme:
- Eligible non-EU/EEA students on state-approved higher-education programmes may work 90 hours per month from September to May, and full-time in June, July and August.
- Nordic, EU/EEA or Swiss citizens can work in Denmark with no restriction on the number of hours.
The limited work permission normally accompanies an eligible study permit. Applicants for non-state-approved programmes who apply on or after 2 May 2025 do not receive this student work right. Check your decision before working.
