Visa Guide for Non-EU Citizens in Denmark | exploringdenmark

Visa Guide for Non-EU Citizens in Denmark

Moving to Denmark from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland? This guide covers tourist, business, work, study, and family visas—what to know, how to apply, and links to get started.

Overview: Danish Visas for Non-EU Citizens

Denmark offers short-term and long-term visas for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens—whether you’re visiting, working, studying, or joining family. Schengen (short-stay) visas are for trips up to 90 days; for living, working, or studying in Denmark, you’ll need a residence permit.

  • Short-stay: Tourist and business visas (Schengen) up to 90 days.
  • Long-stay: Work, study, au pair, or family reunion—requires a residence permit.
  • Apply before you travel: All long-term stays require you to apply and get approval before coming to Denmark.

See the main visa types, requirements, and application steps below.

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Did you know? You cannot apply for a residence permit from inside Denmark—apply before arrival from your home country.

Main Visa Types for Non-EU Citizens

🛬 Schengen Short-Stay Visa For tourism, business, family, or short visits up to 90 days. Not valid for working.
Official info
💼 Work Visa/Permit For paid work in Denmark—Fast-Track, Pay Limit, Positive List, Start-up, Researcher and more.
All work visa types
🎓 Student Visa/Permit For university, exchange, or PhD study stays. May allow limited work.
Study in Denmark
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Reunification For spouses, children, or parents joining family already in Denmark.
Family permits
🧑‍💼 Business Visa For business meetings, conferences or fairs (no paid work, up to 90 days).
Business visits
🧑‍🍼 Au Pair & Other Permits For au pairs, interns, and special categories.
Au pair/Intern

Who Needs a Visa?

🌍 Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens Most non-European citizens need a visa or permit, unless your country is visa-exempt for Schengen short-stays.
📝 Staying over 90 days? You need a residence permit for any stay longer than 90 days—even if your country is visa-exempt for short stays.
🚫 No entry for job search You cannot enter Denmark to look for work or study before your permit is granted.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

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Find your visa type: Decide if you need a short-stay (tourist, business) or residence permit (work, study, family).
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Apply online or at embassy: Fill out the relevant application via nyidanmark.dk or submit at your local Danish embassy/consulate.
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Gather your documents: You’ll need your passport, completed forms, purpose documents (job offer, admission letter), and often biometrics.
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Wait for approval: Processing times vary—don’t travel to Denmark until your visa or permit is approved!

Documents You’ll Need

🛂 Valid Passport Required for all visas/permits. Must be valid for your entire stay in Denmark.
📋 Application Form The correct form for your visa/permit. Available at nyidanmark.dk.
📄 Purpose Documents Work permit: job offer. Study: admission letter. Family: marriage/birth certificates.
📷 Passport Photo A recent photo for your visa or residence card (requirements may vary).
💳 Proof of Funds Some permits (students, au pairs, business) require proof you can support yourself.
📝 Biometrics & Insurance Give fingerprints and show proof of health insurance for some visa/permit types.

Useful Resources & External Links

🌐 nyidanmark.dk Official Danish immigration site
📋 Schengen Visas Short-stay visa info
💼 Residence & Work Permits Official work permit portal
💼 Work Visa Types See all Danish work visa types for non-EU citizens.
🎓 Study Permits Student visas and university permits for Denmark.
🏠 Finding Housing How to find a place to live—step by step.
💡 Newcomer Checklist All the steps when you move to Denmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

⏳ How long does it take to get a visa or permit? Tourist visas: 2–4 weeks. Residence/work permits: 1–3 months or longer—apply early!
🏢 Can I switch from tourist to work visa in Denmark? No. You must apply for a residence/work permit from your home country and wait for approval before entering for work.
🧒 Can my family join me in Denmark? Yes—apply for family reunification if you have a valid permit. Requirements depend on your situation.
🔄 Do I need a new visa to change jobs? Usually yes—most work permits are linked to a specific job/employer. Check with SIRI.
🗓️ Can I travel in Schengen with my Danish permit? Yes, with a Danish residence permit you can visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
💡 Is health insurance required? Yes—for short stays, you must show travel insurance. For residence, you’ll join Denmark’s health system after registration.