Denmark Visas

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 29, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Denmark is consistently ranked among the top three happiest countries globally. Denmark's charm lies in its blend of picturesque towns, rich history, and a commitment to sustainability. There is also a flourishing startup ecosystem that boasts over 4,300 startups and scale-ups, further adding to its appeal.

However, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may need a visa to fully immerse yourself in Danish culture and opportunities.

We’ve created this guide to help you navigate the visa application process, outline necessary documents, and provide essential details to ensure your trip to Denmark is smooth sailing.

When do you need a visa for Denmark?

Denmark provides short-stay Schengen visas for various purposes, including tourism and business, as well as specific visas for work and entrepreneurship. Let's take a closer look.

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland can travel to Denmark without a visa and stay unlimitedly.
• Nordic citizens: Citizens of other Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland) also enjoy visa-free travel and the right to live and work in Denmark without a residence permit.
• UK citizens: As of now, UK citizens can visit Denmark for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa for tourism, business meetings, cultural or sporting events, or short-term studies or training. However, if you plan to work or stay longer, you'll need to apply for a residence permit.
• Other nationalities: If you're not a citizen of the EU/EEA, Switzerland, a Nordic country, or the UK, you'll likely need a visa to visit Denmark, even for short stays. Check the official list of visa requirements on the Danish Immigration Service website to confirm.
• Long stays and work: If you plan to stay in Denmark for longer than 90 days or intend to work there, you'll need a residence permit, regardless of your nationality.

Denmark visa requirements

The specific documents and eligibility criteria for a Danish visa or residence permit can vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for, the nature of your trip, and your country of origin. However, here are some general requirements that typically apply:

General requirements

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Denmark and have at least two blank pages.
• Completed application form: Fill out the official visa application form accurately and completely. The form can usually be downloaded from the website of the Danish Immigration Service or obtained from a visa application centre.
• Passport photos: Provide two recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specified requirements (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
• Travel medical insurance (for short-stay visas): You must have travel medical insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Denmark and the Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Proof of travel arrangements: Provide evidence of your planned travel to and from Denmark, such as a round-trip flight reservation or other proof of intended transport.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Denmark. The required amount can vary depending on the length of your stay and your accommodation arrangements.
• Cover letter: A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit and your itinerary can be helpful in supporting your application.
• Biometric data: You may be required to provide your fingerprints and a facial image at a visa application centre or embassy/consulate.

Additional requirements for specific visa types

• Work permit: You'll likely need to provide an employment contract or job offer from a Danish employer, along with evidence of your qualifications and experience.
• Student residence permit: You'll need an acceptance letter from a recognised Danish educational institution and proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses.
• Family Reunification residence permit: You'll need to provide evidence of your relationship with the Danish resident or citizen you're joining, as well as proof of their ability to support you financially.
• Startup visa: You'll need a detailed business plan, proof of funding, and evidence of your entrepreneurial experience and skills.

Remember:

• All documents should be in English or Danish or translated into one of these languages by a certified translator.

Denmark visa application process

Applying for a Danish visa involves several steps. Here's a general outline of the process:

1. Check if you need a visa and the processing time: Before you begin, confirm if you need a visa and familiarise yourself with the current processing times, which can vary significantly between embassies. Check the embassy website for the most up-to-date information.
2. Apply and pay online: Use the online visa application system, ApplyVisa, to:
   • Register a user account
   • Fill in the application form
   • Pay the visa fee online
   • Print and sign the cover letter. This is generated at the end of the application registration process, which can be printed from there. There are two signatures needed on this form.
3. Gather your documents: Collect all the necessary supporting documents based on the document checklist provided on the Visa Application Centre's website and the purpose of your visit. Ensure you have:
   • A valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, with at least 2 blank pages, and issued within the last 10 years).
   • Biometric data (fingerprints and photos) captured at the Visa Application Centre (unless you've provided them within the last 59 months).
4. Finalise your application in person: Choose a Visa Application Centre and schedule an appointment. Bring your signed cover letter, supporting documents, passport, and any applicable fees. Note that your documents and passport will be kept during processing.
5. Track your application: You can track your application status by contacting the Visa Application Centre where you submitted it. The Danish mission cannot respond to inquiries via email due to data protection laws.
6. Receive a decision: Once your application is processed, you will be notified by the Visa Application Centre or the Danish mission.
   • If approved, you will receive your passport with a visa sticker. Carefully check the information on the sticker for accuracy.
   • If refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reason and providing guidance on how to appeal.

Remember:

• Apply well in advance, ideally at least 15 days before your intended travel date, as processing times can be lengthy.
• Late submissions could result in decisions being made after your planned departure date.
• You can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your intended entry into the Schengen area.
• Visa fees and service fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.

How to get a permanent residence permit in Denmark?

A permanent residence permit lets you live and work in Denmark indefinitely without renewing. But getting one takes some time and effort.

The general rule:

• You need to have held a temporary residence permit in Denmark for at least 8 years.

Exceptions:

• If you're between 18 and 19 and have been working or studying full-time since finishing primary school, or if you have strong ties to Denmark (like Danish descent or a former Danish citizen), you might be able to apply sooner.

What else do you need?

• You need to meet all the basic requirements, like being over 18, still meeting the conditions of your current permit, having a clean criminal record, no debts, etc.
• You also need to fulfil at least 2 out of 4 additional requirements, like passing a Danish language test, having a certain income level, and showing active citizenship.

The basic requirements include (you can find the full official guide here):

• You must be over the age of 18
• You must still meet the requirements for your current residence permit
• You must have 8 years of legal residency in Denmark
• You may not have been convicted of certain crimes
• You may not have any overdue public debts
• You may not have received certain social benefits
• You must accept a declaration of residence and self-support
• You must be employed
• You may not have worked against the establishment of your identity
• You must pass the Danish language test 2
• You must have been employed for at least 3 years and 6 months
• Supplementary requirements
• In order to qualify for a permanent residence permit, you need to meet at least 2 of 4 supplementary requirements. If you meet all 4 supplementary requirements, you will qualify for a permanent residence permit after 4 years of legal residence in Denmark instead of the normal 8.
• You must pass the Danish language test 3
• You must have been employed for at least 4 years
• You must pass the active citizen exam or have displayed active citizenship
• You must have had an annual average income above a certain amount

The fast track:

• If you meet all 4 additional requirements, you can get a permanent residence permit after only 4 years instead of 8.

Learn More

How do you get Danish citizenship?

Acquiring Danish citizenship opens doors to various benefits and opportunities within Denmark and the EU. Here's a breakdown of the main paths to citizenship:

1. Naturalisation: This is the most common route for foreign nationals. You'll need to meet certain conditions, including:
   • Legal residence: Have lived in Denmark lawfully for a specified period (usually 9 years).
   • Language skills: Demonstrate proficiency in the Danish language.
   • Self-sufficiency: Be financially independent and not reliant on social benefits
   • Knowledge of Denmark: Pass a test on Danish society, culture, and history.
   • Clean record: Have a clean criminal record and no outstanding debts to the state.
2. Declaration: Nordic citizens (from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland) who are over 18 and haven't acquired their Nordic citizenship through naturalisation can apply for Danish citizenship by declaration. They need to:
   • Be at least 18 years old
   • Be currently reside in Denmark
   • Have resided in Denmark for the past 7 years
3. Birth or adoption:
   • Children born to at least one Danish parent on or after July 1, 2014, automatically acquire Danish citizenship.
   • Children adopted under the age of 12 also automatically acquire Danish citizenship.

Important notes:

• Dual citizenship restrictions: Denmark generally doesn't allow dual citizenship, except in specific cases like children born with dual citizenship.
• Naturalisation process: The naturalisation process can be lengthy and involves a parliamentary decision.

Learn More