Denmark – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Denmark?

Nationals of EU and European Economic Area countries (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), as well as Switzerland, may enter Denmark without a visa. Citizens of the other Nordic nations — Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden — have the freedom to move to Denmark to live and work without any requirement for a visa, work permit, or residence permit. Even so, they must register with their local municipality to be assigned a civil registration number, known as a CPR number.

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are free to live, work, or study in Denmark without a visa, but they are still required to comply with the immigration rules set by the Danish Immigration Service and SIRI. Within three months of arrival, they must apply for a certificate of registration, which formally confirms their right to reside in Denmark as EU citizens.

For all other nationalities, visa-free entry is permitted for up to 90 days — however, anyone intending to remain and work beyond that point must obtain a residence and work permit. It is vital to note that entry under a short-stay visa or a visa-free arrangement does not carry the right to take up employment.

A complete list of countries whose citizens require a visa and those who are exempt is available on the official nyidanmark.dk website. Visa rules can change at any time, so it is always advisable to verify your country’s specific requirements directly through that official source before making any travel or relocation plans.

Denmark is part of the Schengen Area, meaning that eligible nationalities may spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period travelling across the entire Schengen zone — not solely within Denmark. From late 2026, nationals of visa-exempt countries will also be required to obtain European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorisation before entering the Schengen Area. Unlike a traditional visa, ETIAS involves a straightforward online process that takes only a few minutes for most applicants. Once granted, the authorisation remains valid for up to three years or until the travel document it is linked to expires, whichever occurs first.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Denmark?

While there are numerous routes into Denmark for employment purposes, three stand out as the most widely used: the Fast-Track Scheme, the Pay Limit Scheme, and the Positive List. These are the principal pathways for most expatriates relocating to Denmark for work, and it is essential to understand how they differ before submitting an application.

The Fast-Track Scheme is available to employers who have obtained certification from SIRI. This programme offers a streamlined and more flexible application process for businesses that hold this accreditation. It is especially suited to multinational companies that need to bring in qualified overseas talent quickly. The concept is broadly comparable to the UK’s Skilled Worker sponsor licence system, in which approved employers take on the majority of the administrative responsibilities.

The Pay Limit Scheme provides a work-based route for highly qualified professionals. It is a renewable permit open to specialists earning above DKK 448,000 annually, where eligibility rests on a qualifying job offer and relevant credentials rather than any requirement to prove a shortage in the labour market. This makes the scheme particularly appealing, since the salary level itself serves as the qualifying criterion.

The Positive List for Skilled Workers targets occupations where Denmark has a genuine and documented shortage of qualified candidates. The list is reviewed and updated twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July. If you have received a job offer in a profession featured on the list, this route enables you to obtain a combined work and residence permit in Denmark.

The Researcher Scheme is designed for academics and scientists taking up a research position at an approved Danish institution, while a Start-Up Scheme caters to entrepreneurs who wish to establish an innovative new business in Denmark.

Family Reunification is the primary route for spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners, and dependent children of individuals who are already lawfully resident in Denmark. This residence permit is specifically designed for people who have an established right to live in Denmark and wish to bring their closest family members to join them.

As of 2025, Denmark does not offer a dedicated retirement visa or a digital nomad visa. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss retirees would typically need to explore family reunification or other qualifying residence routes. Always consult nyidanmark.dk for the most up-to-date information on available permit categories.

How do I apply for a visa for Denmark?

For the majority of non-EU/EEA nationals, a residence and work permit must be approved before employment in Denmark can begin. The process is typically a joint undertaking between employer and employee, conducted through SIRI’s online portal. The steps set out below describe the general procedure for a work-based residence permit, which is the most common route taken by expats.

1. Select the appropriate permit scheme. The employer determines which scheme is best suited to the situation — whether that is the Pay Limit Scheme, the Positive List for Skilled Workers, the Fast-Track Scheme, or the Researcher Scheme. The right choice depends on the nature of the role, the salary on offer, the applicant’s qualifications, and whether the employer holds SIRI certification.
2. Draw up the employment contract. The employer prepares a formal job offer and employment contract. This document must clearly state the job title, responsibilities, working hours, salary, and any additional benefits, and must conform to Danish standards for pay and working conditions, including any applicable minimum salary threshold.
3. Generate a Case Order ID. Once the permit type has been selected, a Case Order ID is created online through SIRI, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration. This is essentially the point at which an account is established by submitting personal details.
4. Pay the application fee. The relevant fee must be paid at this stage. Retain the payment confirmation as evidence of your application. Up-to-date fee amounts can be found on the official fee schedule at nyidanmark.dk.
5. Gather and submit documentation. Both the employer and the employee complete their respective sections of the online application and upload all required supporting materials. Two forms are commonly used — the AR1 online and the AR6 online. The AR1 is filled in jointly by the employee and the employer, whereas the AR6 is completed solely by the employer where a power of attorney has been granted.
6. Submit biometrics. Within 14 days of submitting the online application, the employee must attend an appointment to have their biometrics and photograph recorded. This can be done at a Danish diplomatic mission or an authorised application centre in the applicant’s country of residence. Where no Danish mission exists, the applicant may be directed to a Norwegian mission or a Danish diplomatic mission elsewhere in the region.
7. Wait for a decision. SIRI reviews the application and issues a determination. If the application is successful, the employee receives either a residence card or an entry visa as applicable, and may then travel to Denmark and begin work in accordance with the conditions of the permit.

Applicants based in the United States should direct all applications through the Danish Consulate General in New York. Detailed guidance on how and where to apply can be found on the VFS Global website at vfsglobal.com/denmark/usa. Those based in the United Kingdom should refer to the Embassy of Denmark in London’s website for current procedures. Applicants in all other countries should contact the nearest Danish embassy or consulate, or consult nyidanmark.dk for guidance on the correct place to apply.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Denmark?

The precise documentation required will vary according to the permit category under which you are applying, but the items listed below are typically needed across most employment-based routes. Always cross-reference your checklist against the official guidance on nyidanmark.dk, as requirements are subject to change.

• Valid passport: Your passport must be current and contain at least two blank pages. Copies of all relevant pages will also be required.
• Employment contract or job offer: A confirmed job offer from a Danish employer is essential, backed by a written contract that clearly sets out your duties, working hours, and salary. The position must be genuine and consistent with the requirements of your chosen permit scheme. The employment contract or job offer must not be more than 30 days old.
• Evidence of qualifications: A diploma or other formal academic credential demonstrating that you are suitably qualified for the role in question must be provided. Documents issued by foreign universities or institutions may require official translation.
• Proof of financial means: Documentation showing that you are able to support yourself financially during your stay — such as recent bank statements or salary records — is a standard requirement.
• Passport photographs: Recent photographs meeting passport standards are required for most applications.
• Health insurance: Valid health insurance covering the full duration of your stay is mandatory.
• Danish professional authorisation (where applicable): If your profession requires authorisation in Denmark — for example, for doctors, dentists, or nurses — this documentation must be included.
• Power of attorney (if the employer is applying on your behalf): A completed power of attorney document authorising the employer to act on the applicant’s behalf is required when using the AR6 route.

All documents must be submitted in either Danish or English, or accompanied by official translations into one of those two languages. Where a document is in any other language, a certified or sworn translation will generally be required. The expected standard is typically a professional translation prepared by a qualified translator, although requirements can differ depending on the document type. Always refer to nyidanmark.dk for the definitive and current document checklist relevant to your specific permit category.

How long does a visa application for Denmark take to process?

Processing times in Denmark differ depending on the scheme applied under, the time of year, and whether the application is fully complete at the point of submission. Fast-Track and other prioritised routes tend to be dealt with more swiftly than applications submitted through standard channels.

The time it takes for a work permit or visa application to be processed in Denmark will vary based on the scheme in question, the current caseload at SIRI, and how promptly biometrics and any additional information are provided. As a general guide, temporary residence or work permits typically take between one and three months from the point at which all required documents and biometrics have been received, although some Fast-Track applications may be concluded within a matter of weeks.

The standard processing time for a residence permit for a family member accompanying a worker is two months. For applications made on the grounds of family reunification, the maximum expected processing time is seven months.

These figures are estimates and may change as application volumes and individual circumstances fluctuate. Always consult the current case processing times published by the Danish Immigration Service at nyidanmark.dk, and submit your application well ahead of your planned move date. It is also strongly advisable to begin the renewal process before your existing permit expires, so as to avoid any interruption to your legal status or right to work.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Denmark?

Fees for Danish residence permit applications are set by the Danish government and are reviewed periodically. The figures below are intended as a guide only; always confirm the current amounts on the official nyidanmark.dk fee overview page before proceeding with an application.

As of 2024, applications under the Positive List and Pay Limit schemes — including extensions — carry a fee of DKK 6,290 (approximately €840). The same fee applies to researchers and guest researchers. Each family member applying for a residence permit incurs an additional charge of DKK 1,615 (approximately €210).

The fee for permanent residence varies according to the type of permit previously held. As of 2025, refugees and those granted family reunification pay DKK 5,000, while applicants on work or study grounds are charged DKK 7,000.

In line with Denmark’s obligations under international law to uphold the right to family life, certain family reunification applications and extensions are exempt from fees. Exemptions exist in specific circumstances such as serious illness. Turkish nationals covered by the Association Agreement between the EU and Türkiye are also exempt from paying fees, meaning that Turkish citizens applying for a work-based residence permit are not required to pay an application fee.

In addition to the official government fee, it is wise to set aside funds for the other costs that frequently arise during the application process. These may include translation and certification of documents, fees for biometrics appointments at VFS or consulate centres, charges for legal or immigration advice if you choose to engage a professional, health insurance cover for the duration of your stay, and travel costs related to any in-person appointments. The extent of these costs will vary considerably depending on your country of residence and personal circumstances.

Can my family members join me in Denmark on a visa?

If you are in Denmark on the basis of a work permit, your spouse, civil or registered partner, cohabiting partner, or children under the age of 18 may be eligible for a residence permit as accompanying family members. Having a residence and work permit tied to employment gives your immediate family the opportunity to come to Denmark with you.

Qualifying family members include your spouse or registered partner; your cohabiting partner, provided you can demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and of some duration; and your children under 18 years of age. Family members may apply at the same time as your work visa application, or they can do so separately at a later date. These applications are typically processed within approximately two months, and the fee is DKK 1,615 (approximately €210) per family member as of 2024.

As a general rule, a residence permit granted on the basis of family reunification entitles the holder to work in Denmark. Children who are resident in Denmark under a family permit may ordinarily attend school.

For spouses applying through the standard family reunification route — as opposed to accompanying a worker — the eligibility conditions are considerably stricter. Both you and your spouse or partner will normally be required to be at least 24 years of age, a condition referred to as the 24-year requirement. In addition, you and your spouse or partner will together need to satisfy an integration requirement, meeting at least 4 of a total of 6 integration-related conditions — 3 of which relate to you as the applicant, and 3 to your spouse or partner who is already in Denmark.

The sponsor — the person already residing in Denmark — must also be able to demonstrate financial independence. This includes having maintained an average annual income exceeding DKK 331,249.35 (as of 2025) over the two years prior to the date on which family reunification would be approved. For a full and current account of the eligibility criteria, consult nyidanmark.dk’s family reunification pages.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Denmark?

The majority of residence and work permits issued in Denmark are temporary and must be renewed before the expiry date. A work permit linked to an open-ended employment contract may be granted for a period of up to four years. Where the employment contract is fixed-term, the permit will mirror the length of that contract with an additional six months added.

You are able to apply to extend your residence and work permit if it is approaching expiry and you intend to continue working in Denmark. To be eligible for an extension, you must remain in the same position with the same employer and under the same conditions as those specified in your original application. Should you change employers or if the terms of your employment change significantly, a new work permit application will be required rather than an extension.

The standard pathway to permanent residence requires a substantial period of uninterrupted lawful residence in Denmark — typically eight years or more. Throughout this entire period, you must have held a residence permit issued under the relevant provisions of the Aliens Act, covering family reunification, asylum, studies, or employment. Under certain circumstances, the residence requirement may be reduced to four years. Specifically, if you satisfy all four supplementary requirements, a permanent residence permit may be granted after a minimum of four years of legal residence.

Key supplementary conditions for permanent residence include passing the Danish language test (Prøve i Dansk 3), maintaining a yearly taxable income that has averaged DKK 331,249.35 or above (at 2025 levels) over the two preceding years, and demonstrating a sustained record of full-time work. A clean criminal record is also a fundamental requirement.

Once permanent residence has been granted, you may in time become eligible to apply for Danish citizenship, subject to further requirements relating to language proficiency and length of residence. For full details on the citizenship pathway, refer to the Danish Immigration Service or the Ministry of Immigration and Integration.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Denmark are refused?

Being aware of the most common grounds for refusal can help you put together a more robust application from the start. The reasons most frequently cited for rejection in Denmark include the following:

• Not meeting the salary or qualification threshold. Eligibility for a Danish work and residence permit depends on the specific scheme applied under, the nature of the position, and the applicant’s credentials. The authorities assess whether the role and remuneration align with Danish standards and whether the candidate is appropriately qualified. Applications submitted under the Pay Limit Scheme where the salary does not reach the DKK 448,000 annual threshold (as of 2024/2025) will be refused.
• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Missing paperwork, unsigned forms, or documents that fail to meet translation standards are among the most frequent causes of delay and refusal. A thorough and complete application submitted from the outset, with copies of all materials retained, will help avoid these pitfalls.
• Inability to demonstrate genuine employment. The authorities will examine whether the role is full-time or otherwise substantive enough to justify a residence permit. They may also scrutinise whether the position has been created for the genuine purpose of filling a business need rather than simply to facilitate a visa application.
• Criminal history. From July 2024, tightened rules mean that applicants for family reunification visas who have prior convictions for certain offences may be refused. This requirement also applies to foreign nationals seeking permanent residence.
• Marriages of convenience in family reunification cases. Where the primary purpose of a marriage or relationship appears to be gaining a residence permit rather than forming a genuine partnership, the application will be refused. The Immigration Service examines all aspects of the application to determine whether the relationship is authentic.
• Insufficient financial resources. Failing to demonstrate that you have adequate income to support yourself and any dependants is a key reason for refusal across virtually all permit categories.

Where an application has been refused, it may be possible to appeal or reapply depending on the basis of the rejection. The refusal notice will detail the grounds for the decision and will ordinarily explain whether an appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet) is available. Time limits on appeals are strict, so it is important to act without delay. If your case is complicated or a previous application has already been refused, obtaining advice from a qualified Danish immigration lawyer before appealing or making a fresh application is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa just to visit Denmark as a tourist?

The answer depends on your nationality. Nationals of certain countries must hold a visa in order to enter Denmark, while citizens of many other countries may visit without one for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen rules. A full list of countries whose citizens require a visa and those who are exempt is available on the official nyidanmark.dk website. Be aware that from late 2026, even travellers from visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain ETIAS authorisation before entering the Schengen Area.

Can I work in Denmark on a tourist visa or during a visa-free stay?

In the vast majority of cases, a residence and work permit must be in place before a foreign national may begin working in Denmark. However, during a stay of up to 90 days — whether on a visa or under a visa-free arrangement — certain work-related activities may in some circumstances be permitted, such as attending meetings or taking part in training sessions. Actually contributing to a company’s output, however, requires a valid work permit. If you are uncertain about what is allowed, contact SIRI for a formal advisory opinion before your trip.

How do I find out if my job is on Denmark’s Positive List?

The Positive List identifies professions for which demand in Denmark significantly outstrips the available domestic workforce. It is updated twice yearly, on 1 January and 1 July. The current version of the list can be viewed directly on the SIRI website. If your occupation does not appear on the list, you may still be eligible to apply via the Pay Limit Scheme or the Fast-Track Scheme.

What is SIRI and how does it differ from the Danish Immigration Service?

SIRI, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, is responsible for processing work-based and study-based residence and work permits, along with EU registration certificates. The Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen), by contrast, deals with asylum applications, family reunification, and permanent residence. Both agencies can be accessed through nyidanmark.dk, which serves as the central portal for all immigration applications and information.

Can my partner work in Denmark if they join me on a family reunification permit?

In many instances, a residence permit granted on grounds of family reunification allows the holder to take up employment in Denmark without the need for a separate work permit. The precise conditions may vary depending on the category of permit issued and the individual’s circumstances. It is advisable to review the specific terms of the permit granted, as certain categories may carry restrictions. For advice tailored to your situation, consult nyidanmark.dk or a qualified immigration adviser.

How long do I need to live in Denmark before I can apply for permanent residence?

In most cases, a permanent residence permit may be granted after eight years of holding a temporary residence permit in Denmark. In certain circumstances, the threshold is reduced to four years. If you fulfil all four supplementary conditions — relating to income, language ability, employment history, and knowledge of Danish society — you may be eligible to apply after just four years of lawful residence. All applications must be submitted through nyidanmark.dk.

What income threshold must a sponsor meet for family reunification in Denmark?

A person in Denmark who is sponsoring a family reunification application must demonstrate that their average annual income has exceeded DKK 331,249.35 (at the 2025 level) over the two years preceding the point at which approval would be granted. This threshold is subject to periodic review, so always check nyidanmark.dk for the figure currently in force. Both the sponsor and the applicant are also required to meet additional integration conditions.

What should I do if my Danish visa or residence permit application is refused?

Begin by reading the refusal letter with care to understand exactly which grounds form the basis of the decision. In many cases, you will have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet), and the refusal notice will typically set out the procedure and deadline for lodging an appeal. Depending on the reasons for refusal, it may also be possible to reapply. Given the complexity of Danish immigration law, seeking professional advice from a qualified immigration lawyer before appealing or submitting a fresh application is strongly recommended.