Denmark Visa: A Guide to Obtaining Your Visa

Denmark is known for its high quality of life, strong economy, and excellent healthcare system, making it a popular destination for expats, students, and professionals. Whether you are visiting for tourism, studying, working, or seeking residency, you will likely need a visa or residence permit to stay in Denmark legally.

This guide explains the types of visas, requirements, application process, and costs for foreigners looking to enter Denmark.

1. Types of Visas for Denmark

A. Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa)

• For tourism, business, or family visits.
• Valid for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Allows travel to all Schengen countries.

Who needs a Schengen Visa?

• Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries (e.g., India, China, South Africa) need a visa.
• Those from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for short stays.

B. Long-Stay Visa & Residence Permits (More than 90 Days)

If you plan to stay in Denmark for more than 90 days, you need a residence permit based on:

1. Work Visa – For employment in Denmark.
2. Study Visa – For university students and researchers.
3. Family Reunification – If you have a Danish spouse or close family.
4. Startup Visa – For entrepreneurs starting a business in Denmark.
5. Permanent Residency – For long-term residents who qualify.

2. Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa) Application Process

A. Requirements

To apply for a Schengen visa for Denmark, you need:
✅ A valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after departure).
✅ Completed visa application form.
✅ Passport-size photos (meeting Schengen visa photo requirements).
✅ Travel itinerary & flight reservations.
✅ Show proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter, or rental agreement).
✅ Proof of sufficient funds (€50 per day of stay).
✅ Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses.

B. How to Apply

1. Determine your visa type (Tourist, Business, Family Visit, etc.).
2. Book an appointment at the Danish Embassy/Consulate or a Visa Application Center (VFS Global).
3. Submit your application and biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
4. Pay the visa fee (see costs below).
5. Wait for processing (typically 15 days, but can take longer).

C. Schengen Visa Fees

3. Denmark Long-Stay Visa & Residence Permits

If you plan to live, work, or study in Denmark for more than 90 days, you need a residence permit.

A. Work Visa

Once you have a job offer in Denmark, you can apply for a work visa. Common work visas include:

• Positive List Visa – For professionals in high-demand fields (IT, healthcare, engineering).
• Pay Limit Scheme Visa – For those earning at least DKK 448,000 (€60,000) per year.
• Fast Track Visa – For skilled workers in companies certified by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment.

✅ Processing Time: 1-3 months
✅ Visa Fee: €300 – €500

B. Study Visa

For students accepted into Danish universities.
✅ Proof of admission to a recognized institution.
✅ Show proof of financial means (~DKK 6,397/month or €850).
✅ Health insurance.
✅ Visa Fee: €250 – €350

C. Family Reunification

For spouses, children, or parents of Danish residents.
✅ Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate).
✅ Danish language skills may be required for spouses.
✅ Visa Fee: €800 – €1,000
✅ Processing Time: 6-12 months

D. Startup Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)

For entrepreneurs starting a business in Denmark.
✅ Business plan approval from Danish Business Authority.
✅ Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
✅ Visa Fee: €2,000 – €3,000
✅ Processing Time: 3-6 months

E. Permanent Residency & Citizenship

After 8 years of legal residence (or 4 years if married to a Dane), you can apply for permanent residency.

• Must have a clean criminal record.
• Pass the Danish language test.
• Financial stability is required.

After 9 years, you may apply for Danish citizenship (dual citizenship is allowed).

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I work in Denmark with a Schengen Visa?

No, a Schengen Visa does not allow employment. You need a work visa.

2. How long does it take to get a Danish visa?

• Schengen Visa: ~15 days.
• Work/Study Visa: 1-3 months.
• Family Reunification: 6-12 months.

3. Is it possible to apply for a Denmark visa from my home country?

Yes, you can apply at the Danish Embassy or Visa Application Center (VFS Global) in your country.

4. Do I need a visa if I am from the USA, Canada, or the UK?

• For short stays (under 90 days): No visa required.
• For long stays (over 90 days): You need a residence permit.

5. Can I get residency by buying property in Denmark?

No, Denmark does not offer residency or citizenship through property investment.

5. Conclusion

Denmark offers several visa options depending on your purpose of travel. Whether you are visiting for tourism, work, study, or family reunification, ensure you meet the requirements and deadlines for a smooth application process.

• Schengen Visa is ideal for short visits (up to 90 days).
• Work, Study, and Family Visas are required for long-term stays.
• Residency and citizenship require years of legal residence and language skills.

For up-to-date information, visit the official website of the Danish Immigration Service:
👉 https://www.nyidanmark.dk/Need help with your visa? Contact your nearest Danish Embassy or Consulate. 🚀

Our Directory

Get access to our directory to connect with real estate professionals who have been recommended by expats just like you and verified by our team. You will also gain access to our network of verified visa/residency facilitators, lawyers and other professionals recommended by expats and verified by our team.

Use our database to find visa facilitators, real estate agents, and recommended professionals. You will also have the ability to book a time to meet with our expats on the ground. These are individuals just like you who have gone through the immigration process and have been living in your desired country or city.

During these sessions, you can discuss every small detail related to the moving process. It’s like having a trusted friend everywhere you go. Whether you want to plan a short trip, need help finding an apartment, or you want some advice on moving to a particular city, they can help. This is a great way to meet someone with a similar background to help you achieve any of your goals.

Hire A Hero

Additionally, you will be given access to book a meeting with our network of expats just like you, living all over the world, who can share their experience of moving to your desired country, step-by-step. It’s like having a trusted friend in each city of the world to help answer your biggest questions. Some of these individuals may charge an hourly rate for their advice. This is an excellent way to speak to people who share your common background to help you decide which country or city you should move to.