Denmark : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa or work permit?

European Union (EU) citizens are allowed to live, work and study in Denmark with a visa or work permit. However, you must apply for a residence permit with the state county within three months of entry, and provide proof of employment or income.

How do I apply for a visa?

Rules for Danish visas, work permits, or residence permits are very clearly organised and precise. Applications for work permits must be initiated and submitted only through Danish diplomatic missions (embassies or selected general consulates) in either the home or legal country.

It is important to note that Greenland and the Faroe Islands are a part of Denmark but not part of the EU, so a work permit will be required for employment in these areas.

With the enlargement of the EU, the above policies may not yet be applicable to citizens of some new EU member states. If you are from a country that recently joined the EU, some restrictions on work permits may apply. You should contact the Danish Embassy in your home country for more information.

Information is also available from The Danish Immigration Service, the British Embassy in Denmark and the Work in Denmark website.

If you are from a non-EU country, contact the Danish embassy in the country where you are currently residing. If you are living in the UK, go to the Embassy of Denmark, London.

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Denmark.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

As a general rule, you must have a residence permit before arriving in Denmark. The Danish Immigration Service recommends that you apply two-three months before arriving in Denmark.

Your application should be sent to the Danish mission in your country of origin or the country where you have lived for the last three months. You can get the application form from the Danish mission or The Danish Immigration Service.