Start My Assessment

← All countries

Denmark

Start My Assessment

At a glance

Living index rating
Expensive
Monthly rent
DKK 3,500 – DKK 6,000 for a room (Copenhagen DKK 4,500 – DKK 9,000)
Monthly food
DKK 1,800 – DKK 3,000
Other monthly expenses
DKK 1,500 – DKK 2,500 (transport, phone, utilities, personal)
Visa processing time
About 2 months
Family allowed for students
Limited

Visa requirements

  • Residence permit for higher education, applied for with SIRI after your university starts the case
  • Admission to a state-approved higher education programme and proof that tuition is paid
  • Proof of funds: DKK 7,426 a month in 2026 (up to DKK 89,112 for 12 months)
  • Biometrics at a Danish mission or VFS centre
  • Work up to 20 hours a week, and full-time in June, July and August

Work permit after studies

  • Residence permit for job seeking after graduating: for bachelor's and master's students who apply from 1 October 2026, this is cut from 3 years to 1 year
  • PhD graduates can still get up to 3 years
  • Once employed, switch to a work permit such as the Pay Limit Scheme or Positive List

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence usually after 8 years of continuous legal residence (4 in some cases), with Danish language, work and self-support requirements
  • Citizenship normally after 9 years of continuous residence, with a Danish language and citizenship test

Family details

  • For bachelor's and master's students who apply from 1 October 2026, accompanying family members can no longer get residence permits
  • PhD students can still bring a spouse/partner and children, who can work
  • Family of students in non-state-approved programmes have been excluded since May 2025

Universities in Denmark

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (30), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.