Basic and youth study programmes

If you are a Nordic citizen, you are free to reside, study and work in Denmark. If you are an EU/EEA citizen or Swiss citizen seeking residence in Denmark based on the EU rules on freedom of movement, you may be subject to special regulations. More information about EU/EEA and Nordic citizens.

Conditions 

In order to be granted a residence permit you must document:

• That you are enrolled in a basic or youth study programme which has been approved by a state authority or which is offered by a publicly accredited institute of learning.
• That you can support yourself for the duration of your stay in Denmark.
• That you can speak and understand the language of instruction and have a working knowledge of either Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German.
• That you have been given parental/guardian consent if you are under the age of 18.
• That the place of study will assist in ensuring proper residence and study conditions if you are under the age of 18.

Highschool programmes

In order to be granted a residence permit for one school year at a highschool (or equivalent), you must meet one of the following conditions:

• Your stay must have been arranged by a student exchange organisation.
• Your year in Denmark must be the continuation of a highschool programme already started in your country of origin.
• You are applying to follow the first year of highshool and can document that you will continue the programme in your country of origin.

Duration

If you are to follow a basic or youth study programme you will be granted a residence permit for a maximum of one year.

It is a condition for the residence permit that you are active and enrolled in the study programme. If this is not the case, the Immigration Service can revoke your residence permit. The school is obliged to inform the Immigration Service if you are not actively following the programme.

In special cases – e.g. extended sickness during your stay or strong family ties to Denmark – your residence permit may be extended by one year.

If you have previously been granted a residence permit for a year for the purpose of following a basic or youth study programme, you cannot be granted an extension of your residence permit in order to complete the programme.

Family members

Normally, you cannot bring your family to Denmark. Only in very special cases will the Immigration Service grant a residence permit to your spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner, or any children under the age of 18 who are living at home with you. In this case, your family members must be able to support themselves and you must live together in Denmark at the same address. Your spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner is allowed to work full-time for the entire period his/her permit is valid.

Work

As a student at a basic or youth study programme you will only be granted a work permit in special situations, e.g. if you would benefit educationally or professionally from a paid or unpaid trainee period. The job must have an educational purpose, and the work permit will only be valid for a specific place of employment.

If you are under the age of 18 you will only be eligible for a work permit if you have a written offer or contract for a specific job, and if the employer confirms to the Immigration Service that Danish workplace environment legislation is being upheld.

If you work illegally in Denmark, you risk deportation, and you and your employer risk fine or imprisonment.

You can read more about how to apply here.