Denmark Changes Student Visa Rules for 2025: What You Must Know

Denmark has recently made important changes to its immigration policy that will directly affect many international students. These changes came into effect on May 2, 2025, and are especially important for students from non-EU/EEA countries who are studying in higher education programmes that are not officially approved by the Danish state.

If you are planning to study in Denmark, or are already studying there, it is very important to understand these new rules. They could affect your ability to work, stay in Denmark after graduation, and even live with your family during your studies.

Denmark’s new immigration policy has made it harder for some international students, especially those in non-approved programmes. The government wants to stop the misuse of student visas and make sure that only genuine students come to the country.

Let’s take a closer look at the new rules, who they apply to, and what they mean for your future in Denmark.

What Are the New Rules for Student Visa?

The new immigration rules were announced by the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration. They only apply to international students from third countries (countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area) who are studying in higher education programmes that are not state-approved.

Before May 2, 2025, students in these programmes had several rights, including the ability to work part-time, stay in Denmark after graduation to look for a job, and bring their families with them. However, all of that has now changed.

Here are the key updates:

No More Part-Time Work

International students in non-approved programmes can no longer work part-time during their studies. Before, they were allowed to work for a certain number of hours each week, which helped them support themselves financially. With this change, students may face more financial pressure, especially in a country like Denmark where the cost of living is quite high.

No Post-Graduation Job Search Period

Previously, graduates from higher education institutions were allowed to stay in Denmark for six months after finishing their studies to search for a job. This six-month period gave students time to find work and apply for a work visa. Now, if you graduate from a non-approved programme, you must leave Denmark immediately after your studies end.

No Family Reunification

Under the old rules, students could apply to bring their spouse, partner, or children with them while studying in Denmark. Now, students in non-approved programmes do not have this option anymore. This means you must study in Denmark alone unless you are in an approved course.

These new restrictions are written in the updated version of the Executive Order concerning residence and work permits for students, issued by the Ministry of Immigration and Integration.

Who Will Be Affected by the Changes?

The new rules will affect non-EU/EEA students who either plan to start or are currently enrolled in academic programmes that are not officially recognized by the Danish government.

However, there is some good news for students who already applied or got their residence permits before May 2, 2025. According to SIRI (The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration), these students are not affected by the new rules. They can:

Keep their existing limited work permits
Stay in Denmark for six months after graduation to look for a job
Bring their family members under the current family reunification rules
Extend their residence permits based on the previous policies

So, if you are already studying in Denmark and have your permit before the deadline, your situation does not change.

Why Did Denmark Make These Changes?

The Danish government explained that the new rules are designed to prevent the misuse of student visas. In recent years, reports have shown that some students, especially from countries like Nepal, have been using student visas to enter Denmark but not actually study.

Some problems that were reported include:

Underpaid or illegal jobs – Some students were found working in very poor conditions or being paid less than the legal minimum.
Fake enrollments – Some students did not attend classes and were instead using their visa to stay in Denmark or travel in the Schengen Area.
Irregular stays – Others used their student visa as a way to stay in Europe without following proper immigration procedures.

These issues have made the government more cautious. The new policy aims to make sure that student visas are only used by people who are genuinely coming to study in Denmark.

Advice for Future International Students

If you are planning to apply for a student visa in Denmark, you should be very careful and follow the new guidelines. Here are some important tips to help you:

Choose a State-Approved Programme

Make sure the programme you are applying to is officially approved by the Danish government. You can find this information on the websites of Danish universities or contact SIRI directly for help.

Apply Before Rule Changes Take Effect (If Possible)

If you are still in the planning stage and the rules are about to change, try to submit your application before the new rules begin. This way, you may still qualify for the previous rights.

Prepare Strong Documents

You should prepare documents that show your academic background, your financial ability to live in Denmark, and your plans for the future. This will help immigration officers see that you are a serious student.

Understand the Limits on Family Reunification

If you plan to bring your family with you, you must be enrolled in a programme that is approved by the Danish government. Otherwise, you cannot apply for family reunification.

Still Some Opportunities: Denmark’s Positive List

Even though the new rules make it harder for some students, Denmark is still welcoming skilled workers in certain areas. The government has updated its Positive List, which shows job sectors that have a shortage of workers.

If you have the right skills or plan to study in one of these areas, you may have a good chance to stay and work in Denmark legally.

The Positive List is divided into two main categories:

Skilled Work

This is for jobs that require vocational training or technical qualifications. Some examples include:

Construction workers
Electricians
Mechanics
Agricultural workers

Higher Education

This is for jobs that need a university degree. Examples include:

Doctors and nurses
IT specialists
Engineers
Teachers
Architects
Financial experts

If you graduate in one of these fields, you may be able to apply for a work permit and stay in Denmark. This could be a good option for those who want to live and work in the country after studying.