Thinking about moving to Denmark in 2026? Whether you’re drawn to Copenhagen’s design-driven lifestyle, Aarhus’s cultural scene, or Denmark’s strong work-life balance, the country offers several visa options for expats, students, workers, and entrepreneurs.

While Denmark’s visa rules can seem detailed, this guide explains everything you need to know before making your move, from short visits to long-term residency.

Visa requirements for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens

If you’re from an EU or EEA country, or Switzerland, moving to Denmark is relatively simple. Freedom of movement within the EU allows you to live, work, and study in Denmark without applying for a visa.

What this means

• No visa required: Enter Denmark with a valid passport or national ID.

• Staying longer than 3 months: Register your stay at a State Administration (Statsforvaltningen) office and obtain an EU residence document.

• Work freedom: You can work or start a business immediately without a work permit.

Visa options for non-Europeans

If you’re not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you’ll need to apply for a visa or residence permit depending on your plans. Below are the main visa types for 2026.

1. Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa – Type C)

Who it’s for: Tourists, business visitors, or short-term travelers staying up to 90 days within any 180-day period across Schengen countries.

Requirements:

• Valid passport (3 months beyond your stay)

• Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds

• Return flight ticket

• Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage)

Duration: Up to 90 days, non-renewable.

How to apply: Submit through the Danish Embassy or VFS Global in your home country.

2. Work Visa (Residence and Work Permit)

Who it’s for: Non-EU citizens with a job offer from a Danish employer.

Main schemes include:

• Pay Limit Scheme: For jobs with annual salaries above DKK 448,000 (~€60,000).

• Positive List Scheme: For professionals in shortage occupations (IT, engineering, healthcare, etc.).

• Fast-Track Scheme: For employees of certified Danish companies who need to relocate quickly.

Requirements:

• Signed job offer from a Danish company.

• Salary and conditions matching Danish standards.

• Valid passport, health insurance, and proof of housing.

Duration: Usually valid for 2 years, renewable.

3. Digital Nomad Visa (expected in 2026)

Who it’s for: Remote workers employed by companies outside Denmark or self-employed freelancers with international clients.

Expected requirements:

• Proof of remote employment or freelance activity.

• Minimum monthly income (expected DKK 30,000–35,000 / €4,000–€4,700).

• Health insurance valid in Denmark.

• Proof of accommodation and clean criminal record.

Duration: Expected to be 1 year, renewable once.

Note: Denmark’s upcoming digital nomad scheme is designed to attract high-earning professionals seeking a base in Northern Europe, with access to Denmark’s digital infrastructure and quality of life.

4. Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)

Who it’s for: Non-EU students accepted into accredited Danish universities or higher education institutions.

Requirements:

• Official acceptance letter from a Danish university.

• Proof of financial means (approx. DKK 7,000–8,000 per month).

• Health insurance and valid passport.

• Proof of accommodation.

Duration: Matches the length of your study program and renewable yearly.

After graduation: Students can apply for a job-seeking residence permit to remain in Denmark for up to 3 years while looking for work.

5. Family Reunification Visa

Who it’s for: Spouses, partners, or children of Danish citizens or residents.

Requirements:

• Proof of marriage or partnership (minimum 24 years old rule applies for spouses).

• Proof of housing and sufficient income from the Danish sponsor.

• Language and integration requirements (A1 level Danish, in most cases).

Duration: Granted for up to 2 years, renewable.

6. Startup Denmark Visa (Entrepreneur Residence Scheme)

Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas looking to launch a company in Denmark.

Requirements:

• Approved business plan by the Startup Denmark panel.

• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your business (minimum DKK 140,000–200,000).

• Valid passport and health insurance.

Duration: 2 years, renewable for an additional 3 years.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to bring dependents.

• Access to Denmark’s startup ecosystem and EU market.

7. Permanent Residence and Citizenship

After spending several years in Denmark, you may be eligible for permanent residence or citizenship.

• Permanent residence: After 5 years of continuous legal stay (8 years for some categories).

• Requirements:

  • Stable income and employment.

  • Clean criminal record.

  • Passing Danish language and integration tests.

• Citizenship: Usually possible after 9 years of residence.

  • Must demonstrate integration and language proficiency (Danish Level 3).

  • Dual citizenship has been allowed under Danish law since 2015.

Required documentation for Danish visas

Most visa and residence applications include:

• Completed online application via nyidanmark.dk

• Valid passport (6+ months beyond stay)

• Recent passport-size photos

• Proof of income or financial means

• Proof of accommodation

• Health insurance

• Police clearance certificate

• Visa-specific documents (e.g., job offer, business plan, or admission letter)

Visa costs in Denmark (2026 estimates)

Note: Fees are non-refundable and may vary by nationality and currency rates.

Final notes on Danish visas

Denmark combines Scandinavian efficiency with a strong sense of balance, excellent healthcare, progressive work policies, and a high standard of living.

Though applying for a Danish visa can take time, 2026 sees more streamlined online systems through nyidanmark.dk, making applications easier and faster.

Whether you’re working in Copenhagen’s tech industry, studying at a top-tier university, or running a startup in Aarhus, Denmark offers a clear and structured path for expats who want to settle in Northern Europe. 

Start early, prepare your paperwork carefully, and embrace life in one of the happiest countries in the world.