Denmark Restricts Work Permits and Family Visas for Certain International Students

Denmark has implemented new restrictions on specific international students. These changes affect those in non-state-approved programs, starting May 2, 2025. The rules remove access to work permits and family reunification. This marks a shift toward stricter immigration control and enforcement measures.

Denmark recently implemented changes to its immigration policies. The changes specifically affect students from third countries. These students must be enrolled in non-state-approved higher education programs. These new regulations, effective May 2, 2025, have significant implications.

They affect prospective international students and their families. They impact those planning to study, live, and work in Denmark.

What’s Changing Under the New Rules?

Under the updated regulation, international students will face several restrictions. These students must be enrolled in non-approved institutions to be affected. The Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration has outlined these changes.

• Limited Work Permits: Previously, some international students could work a limited number of hours. This was allowed alongside their studies, providing valuable experience. This option is now revoked for the specified group of students.
• No Six-Month Job Search Stay: Graduates from Danish higher education programs often receive six months. This allows them to seek employment within the country after graduation. This benefit will no longer apply to students from non-approved institutions.
• No Right to Bring Family Members: Students in non-approved programs can no longer bring their families. Spouses, partners, or children cannot live with them in Denmark. This is a significant change under the new immigration rules.

These amendments are formalized through an update. This update is to the ‘Executive Order on the granting of residence and work permits to students’. The Ministry of Immigration and Integration published it to clarify the new rules.

Who Is Affected by the New Danish Student Visa Rules?

These changes impact third-country nationals, specifically students from outside the EU/EEA. They must also be enrolled in non-state-approved programs to be affected. However, students who applied for or received their residence permits before May 2, 2025, are exempt. According to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), these students will:

• Retain their limited work permit, allowing them to continue working.
• Remain eligible for the six-month post-study job search and stay in Denmark.
• Still be allowed to bring their families to Denmark under existing rules.
• They can also continue applying for extensions under the previous rules, ensuring stability.

Why Denmark Is Tightening Student Visa Regulations

Denmark has long been a popular destination for international students globally. However, recent concerns have prompted this significant shift in policy. Reports have emerged of foreign students facing challenges. Students, particularly from Nepal, are being exploited in various ways.

These students are often employed in low-paid and exploitative jobs, raising concerns. Some students are also using student permits improperly. They are staying irregularly in the country or elsewhere in the Schengen Zone.

These issues have led to criticism over loopholes in the student visa system overall. Danish authorities now aim to grant work permits only to students. These students must have genuine academic intentions and goals.

What This Means for Prospective Students

If you’re considering studying in Denmark, here’s what you need to keep in mind. Carefully consider these factors before making any decisions.

• Choose a state-approved program before you apply for your visa.
• Submit your application well before the new policy deadlines take effect.
• Prepare for stricter checks on your study plans and academic records.
• Ensure you can demonstrate financial stability throughout your studies.
• Family reunification may no longer be an option for certain programs.

Denmark Updates Positive List with More In-Demand Jobs

If the recent visa restrictions don’t apply to you, there’s some good news available. Denmark has updated its Positive List, expanding opportunities for foreign professionals. These opportunities span various sectors, such as healthcare and IT. Engineering, construction, agriculture, and administration are also included. The list is divided into two main categories for clarity.

• Positive List for Skilled Work—Targets roles that require technical training.
• Positive List for Higher Education—Includes positions that require a degree.

Final Thoughts

Denmark’s 2025 visa rule changes reflect a growing trend across Europe overall. Stricter immigration controls are being implemented for non-EU students. This is in response to system abuse and misuse of student visas. For aspiring international students, this highlights the importance of choosing credible institutions. Staying updated on evolving immigration policies is also crucial.

If you’re planning to study in Denmark, research thoroughly and act early. This is particularly important if you’re considering a program. Ensure the program falls under state approval for visa eligibility.