March 13th, 2025 at 05:41 am

Denmark Tightens Student Visa Regulations to Prevent Employment Fraud

Denmark has recently announced stricter regulations for student visa holders from non-EU/EEA countries. This significant policy change aims to prevent the misuse of student residence permits for labor migration. The Danish Minister of Immigration and Integration, Kaare Dybvad Bek, introduced these new measures to ensure that foreign students prioritize their educational goals.

New Policy Changes

The Danish government has recognized a troubling trend among international students, particularly those from Nepal. Many of these students enroll in Danish institutions primarily to access the labor market, often taking low-wage jobs in sectors like hospitality. This focus on employment undermines their academic pursuits. To combat this trend, the government has proposed several key changes:

• Elimination of Automatic Work Rights: Non-EU/EEA students will no longer enjoy automatic work rights tied to their residence permits. This change aims to ensure that education remains the primary focus.
• Restricted Work Permits for Partners: The spouses or partners of student visa holders will no longer be eligible for work permits in Denmark. This measure seeks to limit the avenues through which individuals might exploit student visas.
• Stronger Screening Process: The Danish Immigration Service will implement stricter assessments for student visa applicants. This process will help confirm that students genuinely intend to pursue their studies.

These adjustments aim to protect the integrity of Denmark’s education system and prevent wage suppression in local job markets.

Denmark Study Visas for International Students Available in 2025

Despite these new restrictions, Denmark offers various study visa options for international students. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Residence Permit for Higher Education

• Duration: Valid for the full length of the study program (up to 3-4 years for bachelor’s degrees and 2 years for master’s degrees).
• Eligibility: Students must be accepted into a recognized higher education program. They must also demonstrate sufficient financial means (approximately DKK 6,397 per month) and have health insurance.
• Fee: DKK 1,890 (~EUR 250).
• Allowed Working Hours: Students can work 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during June, July, and August.

2. Residence Permit for Preparatory Courses

• Duration: Up to 2 years.
• Eligibility: Enrollment in preparatory courses that lead to higher education admission is required. Students must also provide financial proof and insurance.
• Fee: DKK 1,890.
• Allowed Working Hours: Students can work 20 hours per week.

3. PhD Study Permit

• Duration: Valid for the duration of the PhD program.
• Eligibility: Admission to a Danish university’s PhD program and financial proof and insurance are necessary.
• Fee: DKK 1,890.
• Allowed Working Hours: Students may work unlimited hours if classified as employment; otherwise, they may work 20 hours per week.

Impact on International Students

These policy changes may affect prospective students who rely on part-time work to support themselves. Nevertheless, students genuinely committed to their education can still benefit immensely from Denmark’s high-quality institutions and robust research opportunities. This environment fosters academic growth while maintaining the integrity of the educational system.