Aside from ranking among the happiest countries in the world, Denmark is home to excellent universities offering various programs. Students who choose Denmark for their studies can also experience the country’s culture and people.
One of the things that you may need to prepare for is obtaining a Danish residence permit for study. If you plan to study in Denmark for more than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you will generally need to apply for a residence permit. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens follow the EU residence-document rules instead. A short-stay visa and a residence permit are not the same document. Because this article focuses on the residence-permit process for students in higher education, we will use the term “residence permit” throughout.
In this article, we will discuss the cost, required documents, and steps for applying for a residence permit. The normal processing time for a higher-education study permit is currently two months, so create a realistic timeline before your intended travel date.
Steps on Applying for a Danish Student Visa
Before applying for a student residence permit, you must be admitted to a full-time higher educational program in Denmark or an eligible preparatory course linked to a higher educational program. A residence permit is not granted for part-time study. If you have not chosen your place of study yet, you can check some Danish universities such as the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Copenhagen, and others.
After being admitted to an eligible program, you can begin your residence-permit application.
Step 1. Start Your Online Application and Pay the Processing Fee
For the higher-education route discussed in this article, residence-permit applications are processed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Before submitting your application, create a case order ID and pay the case-processing fee through the official New to Denmark website.
Keep your payment receipt or a bank statement showing the payment. The payment status displayed on the website is not accepted as proof of payment.
Step 2. Complete the Required Documents
Gather the required documents before completing the ST1 application. If a document is not written in English or Danish, you must also submit a certified translation into English or Danish. The normal processing time for a higher-education study permit is currently two months if you submit the relevant documentation.
| STUDENT RESIDENCE-PERMIT REQUIREMENTS (DENMARK) |
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- Documentation that you paid the SIRI case-processing fee, such as a payment receipt or bank statement
- A copy of all pages of your passport, including empty pages and the front and back covers
- Documentation showing that you can support yourself during your stay in Denmark. The required disposable amount is DKK 7,426 per month at the 2026 level, up to a maximum of DKK 89,112 for 12 months. If you have already paid tuition for the first semester, the tuition payment can be accepted as documentation of sufficient funds.
- If you are a guest or exchange student, documentation showing that you are enrolled at an educational institution in your home country
- If you are under 18 years old:
- A declaration of consent signed by both parents
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Copies of the data pages in your parents’ passports
- A signed and stamped declaration from the educational institution confirming that it will ensure proper residence and study conditions
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You must also be able to speak and understand the language of instruction well enough to participate actively in your courses. SIRI or the local diplomatic mission may request additional documents depending on your circumstances and the place where you submit your application.
Step 3. Answer the ST1 Form
After completing the previous steps, fill out the ST1 form. This is the application for a Danish residence and work permit for students. You can complete the ST1 form online or use a printable version. Your educational institution must also complete part of the application.
If you choose the online ST1 form, your educational institution must complete the first of the two parts. You will receive an email when the institution has completed its part. Use the link in that email and sign up with the same email address to access your part of the application. Prepare digital copies of your documents so that you can attach them to the online form. If you choose the printable ST1 form, your educational institution must complete part two. Submit both completed parts together with the required documents.
Step 4. Submission of ST1 Form
If you complete the online application, it is submitted electronically. If you use the printable ST1 form and apply from abroad, submit the application to a Danish diplomatic mission or application center in the country where you reside. In some countries, you may be referred to a Norwegian mission that represents Denmark or to the nearest Danish diplomatic mission or application center in the region. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ where-to-apply page for the appropriate location.
Before submitting your documents, visit the local diplomatic mission’s website to check whether it has additional requirements, such as extra fees, passport photos, or copies of your application. If you are legally residing in Denmark, you can normally submit a printable application at one of SIRI’s branch offices by appointment or send it to SIRI.
Step 5. Record Your Biometrics
When applying for a residence permit, you must have your biometric features recorded. This involves having a facial photo taken and your fingerprints recorded. If you submit a printable application in person abroad, your biometrics are generally recorded when you submit the application. If you submit an online application, you must have your biometrics recorded no later than 14 days after submitting the application. You can do this at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad or one of SIRI’s branch offices.
If you cannot have your biometrics recorded within 14 days because you are unable to book an appointment at a Danish diplomatic mission, inform SIRI of the scheduled appointment date. This can help you avoid having your application rejected.
Step 6. Wait for the Results
After completing the previous steps, wait for the result. The normal processing time for a higher-education study permit is currently two months. If SIRI needs additional information to process your case, it may contact you or your educational institution directly.
If you have MitID, you can view the status of certain residence-permit cases through My Page.
Step 7. Get the Results
If your residence-permit application is successful, you will receive a decision informing you that your application has been granted. If you need a visa to travel to Denmark, you will be granted a visa that allows you to enter Denmark with your permit.
If SIRI refuses your application, follow the appeal instructions in the decision letter. Appeals against SIRI’s first-instance decisions on study residence permits are submitted to the Immigration Appeals Board. You must generally create a new case order ID, pay the applicable appeal fee unless you are exempt, and submit the appeal within eight weeks of receiving the decision. You can read more on the official appeals page.
FAQs: Student Visa Applications for Denmark
How Much is the Visa Issuance Fee for a Student Visa?
The main fee discussed in this article is the SIRI case-processing fee for a study permit, rather than a visa-issuance fee. The normal SIRI fee for a study permit is DKK 3,060 at the 2026 rate. Check the official fee overview before applying because fee rates can change.
If you submit your documents and biometrics abroad, additional charges may apply. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently lists a standard embassy or consulate handling fee of DKK 1,875 for residence-permit applications submitted abroad. A Visa Application Center, such as VFS Global, may also charge a separate service fee. Check the relevant diplomatic mission’s website for the charges and procedures that apply to your location.
How Long is the Processing Time for a Danish Student Visa?
The normal processing time for a higher-education study permit is currently two months. Apply in good time before your intended travel date and allow additional time to gather documents, complete the ST1 form, and attend any required appointment. If you apply from outside Denmark and need a visa to travel, you must normally wait until your residence permit has been granted before traveling to Denmark.
Moving to Denmark for your studies requires preparation. Create a timeline for your application so that you can gather the required documents and complete each step on time. Starting early can help make your transition smoother.
We hope this article on how to get a student residence permit in Denmark was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check our Study in Denmark guide and Available Programs in Europe for more valuable tips and scholarship opportunities!
