Denmark Tightens Rules for Foreign Students: Work and Family Visa Access Limited for Non-Approved Courses
Starting May 2, 2025, Denmark has enforced new immigration rules that significantly limit the rights of international students enrolled in non-state-approved higher education programmes. These students will no longer be eligible for limited work permits, post-study job search stays, or the right to bring accompanying family members.
The move follows an amendment to the Executive Order on residence and work permits issued by Denmark’s Ministry of Immigration and Integration on April 30, 2025.
Under the revised regulation:
- Students must be admitted to a publicly accredited educational institution.
- The programme must be state-approved or evaluated positively by the Danish Evaluation Institute for a residence permit to be granted.
- Students enrolled in non-state-approved programmes, as of May 2, 2025, will not receive:
- A limited work permit during their studies
- A 6-month post-study job search visa
- The right to bring family members to Denmark
The policy aims to prioritize genuine academic intent and ensure immigration routes are not misused under the guise of education.
Who Is Affected?
These restrictions apply only to new applicants from May 2, 2025 onward. Students and their families who were:
- Already enrolled or had applied for a residence permit before May 2
- Or who apply for extensions of existing permits
will retain their current rights, including working part-time, staying in Denmark post-study for job searches, and being accompanied by family.
The Danish government stated that these changes are intended to protect the integrity of the student visa programme and enhance the quality of international education in the country.
