Denmark Restricts Work Permits and Family Visas for Foreign Students in New Rules

By Daniel May 9, 2025
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In a significant policy shift, Denmark has banned work permits and accompanying family visas for international students enrolled in non-state-approved higher education programmes. The move, effective from 2 May 2025, forms part of a wider effort by Danish authorities to ensure that residence permits are granted only to students with genuine academic intentions.

Under the new rules, foreign nationals pursuing studies at educational institutions not officially recognised by the Danish state or the Danish Evaluation Institute will no longer be eligible for limited work rights, post-study job search stays, or the ability to bring accompanying family members. These changes stem from an amendment to the Executive Order on study programmes for international students, published by the Ministry of Immigration and Integration on 30 April 2025.

To be granted a residence permit going forward, students must be enrolled in a publicly accredited institution and the course must be approved by a recognised state authority. This effectively disqualifies many private institutions and foreign-affiliated programmes operating in Denmark without formal state accreditation.

Students who applied for a residence permit before 2 May 2025 are not affected by the new rules. Those currently enrolled in non-state-approved programmes will retain their rights, including work permits, a six-month job search stay upon graduation, and family reunification, even if they seek to extend their residence permits after the deadline.

Denmark’s government has defended the changes as necessary to curb misuse of the student visa system and to prioritise educational quality and integration. “The purpose of the amendment is to ensure residence permits are granted to international students who are genuinely committed to studying in Denmark,” the Ministry stated.

The decision has sparked concern among education consultants and students globally, especially from countries with growing interest in Denmark as a study destination. With the country tightening rules, international students may now look toward alternative European destinations offering more flexible post-study rights.

This move underscores Denmark’s evolving immigration stance and its focus on maintaining the integrity of its higher education and labour systems.

Source: FINANCIAL EXPRESS

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