Denmark: Tightens Work and Family Rights for Some Students

Key Points

• Effective May 2, 2025, third-country students in non-state-approved higher education programs in Denmark will no longer be eligible for work permits, job search stays, or family reunification visas.
• The change does not affect current permit holders or those who submitted their applications before May 2, 2025.
• The reform aims to ensure that residence permits are granted only to students enrolled in educational programs approved by Danish authorities.

Overview

Denmark has implemented new regulations affecting student residence permits for third-country nationals (i.e., non-EU/EEA and non-Nordic citizens). Beginning May 2, 2025, students enrolled in non-state-approved higher education programs will no longer be eligible for ancillary benefits such as part-time work permits, post-study job search stays, or family reunification options.

This change is part of Denmark’s broader effort to strengthen immigration control and ensure that educational residence permits are only granted to individuals with legitimate academic intentions. The move targets explicitly institutions and programs that have not received official approval or accreditation by the Danish government.

Students who submitted their residence permit applications before the May 2 deadline will remain unaffected. They will retain their current entitlements, including the right to work part-time during studies, stay in Denmark post-graduation for job search purposes, and sponsor accompanying family members.

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) advises educational institutions and prospective students to verify whether a given program is state-approved before applying for a study-based residence permit.

Looking Ahead

Institutions offering non-approved programs may see a drop in international student enrollment, particularly from outside the EU. Employers, universities, and relocation specialists should stay informed about the programs that qualify under the new criteria to provide accurate guidance to prospective students.

Danish authorities may issue further clarifications regarding transitional arrangements, especially for programs under review.

Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor updates from SIRI and consult immigration counsel to ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape.