Denmark Introduces Stricter Student Visa Rules to Combat Employment Fraud

In a significant policy shift, Denmark has announced stricter regulations for student visa holders from non-EU/EEA countries, aiming to curb the misuse of student residence permits for labor migration. The new measures, introduced by the Danish Minister of Immigration and Integration, Kaare Dybvad Bek, focus on preventing foreign students from using educational visas primarily for employment purposes.

New Policy Changes

The Danish government has identified a growing trend where international students, particularly from Nepal, enroll in Danish institutions mainly to gain access to the labor market. These students are often engaged in low-wage jobs, such as hotel and restaurant cleaning, rather than prioritizing their studies. To address this issue, the government has proposed the following changes:

• • Elimination of Automatic Work Rights: Non-EU/EEA students will no longer have automatic work rights linked to their residence permits.
  • Restricted Work Permits for Partners: The spouses or partners of these students will no longer be eligible for a work permit in Denmark.
  • Stronger Screening Process: The Danish Immigration Service will implement stricter assessments to ensure that students are genuinely pursuing education rather than primarily seeking employment.

These changes are intended to safeguard the integrity of Denmark’s education system while preventing wage suppression in local job markets.

Denmark Study Visas for International Students available in 2025

Despite these restrictions, Denmark continues to offer various study visas for international students. Below is an overview of the available options:

1# Residence Permit for Higher Education

• Duration: Full duration of the study program (up to 3-4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a master’s degree).
• Eligibility:
  • Must be accepted into a higher education program at a recognized institution.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (approximately DKK 6,397 per month).
  • Health insurance coverage.
• Fee: DKK 1,890 (~EUR 250).
• Allowed Working Hours: 20 hours per week during the academic term; full-time during June, July, and August.

2# Residence Permit for Preparatory Courses

• Duration: Up to 2 years.
• Eligibility:
  • Enrollment in preparatory courses leading to higher education admission.
  • Financial proof and insurance.
• Fee: DKK 1,890.
• Allowed Working Hours: 20 hours per week.

3# PhD Study Permit

• Duration: Duration of the PhD program.
• Eligibility:
  • Admission to a Danish university’s PhD program.
  • Financial and insurance proof.
• Fee: DKK 1,890.
• Allowed Working Hours: Unlimited if the PhD is classified as employment; otherwise, 20 hours per week.

Impact on International Students

These policy shifts may impact prospective students who were relying on part-time work opportunities to support themselves. However, students genuinely interested in pursuing education in Denmark can still benefit from the country’s high-quality institutions and research opportunities.

References

• https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Study
• https://studyindenmark.dk/live-in-denmark/permits-visas-red-tape/download-pdf
• https://bangladesh.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/practical-information/residence-permit/study-permit.

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