Chinese applicants · Kingdom of Denmark
Student Residence Permit for Chinese citizens
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 3 official citations reconfirmed 13 September 2026
Residence permit for international students at Danish universities — includes work rights and a 6-month post-graduation job-seeking extension.
This page covers the Student Residence Permit specifically for Chinese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to China. The route's general criteria are summarised below, but the current corridor-specific filing, visa-issuance, and entry position above can still determine whether the route is usable.
- Processing time
- 1–3 months.
- Government fees
- DKK 2,100.
- Typical duration
- Duration of studies; renewable annually.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a Kingdom of Denmark consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Chinese nationals change periodically and are separate from the Student Residence Permit. Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.
Visa overview
Denmark issues student residence permits for non-EU nationals enrolled in Danish higher-education programmes. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during June, July, and August. After completing a Danish higher-education programme of at least bachelor's level, graduates can apply for a 6-month establishment card (etableringskort) to seek employment in Denmark. Danish universities are internationally respected (University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, DTU, CBS are all top-ranked), and many master's programmes are taught in English. Tuition is free for EU/EEA students; non-EU students pay tuition fees (typically DKK 45,000–120,000/year depending on programme).
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Acceptance at a Danish higher-education institution for a full-degree programme.SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) ↗
- ✓Financial resources: approximately DKK 6,600/month (verify on nyidanmark.dk).
- ✓Health insurance covering Denmark (EU students: EHIC; non-EU students: comprehensive insurance).
- ✓Tuition paid or scholarship confirmed.SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) ↗
Common blockers
- !Insufficient financial evidence.
- !Programme not a full-degree programme (exchange semesters have different rules).
Typical evidence
- ·Acceptance letter from institution.
- ·Bank statements proving DKK 6,600/month.
- ·Tuition payment confirmation or scholarship letter.SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) ↗
- ·Health insurance confirmation.
Application pathway
Secure admission
Accept an offer from a Danish university. Apply through the institution or optagelse.dk.
Apply for student residence permit
Apply online through nyidanmark.dk.
Study and work part-time
Work up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time in June–August.
Apply for establishment card after graduation
After completing a bachelor's or master's programme at a Danish institution, apply for a 6-month establishment card (etableringskort) to seek employment. If you find a qualifying job, apply for a Pay Limit or Positive List work permit.
Plan the practical side of your stay
Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in Denmark. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for a student residence permit ↗
Use the official study page to create the case order, pay the fee and submit the student residence application.
SIRI · verified
Not sure Kingdom of Denmark is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Chinese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the Student Residence Permit?+
Eligibility for the Student Residence Permit is set by SIRI. Chinese applicants must meet the general route criteria plus any nationality- or location-specific intake requirements described in the current corridor guidance above.
Where do Chinese applicants typically file the Student Residence Permit?+
a Kingdom of Denmark consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by SIRI — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for Kingdom of Denmark as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Chinese nationals change periodically and are separate from the Student Residence Permit. Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.
Can I work while studying in Denmark?+
Yes — up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during June, July, and August. No separate work permit is needed. The work hours are strictly monitored by SIRI — exceeding the limit can jeopardise your residence permit.
Is there a post-study work visa in Denmark?+
Yes. After completing a Danish bachelor's or master's programme, you can apply for a 6-month establishment card (etableringskort) to seek employment. During this period, you can work without restrictions. If you find a qualifying job, you transition to a standard work permit (Pay Limit or Positive List). The establishment card cannot be extended beyond 6 months.
Is tuition free at Danish universities?+
For EU/EEA students: yes, tuition is free. For non-EU students: no — tuition fees typically range from DKK 45,000–120,000/year (approximately EUR 6,000–16,000) depending on the programme. However, Danish universities offer tuition waivers and scholarships for excellent non-EU applicants — check with the institution.
How we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: SIRI
Last checked: 8 July 2026