Indian applicants · Kingdom of Denmark
Student Residence Permit for Indian citizens
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 Indian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to India. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- 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 Indian nationals are set by SIRI and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Student Residence Permit is a separate application from any tourist entry.
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.
Other Kingdom of Denmark routes covered for Indian applicants
Pay Limit Scheme (Beloebsordningen)
Denmark's salary-threshold work permit — no occupation or qualification restrictions if the annual salary exceeds the Pay Limit threshold.
Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten)
Work permit for occupations on Denmark's shortage list — lower salary threshold than the Pay Limit Scheme, but occupation-restricted.
Not sure Kingdom of Denmark is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Indian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Indian citizens eligible for the Student Residence Permit?+
Eligibility for the Student Residence Permit is set by SIRI and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Indian 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 Indian applicants need a tourist visa for Kingdom of Denmark as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Indian nationals are set by SIRI and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Student Residence Permit is a separate application from any tourist entry.
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.