Student Visa for Denmark: The ST1 Residence Permit, Funds and Steps

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Denmark has no separate "student visa" for degree students. Students from outside the EU apply for a residence permit for higher education, handled by SIRI, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration. This guide reflects the rules in October 2026; amounts change every year.

Who needs a permit

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need no permit. For a stay longer than 3 months you apply to SIRI for a free EU residence document (online form OD1A, with your acceptance letter), then appear in person at a SIRI branch office within 30 days.
Nordic citizens register with the municipality directly.
Everyone else needs a residence permit for higher education.

Conditions

Full-time admission to a programme at a publicly accredited or state-approved institution.
Enough command of the language of instruction to take an active part.
Proof that you can support yourself.
Choose a state-approved programme: students on other programmes who applied from 2 May 2025 have no right to work.

Proof of funds

You must show DKK 7,426 for each month of study, at the 2026 level (about €995), for at most 12 months: DKK 89,112 (about €11,920).

A bank statement in your own name, no older than 30 days when you submit. A parent's account, shares and bonds do not count.
A scholarship or student loan granted to you also counts.
If you have already paid the first semester's tuition, SIRI accepts that payment as documentation.

How to apply

Get your admission. Bachelor offers arrive at the end of July; see how to get into a university in Denmark.
Create a case order ID on SIRI's website.
Pay the fee of DKK 3,060 (about €410) and keep the receipt or bank statement.
Fill in form ST1. Your institution completes its own part.
Attach the payment proof, copies of every passport page including blank pages and covers, and proof of funds.
Submit online, or at a Danish embassy, consulate or application centre abroad.
Record biometrics (photo and fingerprints) within 14 days of an online application. If the embassy has no earlier slot, email SIRI your appointment date.
Wait. Processing normally takes 2 months, up to 3 if SIRI needs more information.

Working while you study

On a state-approved programme you may work 90 hours a month from September to May and full time in June, July and August. Working more is illegal and can cost you the permit. You may not receive public benefits such as the SU grant or housing benefit. See working while studying in Europe.

After you arrive

Register your address and get a CPR number, the personal identification number. International Citizen Service (ICS) centres help newcomers staying over 3 months.
Put your name on the mailbox: SIRI posts the residence card to your CPR address.
Public health insurance in Denmark is based on residence. Once you are in the CPR register you are covered, and the yellow health insurance card arrives about 2 to 3 weeks later. Have travel insurance until then; see health insurance for students in Europe.
Set up MitID, the digital ID for banks and public services.

The permit lapses if you give up your Danish address or stay abroad more than 6 months in a row.

Extension and after graduation

The permit covers the normal length of the programme. An extension of up to 1 year can be requested, no earlier than 4 months before expiry.

For applications submitted from 1 October 2026, bachelor's and master's graduates of state-approved programmes can get a job-seeking permit of 6 months or 1 year, and family members can no longer accompany the student. Earlier applicants keep the old rules.

Where to look next

Official sources

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.