What is new residence permit rules for students in Denmark?

Denmark has announced new immigration rules that ban work permits and family visas for foreign students enrolled in non-state-approved higher education programmes. The new rules took effect on May 2, 2025, under an Executive Order issued by the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. The move restricts international students from accessing basic rights previously granted, including part-time work during studies, six-month post-study job search stays, and the ability to bring accompanying family members to Denmark.

Under the new policy, only students admitted to publicly accredited educational institutions and enrolled in state-approved programmes can receive residence permits. The Danish government has stated that the purpose of this change is to ensure that international students who come to Denmark are genuinely focused on education. Students attending unapproved programmes will no longer be eligible for the benefits that were previously standard for foreign students in Denmark.

The government clarified that the restriction only applies to new applications submitted on or after May 2, 2025. Students who had already applied for or received residence permits before this date will not be affected. These students will retain their rights, including limited work permits, post-study job search periods, and the right to live with accompanying family members. They will also be able to extend their permits without losing those rights.

Family members who received residence permits before May 2 will also continue to enjoy the same benefits, including the ability to stay in Denmark and apply for extensions. These protections remain even if the student is enrolled in a non-state-approved programme, provided their original permit was granted before the new rules took effect.

The Ministry also stated that foreign students can still apply for residence permits to pursue higher education or PhD programmes in Denmark, as long as the programme is either state-approved or positively assessed by the Danish Evaluation Institute. This assessment confirms whether a student can be granted a residence permit based on the educational institution and course.

The decision is part of a wider policy shift aimed at tightening control over immigration and ensuring transparency in Denmark’s higher education system. The government believes that linking residence rights strictly to state-approved education will prevent misuse of the student visa route.

These changes are expected to affect many international students who choose Denmark for private or less-recognized educational programmes. Students planning to study in Denmark are now advised to check if their chosen institution and programme meet the new government criteria.

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