Denmark’s New Student Visa Rules: Work and Family Rights Curtailed

With its reputation of being a student-friendly country, Denmark will be implementing new student visa measures from the 2nd of May 2025. As reported by the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, straightly targets the international student population of those who are coming from non-EU/EEA countries and going to non-university higher education institutions. The changes will also mean that students are unable to work while they are still in school, to remain and find employment in Denmark after graduation, or to bring their families to Denmark. This policy shift, which fits with the overall Danish strategies to strengthen controls on immigration, is set to completely alter the international education prospects of the country.

Background: Why Denmark Is Changing Its Student Visa Rules

Over the course of the last few years, applications to unapproved higher education programs by foreign students in Denmark have grown sharply. Officials have complained that some students acquire such programs primarily to gain low-skilled jobs rather than to meet proper educational objectives. This situation has contributed, according to Danish officials, to the following:

• Misuse of student visas to enter the Danish and the Schengen labour markets.

• Taking advantage of student visa loopholes results in an increasing number of foreign students obtaining precarious, low-wage jobs, particularly in hospitality and cleaning.

• The surge in short-term jobs and low pay is creating pressures on local wages and working conditions, as non-qualified students import such jobs to the region.

Authorities introduced measures to regulate the educational aspect of student visas and preserve the labour market standards and immigration policy of Denmark.

What Are the New Rules?

The Executive Order on the granting of residence and work permits to students was updated with three central restrictions for third-country nationals joining unapproved courses in Denmark, to come into force on May 2, 2025.

• Students in these institutions will not be permitted to work while studying in Denmark. Students from programs covered by these regulations will be prevented from holding a work permit while studying. Students of these programs could work part-time earlier during their studies because of certain work rights.

• No Post-Study Job Search Stay: From now on, graduates of non-approved programs will not be able to use the previous six-month job search visa to reside in Denmark while seeking relevant employment.

No Family Reunification: Starting from May 2025, students in unrecognised programs will not be allowed to bring their spouses, partners, or children to live in Denmark.

These rules will take effect only for student residence permits and accompanying family visas submitted on or after May 2, 2025. Applications filed before this calendar date, together with holders of existing permits, are not impacted by the new rules.

Who Is Affected?

The new rules specifically target:

• Third-country nationals: People from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Nordic states

• Non-state-approved programs: Not all courses are affected; students in programs without Danish state accreditation or lacking a positive evaluation by the Danish Evaluation Institute are affected.

Students registered in, or holding residence permits for, courses that were not assessed by state authorities before May 2, 2025, will continue to enjoy existing rights, which include part-time work, a six-month job search after studies, and the right to bring family. Those with current permits who apply for extensions will also benefit from these rights.

Rationale Behind the Policy Shift

The Danish government’s declared purpose is to award residence permits exclusively to students who intend to study chiefly. With these measures on ancillary benefits, the government wishes to:

• The use of student permits by migrants for the primary purpose of joining Denmark’s labour force should be limited.

• Make certain that students with a real interest in education are attracted to Denmark as a destination for higher learning.

• The strategy is designed to help maintain pay levels and job openings for Danish workers in less skilled occupations.

This approach matches the current European trend to strengthen border controls for students from outside the EU because of concerns about misuse.

Effect of the New Rules on International Students and School Programs

For Prospective Students:

Those wanting to work or receive support from family members during their studies in Denmark are now unlikely to find the country appealing unless they pick a state-approved education route. Prospective students are now cautioned to:

• Checking the program’s state approval status is important for those planning to apply for a visa.

• Be aware of the possible influence these changes will have on future job prospects and opportunities to be with family in Denmark.

For Educational Institutions:

Programs without state recognition are likely to report a substantial fall in applications from non-EU international students. It is encouraged that institutions declare and explain their accreditation publicly and provide support to prospective students. It is possible that institutions will face extra pressure and review to acquire state approval or certification in order to maintain competitiveness in the global education sector.

For the Danish Labour Market:

Experts predict that this policy will help prevent an increase in temporary, low-wage occupations for international students, thereby relieving pressure on compensation and working conditions in at-risk sectors.

Transitional Arrangements: Who Is Exempt?

The Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration has made it clear that these rule changes will not apply to:

• All students who either made their application or received permission to reside in Denmark for a program that was not on the official list before May 2, 2025, are protected by these changes.

• Permits issued for family members before the rules were changed will remain unchanged.

• Students and family members who are renewing permits for which they are already living in Denmark will retain the same benefits.

Such individuals will keep their previous rights, including the ability to work, search for a job after studies, and bring family members to Denmark.

What Steps Should Students Who Plan to Study in Denmark Follow Now?

If studying in Denmark is your plan, please follow these recommendations:

• Check Accreditation: Make sure your program is either approved by the state or recognised by the Danish Evaluation Institute.

• Apply Early: If you choose a non-state-approved educational program, applying before May 2, 2025, will help you maintain your present rights.

• Plan for the Long Term: Assess if Denmark’s new policies support your academic, career, and family planning.

• Consult Official Sources: Continuously consult the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) as well as your prospective institution.

Broader Context: Denmark’s Approach to International Education

The country’s new direction in international education is part of a larger strategy re-evaluation. Although Denmark is devoted to attracting bright students, it is similarly dedicated to safeguarding its immigration system from abuse. These measures reiterate Denmark’s belief in authentic academic commitment and confirm the nation’s readiness to take effective steps to safeguard its workforce and society.

Conclusion

International education in Denmark will experience a notable shift as a result of the student visa reforms introduced in 2025. The limits placed on work and residence after graduation, as well as on family benefits, for students in unaccredited programs, make Denmark’s emphasis on certain goals unmistakable. Integrity in education, the protection of local employment, and control of immigration. The message to future students is just as direct: enrol in accredited courses, organise your stay carefully, and keep yourself updated. Given the stronger global competition for talented students, Denmark’s new rules might inspire both institutions and students to reconsider their approaches over the coming years.

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