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EK1 — Establishment Card (Etableringskort)
DenmarkDenmark•Europe
Closed

EK1 — Establishment Card (Etableringskort)

Work Dependents Allowed
Closed to new applications — April 1, 2023

The Establishment Card (Etableringskort) was abolished on 1 April 2023. New applications are no longer accepted. Existing holders may still apply for the one-year extension (total stay up to 3 years). The scheme was replaced by the 3-year Post-Study Work Permit (dk-post-study) for international graduates of Danish higher education programmes.

See replacement: Post-Study Work Permit (3-Year)

At a Glance

Processing Time

4–5 months

Estimated Cost

DKK kr 3,060

Stay Duration

2 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Legacy permit for existing card holders to extend residency up to 3 years; discontinued for new applications since April 2023.

The Establishment Card (Etableringskort) was abolished on 1 April 2023 as a new application category. Existing cardholders may still apply for one-year extensions, up to three years total. The scheme was replaced by the Post-Study Work Permit for international graduates of Danish higher education programmes.

The permit initially lasts two years; extensions add one year (max three years total). Extension fee is DKK 3,060; processing takes 4–5 months. Family members (spouse, civil/cohabiting partner, children under 18) may extend alongside the cardholder.

This visa is ideal for existing Establishment Card holders seeking to extend their stay in Denmark while transitioning to alternative work pathways.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Fast-Track Work Scheme
Denmark flagDenmark

Fast-Track Work Scheme

ValidityVaries (Depends on employment contract length)
Processing1 month
View Visa Details
Self-Employed Business Visa
Denmark flagDenmark
Closed

Self-Employed Business Visa

ValidityVaries (Renewable upon business continuation)
Processing3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Completed a Danish professional bachelor's, bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree

Application submitted within 1 year of completing the educational programme

Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the first year

Valid passport

Legal residence in Denmark at the time of application

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Savings

98,772 DKK

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Existing permit holders can extend for 1 additional year, allowing total stay of up to 3 years
  • Family members (spouse, civil/cohabiting partner, children under 18) can extend alongside the card holder
  • Unrestricted work authorization during extension period; no job offer needed
  • Low extension fee of DKK 3,060 keeps costs minimal for continuing residence
  • Straightforward extension process through form EK2 with streamlined application
  • Processing completed within 4-5 months, providing predictability for extension timing

Worth Knowing

  • Extension only available to existing permit holders; scheme discontinued for new applicants since April 2023
  • Processing time of 4-5 months requires advance planning; submit early to avoid expiration gaps
  • Replacement scheme (dk-post-study) targets new graduates; existing holders grandfathered under old rules
  • Scheme completely closed to new applications since 1 April 2023; only extension available for previous holders

Application Process

1

Create a case order ID on the New to Denmark portal

2

Pay the required processing fee

3

Gather necessary documentation (diploma, proof of funds, passport)

4

Submit the online application via the New to Denmark portal

Application Forms

Go to application portal
EK2Fill online

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