Guest Researcher Permit

Working Holiday PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 months

Estimated Cost

DKK kr 8,685

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Research permit for Master's degree holders; institution-invited, 3-year maximum stay, requires financial self-support without employment contract.

The Guest Researcher permit allows academics to conduct research at Danish institutions without direct employment. It requires a Master's degree and proof of financial self-support. The sponsoring institution provides the invitation, and research must occur at its facilities.

Processing typically takes 1–2 months. The total fee is DKK 8,685 (DKK 6,810 SIRI processing plus DKK 1,875 MFA embassy fee). The permit lasts up to 3 years and cannot be extended beyond that cap. Dependents including spouse and children under 18 may accompany. Sideline employment related to research is permitted.

This visa is ideal for Master's-degree-holding researchers invited by Danish institutions to collaborate on specific projects without employment arrangements.

Cost Breakdown

SIRI Case Processing FeeDKK kr 6,810

MFA Embassy FeeDKK kr 1,875

TotalDKK kr 8,685

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Invitation from a Danish research institution

Master's degree or equivalent

Financial self-support (e.g., DKK 12,770/month for individual)

Research must be conducted at host facilities

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Receipt of paid SIRI fee

Copy of all pages of passport

Official invitation letter

Documentation of Master's degree

Documentation of financial self-support

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Processing completed in 30–90 days from submission to decision
Permits unlimited sideline employment related to research activities
Spouse and dependent children under 18 can join with family reunification visa
Master's degree requirement aligns with international research standards
Permit renewable within 3-year cap allows research continuation if institution approves
No Danish employment contract required—host institution invitation is sufficient

Worth Knowing

Maximum total stay capped at 3 years; renewals cannot extend beyond this hard limit
Requires proof of financial self-support (approximately DKK 12,770/month for individual)
Host institution must complete formal invitation and Part 1 application before you apply
Does not count toward permanent residency pathways in Denmark