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Post-Study Work Permit (3-Year)
DenmarkDenmark•Europe
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Post-Study Work Permit (3-Year)

Work 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

3 months

Estimated Cost

DKK kr 3,060

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Job-seeking permit for Danish graduates; 3 years with limited work (90h/month Sep-May, full-time Jun-Aug).

The Post-Study Work Permit allows international graduates of Danish higher education institutions to remain in the country to search for employment. This residence permit is issued to non-EU/EEA graduates who have completed a professional bachelor, master, or PhD program at a recognized Danish institution.

The permit lasts three years and is renewable. During the academic year (September–May), work is limited to 90 hours per month; full-time work is permitted only from June through August. The application fee is DKK 3,060, processed in approximately 90 days. Spouses may work without restrictions, and dependents are allowed. The permit leads to permanent residence pathways.

This visa is ideal for recent international graduates seeking to build careers in Denmark while job-searching in their field of study.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Pay Limit Scheme
Denmark flagDenmark

Pay Limit Scheme

ValidityDuration of contract up to 4 years
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details
Positive List Scheme
Denmark flagDenmark

Positive List Scheme

Validity4 years
Processing3–4 months
View Visa Details
Fast-Track Work Scheme
Denmark flagDenmark

Fast-Track Work Scheme

ValidityVaries (Depends on employment contract length)
Processing1 month
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have completed a full-time higher education program (professional bachelor, bachelor, master, or PhD) at a recognized Danish educational institution.

Must have held a valid residence permit as a student during the study period.

Must apply while the student residence permit is still valid or within the designated grace period if applicable.

Must have no public debt (unpaid taxes, fines, or fees) to the Danish state.

Must have no criminal record in Denmark.

Must be able to support oneself financially during the job-seeking period.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Master's degree

Employment contract

Research credentials

Passport photo

Employment contract (sponsor)

Institution credentials (sponsor)

Salary documentation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • 3-year permit bridges graduation to permanent employment; renewable with direct pathway to residency
  • Unrestricted work Jun-Aug; up to 90 hrs/month Sep-May allows flexible income during job search
  • Direct conversion to Pay Limit, Positive List, or Fast-Track schemes upon securing employment
  • Dependents allowed; spouses can work unrestricted during entire 3-year permit period
  • Dual intent supported — actively plan permanent settlement while searching for career roles
  • Low application fee of DKK 3,060; 30-60 day processing estimates from official channels
  • Renewable permit; job search period length matches 3-year educational investment cycle

Worth Knowing

  • Work restricted to 90 hrs/month Sep-May; serious limitation unless full-time role secured by summer
  • Requires clean financial and legal record with Danish state; no unpaid taxes, fines, or criminal history
  • Application window critical: must apply while student permit valid or within designated grace period
  • Must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency throughout 3-year job-seeking period
  • Limited to graduates of recognized Danish educational institutions; international degrees non-qualifying

Application Process

1

Secure researcher position

Job offer as researcher at Danish institution with master's degree requirement

2

Verify research connection

Position must be closely linked to individual researcher's expertise

3

Apply via Fast-Track

Use Fast-Track Researcher track through SIRI

4

Provide documentation

Master's degree, research credentials, employment contract

5

Biometric recording

Fingerprints and photograph at diplomatic mission

6

Permit approval

Approval via Fast-Track process

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Researcher Work Permit Application—

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