Denmark•EuropeResearcher Scheme (Forskerordningen)
At a Glance
1 month
Not confirmed
DKK 6,810
4 years
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored work permit for researchers at Danish institutions or research-focused companies; up to 4 years renewable.
The Researcher Scheme is a work permit for non-EU researchers with Master's-level credentials hired directly by Danish research institutions or companies. The employer must demonstrate that the position is research-focused with the applicant playing a key research role, and employment terms must meet Danish standards.
The permit lasts up to seven years and is renewable. Application fee is DKK 6,810; processing takes about one month. The employer starts the application process, the applicant completes their part online, provides supporting documentation, and records biometrics at a Danish mission. Spouses may work without restrictions; dependents are allowed.
This visa is ideal for international researchers with Master's degrees and genuine research employment offers from Danish institutions seeking long-term research positions with family support.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 4 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must have an employment agreement with a company or research institute in Denmark.
Must have research-related reasons for the position; the job must be closely linked to the individual and the main purpose of the stay must be research.
Salary and terms of employment (holiday, notice, etc.) must correspond to Danish standards.
Must have completed an educational program at the level of a Master's degree.
Must be able to support oneself and any accompanying family members.
Must not be a recipient of benefits under the Active Social Policy Act.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Copy of all pages of the applicant's passport.
Employment contract or job offer detailing all terms of employment.
Documentation of educational qualifications (Master's degree or higher).
Receipt of payment for the application fee.
Biometric data (facial photo and fingerprints) recorded at a Danish diplomatic mission or designated center.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Renewable permit up to 4 years; indefinite extension with continued employer sponsorship
- No specific educational credential required; open to researchers at all qualification levels
- Fast 30-day processing; efficient approval compared to other EU research schemes
- Spouse can relocate with you; family reunification supported within scheme terms
- Flexible duration matching employment contract; not locked into fixed periods
Worth Knowing
- Spouse work rights restricted; requires separate assessment for employment authorization in Denmark
- Employer must initiate application; you cannot apply independently or change employers mid-process
- Biometric recording (facial photo and fingerprints) required within 14 days of submission
- Research purpose must be genuine and primary; administrative roles risk renewal denial
Application Process
Secure a job offer from a Danish research institution or company with research as the primary purpose
Employer completes Part 1 of the AR1 online application (or full AR6 if power of attorney is granted) on newtodenmark.dk
Employer provides applicant with the reference number and password to complete Part 2 of the AR1
Applicant pays the DKK 6,810 processing fee and submits supporting documents (passport, employment contract, education documentation)
Applicant records biometric data (facial photo and fingerprints) at a Danish diplomatic mission or designated center within 14 days of submission
Await decision from SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) — normally 1 month
Application Forms
| AR1 Standard researcher application — employer completes Part 1, applicant completes Part 2 online | Fill online |
| AR6Optional Power-of-attorney application — employer completes the full form on behalf of applicant (optional alternative to AR1) | Fill online |
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