Denmark student visa guide

Students admitted full time to a Danish academy profession, professional bachelor's, bachelor's or master's programme can get a residence permit for the standard length of the programme. Your institution completes the first part of the application, you complete the rest and pay the SIRI fee, then give biometrics within 14 days. In Nigeria applications and biometrics go through VFS Global in Abuja or Lagos.

Use the guide below as a planning reference, then check the official source before you pay anything or submit an application.

Tips from experience

• Move the funds into an account in your own name before you print the statement.
• Book the VFS slot before or right after you submit online so you meet the 14 day biometrics rule.
• Check whether your programme is state approved, because work rights depend on it.
• Pay first semester tuition early if you can, since SIRI accepts it as funds evidence.
• Do not leave Denmark for more than 6 months in a row while on the permit, or it can lapse.

Documents most applicants need are marked required. Others depend on your case or on what the office asks for. Build a printable checklist.

• Copy of all passport pages Required

  Including blank pages and both covers.

• SIRI fee receipt Required

  Payment status from the website is not accepted as a receipt.

• Admission documentation Required

  The institution completes part one of the form.

• Bank statement in your own name Required

  No more than 30 days old, showing name, balance and currency. Or proof of a scholarship, loan or paid first semester tuition.

• Biometrics Required

  Photo and fingerprints at VFS within 14 days.

• Translations If asked

  If documents are not in Danish or English, as SIRI requires.

Indicative government fees only. School fees, translations, tests, courier and service charges are extra.

Living funds

DKK 7,426 a month for 12 months (DKK 89,112)

Basis

SIRI's 2026 level is DKK 7,426 for each month you will study in Denmark, up to a maximum of 12 months (DKK 89,112) if you study for more than a year.

Tuition included

No, add your first year tuition

The bank statement must be in your own name and no more than 30 days old when you apply. Statements in a parent's name or letters promising support are not accepted. A scholarship or student loan covering the monthly amount also counts. If you have already paid tuition for the first semester, SIRI accepts that as documentation of sufficient funds.

Typical decision time

SIRI's normal processing time for this permit is 2 months, and up to 3 months if it needs more information.

How early you can apply

Apply once you have your admission and the institution has completed its part of the application form.

Latest sensible time to apply

Apply at least three months before your programme starts, and book the VFS appointment in time to give biometrics within 14 days of applying online.

1. 1

   Get admitted

   Accept a full-time place on a higher education programme. Part-time study does not qualify.

2. 2

   Create a case order ID and pay

   On the SIRI website, create a case order ID and pay the DKK 3,060 fee. Save the receipt.

3. 3

   Institution completes part one

   Your Danish institution fills in its part of the online form. SIRI emails you when it is done.

4. 4

   Complete your part and attach documents

   Fill in your part, attach your full passport copy, fee receipt and proof of funds, and submit online.

5. 5

   Give biometrics within 14 days

   Attend VFS Global in Abuja or Lagos for your photo and fingerprints within 14 days of applying online. If you cannot get a slot in time, email SIRI the appointment date.

6. 6

   Wait for the decision

   SIRI usually decides within 2 months. Once approved, enter Denmark and collect your residence card.

Work and post study rules change often. Confirm them on the official source before you plan around them.

• The bank statement was older than 30 days or in someone else's name.
• Funds were below DKK 7,426 per month of study.
• Biometrics were not recorded within the time limit.
• The programme was part time or not a higher education programme.
• The fee was not paid or the receipt was missing.
• Documents were incomplete or not translated as SIRI requires.

Refused before? Read what to do after a visa refusal.