Denmark Upholds Regulations For Non-EU/EEA Student Visa Holders To Prevent Labor Migration Abuse

Denmark continues to enforce its requirements on student visa holders from non-EU/EEA countries in order to prevent the exploitation of student residence permits for labor migration.

These restrictions, which were established in past years, aim to ensure that international students visit Denmark primarily for educational purposes rather than to find work.

According to Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government is concerned about a trend in which international students enroll in Danish institutions primarily to reach the labor market.

Instead of concentrating on their studies, these students frequently work at low-wage jobs, such as cleaning in hotels or restaurants.

End of automatic work privileges for students

As part of the existing policy, non-EU/EEA students do not have automatic permission to work in Denmark while on a student visa.  Previously, students could work part-time without special permission.

However, current regulations require students to meet certain standards in order to work while studying.

Restrictions on Student Partners

The regulation also prevents non-EU/EEA students’ spouses and partners from working in Denmark.  Partners of student visa holders are no longer eligible for work permits because of their relationship with the student.

This legislation is intended to prohibit non-students from entering Denmark under the premise of accompanying students for employment purposes.

 Stricter screening to ensure educational focus

The Danish Immigration Service continues to conduct rigorous assessments to ensure that students are legitimately pursuing an education rather than utilizing their student visas to find work.

This screening method is intended to ensure that student visas are not used to enter the labor market.

Study Visas for International Students in Denmark

Despite these limits, Denmark nonetheless provides a variety of study visas for international students.  These choices include resident permits for higher education programs, preparatory courses, and doctoral programs.

• Students admitted to higher education programs are granted residency permits for the duration of their studies.
• Students must have sufficient financial resources (about DKK 6,397 per month) and proof of health insurance coverage.  They can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during the summer.
• Students participating in preparatory courses can obtain residence permits for up to two years and are permitted to work 20 hours per week throughout the academic year.

PhD students in Denmark can work full-time if their PhD is considered employment, or up to 20 hours per week if it is not.

Impact on International Students

While the limitations may limit international students’ employment options, individuals who are committed to their studies can still profit from Denmark’s educational offerings.

The laws, as mentioned, ensure that Denmark’s educational system maintains a top priority while simultaneously prohibiting the use of student visas for labor migration.  The government continues to support a system that allows genuine students to study while also meeting the needs of the labor market.