What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit?

• A visa is a legal document from immigration authorities which shows you have permission to enter the country for a certain amount of time. In the case of Denmark, a visa permits foreigners to enter the country for 90 days on a visa.
• A residence permit allows foreigners to remain in Denmark for a specified purpose (in this case, to study) for a prescribed period of time which exceeds that of a standard 90-day visa. US passport holders to not need a visa to enter Denmark, but must obtain a residence permit in order to study in Denmark past 90 days. US passport holders do not need a visa to enter Denmark, but must obtain a residence permit in order to study in Denmark for more than 90 days.

Is a Visa Required for US Citizens?

• No! US Passport Holders are NOT required to apply for a visa in order to enter Denmark
• If you are not a US passport holder, please click here to see if you need a visa to enter Denmark based on your nationality.

Is a Residence Permit Required for US citizens?

• Yes! An application for a residence is required for US passport holders who are studying abroad at a Danish higher education institution.
• This process must happen BEFORE you arrive in Denmark but AFTER you have been formally admitted into the Danish University because proof of acceptance into a Danish University of College is required in order to obtain a study residence permit.
• All nationalities, except for Nordic country citizens, need a residence permit to study in Denmark.

Important notes

All Danish Universities and Colleges will process an initial part 1 of the residence permit application for the purposes of study on your behalf. You will then be e-mailed an ID number associated with your application and will be required to submit payment and the second portion of the residence permit application along with the residence permit application fee.
Each University has their own procedures so please visit the Visa/Resident permit section of your host institution’s exchange student website as listed below:
Denmark Technical University
Copenhagen Business School
                FAQ
                Pre-Arrival Guide
Please note that these universities will provide detailed, up to date information regarding the visa/residence permit application process once you have been admitted.

List of requirements
A valid passport and color photos copies
Documentation of Paid Fees:

1. Danish Processing Fee- 1,890 DKK or $254 (USD) see website for most recent fee overview
2. US based Danish Consular Fee- see website for most recent fee overview

ST1 application form – will be sent to you via e-mail from your host institution with part 1 completed
Biometrics – US based location are here and must be done in person.
Proof of funds- DKK 5,903 or $1000 per month minimum (in bank statements with your name on it and/or scholarship and loan letter from financial aid)

Application process

1. Receive ST1 application form and instructions from Host university 
2. Pay Fees
3. Gather supplemental materials and fill out remaining portions of ST1 application
4. Submit to US Based Consulate
5. Biometrics

Instructions from the US Consulate:
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/dnk/apply-visa
Instructions from Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment:
http://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/coming_to_dk/studies/how_to_apply.htm  

PLEASE ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 2 MONTHS FOR PROCESSING OF APPLICATION.        

Contacts

VFS Global in Washington:
1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 347-329-2738
Email: info.dkus@vfshelpline.com
 
Other locations can be found here: Danish Visa/Resident Permit Application Centres

Embassy of Denmark, USA
3200 Whitehaven St. NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: +1 (202) 234 - 4300 (Monday thru Friday, 10am - 3pm)
Fax: +1 (202) 328 - 1470
Email: wasamb@um.dk
usa.um.dk

Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment
Phone- +45 72 21 74 00
E-mail - study@star.dk

US Based Danish Consulates: