Short Stay Visas
Find out about the initial visa requirements for entry into Denmark…
Anyone coming to Denmark from a country with a visa requirement must apply for a visa before entering Denmark for any length of time. Short stay visas are only valid on a short-term basis.
Visa requirements depend on the nationality of the person wishing to enter Denmark. For example, EU/EEA citizens do not require a visa to enter Denmark whereas non-EU/EEA citizens do.
- A list of countries with a visa requirement, and a list of countries exempt from the visa requirement (for a period of up to three months)
Duration
Short-term visas are only valid for travel to Denmark for a limited time period. It is necessary to apply for a residence permit if wishing to stay for an extended period of time. A short-term visa allows the holder to stay in Denmark for a maximum of 90 days in a six month period.
- Learn more about short-term visa duration
Conditions
It is not possible to apply for a residence permit at the same time as a short stay visa or while on a short-term visa. Short stay visas are only given to those intending to stay in Denmark or any other of the Schengen countries for a limited period of time. Staying in Denmark once the visa has expired runs the risk of being barred from obtaining a Danish visa from between three and five years.
It is also not possible to work on a short-term visa except under special circumstances permitted by the Immigration Service. However, there are exceptions for some work-related activities, such as teaching, meetings, conferences, and training.
- Details about permitted work-related activities on a short-term visa
Requirements for a short-term visa
The following requirements must be met in order to be granted a short-term visa. The applicant should:
- Be in possession of a passport or other legal travel document which is valid for three months after the visa expiration date. The document must also have been issued in the last 10 years
- Have funds to cover the stay in Denmark and the return trip
- Have a valid travel insurance policy
- Not be registered as an undesirable on the Schengen Information System (SIS) or be listed on the Danish ban list or on the UN or EU sanction list
- Specific rules apply for business visas.
- Specific rules also apply for private and tourist visits.
- Specific rules also apply for cultural visits.
Exceptions
Holders of a residence permit/visa from another Schengen country may enter Denmark without a visa.
- Information about entry requirements to Denmark if holding a visa from another Schengen country
Residence card holders issued under EU free movement regulations also do not need a visa to enter Denmark.
Family members of EU/EEA or Swiss citizens may enter Denmark with a visa issued under EU regulations.
Applying for a short-term visa
To apply for a short-term visa, it is necessary to:
- Download the relevant application or invitation document
- Download the Schengen visa application form (PDF)
- Complete the invitation/application document and send it to the Danish embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence, where the application is processed
- If applicable, send a copy of the passport page of the sponsor's passport and Danish residence permit to the relevant embassy or consulate
When travelling to Denmark the applicant should:
- Have the invitation from the Danish host, if applicable
- Have proof of travel insurance coverage
- Have a valid passport or travel document
- Find out about any country specific requirements
The application should be submitted to the relevant Danish diplomatic mission in the applicant's country of residence and a fee applies. Processing times vary between one to 14 days.