If you are not an EU citizen and want to visit Denmark, you typically need a visa. But which one? It depends on how long and why you want to stay.
Schengen visa (Type C)
The Schengen visa is the ordinary short-stay visa for the Schengen area. It grants stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period across the entire Schengen area — not just Denmark.
Typical purposes
- Tourism (tourist visa).
- Family and friend visits.
- Business travel and trade fairs.
- Cultural or sporting events.
- Urgent medical treatment.
National visa (Type D)
The national visa (D-visa) is used when the stay must last more than 90 days, or when you need to enter Denmark before a final residence permit is issued. It is primarily valid in Denmark — not the entire Schengen area.
Typical purposes
- Entry while awaiting work permit or study permit processing.
- Internships under the trainee scheme.
- Artist stays and special researcher positions.
- Urgent family reunification in special situations.
Visa-free entry
Citizens of approximately 60 countries can travel to Denmark visa-free for up to 90 days (US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.). The visa requirement is set out in EU Regulation 2018/1806.
Choosing the right one
- Will you stay in Denmark/Schengen for up to 90 days? → Schengen visa.
- Will you stay longer than 90 days? → National visa or a proper residence permit.
- Will you work or study? → You generally need a work permit or study permit, not just a visa.
What if the application is rejected?
A visa rejection is upsetting, but not necessarily final. You can appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board within the deadline, and the rejection must be reasoned. Appeal handling requires legal argumentation aimed at the specific rejection grounds.
Need help with a visa application? Contact us.
Need help with a visa application?
We have more than 10 years of experience in Danish immigration law and have won more than 150 appeal cases at the Immigration Appeals Board. Get a non-binding first assessment of your case — we respond within 24 hours.
