How to Move to Denmark
Denmark has high salaries, strong worker rights and lots of English-speaking workplaces. Skilled migration runs through named schemes: the Pay Limit Scheme (for well-paid jobs) and the Positive List (for shortage occupations). Everything is handled online by SIRI via the official nyidanmark.dk site.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Denmark embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Apply via the Danish embassy or a partner/VFS centre in your country (Denmark shares some services with other Nordic embassies). Use the locator to find where to apply.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
157 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja
+234 9 903 6635 Open in Google MapsiParioli Office Park, Block B2, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
+27 12 430 9340 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Denmark has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
About 1–3 months.
Application fee roughly DKK 4,500–6,000.
Up to 4 years, renewable; can lead to permanent residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer with a salary above the Pay Limit threshold.
- The salary and terms match Danish standards.
- Valid passport.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a well-paid job offer
Secure a Danish job paying above the Pay Limit threshold.
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2
Apply to SIRI online
You (or your employer) apply for the work and residence permit on nyidanmark.dk.
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3
Give biometrics
Record fingerprints and a photo at a Danish mission or office.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Denmark, get a CPR number and residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- No labour market test is needed if the salary is high enough.
- Family can usually join you and also work.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your New to Denmark / SIRI Case Order ID first
On the "New to Denmark" site, pick your visa type and create a Case Order ID (this works like an account — you provide your passport details and email). You then pay the fee and submit your application under that ID within the same calendar year.
Create accountStart your Pay Limit Scheme application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAbout 1–3 months.
Application fee roughly DKK 4,500–6,000.
Tied to the job; renewable; pathway to permanent residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer in an occupation on the Positive List (for skilled or higher-educated workers).
- Relevant qualifications for that occupation.
- Danish salary and terms.
What to do, step by step
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1
Check the Positive List
Confirm your occupation is currently listed as a shortage.
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2
Get a matching job offer
Receive an offer in that occupation.
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3
Apply to SIRI online
Submit your work/residence application.
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4
Biometrics, travel & register
Give biometrics, then travel and get your CPR and card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- The list changes — check it just before applying.
- Healthcare and engineering roles often appear on the list.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your New to Denmark / SIRI Case Order ID first
On the "New to Denmark" site, pick your visa type and create a Case Order ID (this works like an account — you provide your passport details and email). You then pay the fee and submit your application under that ID within the same calendar year.
Create accountStart your Positive List (shortage jobs) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAbout 1–2 months.
Application fee ~DKK 2,100; plus tuition and proof of funds.
Course length; "Establishment Card" available afterwards to find work.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to an approved Danish institution.
- Proof you can support yourself.
- Tuition paid where applicable.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive admission to a Danish university.
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2
Show funds & pay tuition
Prove you can support yourself and pay any tuition.
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3
Apply to SIRI
Submit your student residence permit application.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Denmark and get your CPR and residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- After graduating you can apply for an Establishment Card to stay and find work.
- Students can work limited hours.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your New to Denmark / SIRI Case Order ID first
On the "New to Denmark" site, pick your visa type and create a Case Order ID (this works like an account — you provide your passport details and email). You then pay the fee and submit your application under that ID within the same calendar year.
Create accountStart your Student residence permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few months.
Application fee ~DKK 10,330 (varies by category).
Linked to your sponsor; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your family member holds a valid Danish residence permit.
- A genuine relationship.
- Some categories require housing/financial conditions.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Confirm sponsor status
Check your relative's permit allows family to join.
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2
Apply to SIRI
Submit the family reunification application online.
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3
Biometrics & travel
Give biometrics, then travel and register.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Accompanying family of skilled workers usually get strong rights, including work.
- Rules vary by the sponsor's permit type — read your category carefully.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your New to Denmark / SIRI Case Order ID first
On the "New to Denmark" site, pick your visa type and create a Case Order ID (this works like an account — you provide your passport details and email). You then pay the fee and submit your application under that ID within the same calendar year.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Denmark work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Denmark — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Denmark visas
How much does the Denmark Pay Limit Scheme cost?
The Denmark Pay Limit Scheme costs: Application fee roughly DKK 4,500–6,000. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Denmark Pay Limit Scheme take?
Processing for the Denmark Pay Limit Scheme takes about 1–3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Denmark Pay Limit Scheme valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Denmark Pay Limit Scheme is valid for up to 4 years, renewable; can lead to permanent residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Denmark Positive List (shortage jobs) cost?
The Denmark Positive List (shortage jobs) costs: Application fee roughly DKK 4,500–6,000. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Denmark Positive List (shortage jobs) take?
Processing for the Denmark Positive List (shortage jobs) takes about 1–3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Denmark Positive List (shortage jobs) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Denmark Positive List (shortage jobs) is valid for tied to the job; renewable; pathway to permanent residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Denmark Student residence permit cost?
The Denmark Student residence permit costs: Application fee ~DKK 2,100; plus tuition and proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Denmark Student residence permit take?
Processing for the Denmark Student residence permit takes about 1–2 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Denmark Student residence permit valid for?
The Denmark Student residence permit is valid for course length; "Establishment Card" available afterwards to find work. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Denmark Family reunification cost?
The Denmark Family reunification costs: Application fee ~DKK 10,330 (varies by category). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Denmark Family reunification take?
Processing for the Denmark Family reunification takes a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Denmark Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Denmark Family reunification is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.