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Post-Study Work Permit (3-Year)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 months

Estimated Cost

DKK 3,060 DKK

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Job-seeking permit for Danish graduates; 3 years with limited work (90h/month Sep-May, full-time Jun-Aug).

The Post-Study Work Permit allows international graduates of Danish higher education institutions to remain in the country to search for employment. This residence permit is issued to non-EU/EEA graduates who have completed a professional bachelor, master, or PhD program at a recognized Danish institution.

The permit lasts three years and is renewable. During the academic year (September–May), work is limited to 90 hours per month; full-time work is permitted only from June through August. The application fee is DKK 3,060, processed in approximately 90 days. Spouses may work without restrictions, and dependents are allowed. The permit leads to permanent residence pathways.

This visa is ideal for recent international graduates seeking to build careers in Denmark while job-searching in their field of study.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Denmark

Pay Limit Scheme

ValidityDuration of contract up to 4 years

Processing1–3 months

View Visa Details

Denmark

Positive List Scheme

Validity4 years

Processing3–4 months

View Visa Details

Denmark

Fast-Track Work Scheme

ValidityVaries (Depends on employment contract length)

Processing1 month

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have completed a full-time higher education program (professional bachelor, bachelor, master, or PhD) at a recognized Danish educational institution.

Must have held a valid residence permit as a student during the study period.

Must apply while the student residence permit is still valid or within the designated grace period if applicable.

Must have no public debt (unpaid taxes, fines, or fees) to the Danish state.

Must have no criminal record in Denmark.

Must be able to support oneself financially during the job-seeking period.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Master's degree

Employment contract

Research credentials

Passport photo

Employment contract (sponsor)

Institution credentials (sponsor)

Salary documentation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

3-year permit bridges graduation to permanent employment; renewable with direct pathway to residency
Unrestricted work Jun-Aug; up to 90 hrs/month Sep-May allows flexible income during job search
Direct conversion to Pay Limit, Positive List, or Fast-Track schemes upon securing employment
Dependents allowed; spouses can work unrestricted during entire 3-year permit period
Dual intent supported — actively plan permanent settlement while searching for career roles
Low application fee of DKK 3,060; 30-60 day processing estimates from official channels
Renewable permit; job search period length matches 3-year educational investment cycle

Worth Knowing

Work restricted to 90 hrs/month Sep-May; serious limitation unless full-time role secured by summer
Requires clean financial and legal record with Danish state; no unpaid taxes, fines, or criminal history
Application window critical: must apply while student permit valid or within designated grace period
Must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency throughout 3-year job-seeking period
Limited to graduates of recognized Danish educational institutions; international degrees non-qualifying

Application Process

Secure researcher position: Job offer as researcher at Danish institution with master's degree requirement

Verify research connection: Position must be closely linked to individual researcher's expertise

Apply via Fast-Track: Use Fast-Track Researcher track through SIRI

Provide documentation: Master's degree, research credentials, employment contract

Biometric recording: Fingerprints and photograph at diplomatic mission

Permit approval: Approval via Fast-Track process

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Researcher Work Permit Application

—

Verified Claims (5)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026

Fee Breakdown

Application fee: 3060 DKK

nyidanmark.dk

Forms · 0 · name

ST6 - Job seeking after graduation

nyidanmark.dk

Application Portal

https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Study/Study---job-seeking

nyidanmark.dk

Official Info

https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Study/Study---job-seeking/Study---3-years-job-seek…

nyidanmark.dk

Processing Estimates

{"minDays":90,"maxDays":90}

nyidanmark.dk

Apply Now Official Information

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Overview

Job-seeking permit for Danish graduates; 3 years with limited work (90h/month Sep-May, full-time Jun-Aug).

This visa is ideal for recent international graduates seeking to build careers in Denmark while job-searching in their field of study.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Denmark

Pay Limit Scheme

ValidityDuration of contract up to 4 years

Processing1–3 months

View Visa Details

Denmark

Positive List Scheme

Validity4 years

Processing3–4 months

View Visa Details

Denmark

Fast-Track Work Scheme

ValidityVaries (Depends on employment contract length)

Processing1 month

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have completed a full-time higher education program (professional bachelor, bachelor, master, or PhD) at a recognized Danish educational institution.

Must have held a valid residence permit as a student during the study period.

Must apply while the student residence permit is still valid or within the designated grace period if applicable.

Must have no public debt (unpaid taxes, fines, or fees) to the Danish state.

Must have no criminal record in Denmark.

Must be able to support oneself financially during the job-seeking period.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Master's degree

Employment contract

Research credentials

Passport photo

Employment contract (sponsor)

Institution credentials (sponsor)

Salary documentation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

3-year permit bridges graduation to permanent employment; renewable with direct pathway to residency
Unrestricted work Jun-Aug; up to 90 hrs/month Sep-May allows flexible income during job search
Direct conversion to Pay Limit, Positive List, or Fast-Track schemes upon securing employment
Dependents allowed; spouses can work unrestricted during entire 3-year permit period
Dual intent supported — actively plan permanent settlement while searching for career roles
Low application fee of DKK 3,060; 30-60 day processing estimates from official channels
Renewable permit; job search period length matches 3-year educational investment cycle

Worth Knowing

Work restricted to 90 hrs/month Sep-May; serious limitation unless full-time role secured by summer
Requires clean financial and legal record with Danish state; no unpaid taxes, fines, or criminal history
Application window critical: must apply while student permit valid or within designated grace period
Must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency throughout 3-year job-seeking period
Limited to graduates of recognized Danish educational institutions; international degrees non-qualifying

Application Process