Many students dream of living in a peaceful, safe, and happy country. Denmark is one of those countries, alongside nations like Norway and the Netherlands, which rank highly for post-study opportunities. In 2025, Denmark ranked again in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. Besides that, the country has a very strong education system.
After studying in Denmark, international students wish to stay longer. That’s because Denmark offers good jobs, a high quality of life, and huge opportunities for international students.
What’s more, the country welcomes international talent. Many Danish companies hire people from outside. You can apply for permanent residency in Denmark after studying if you want to work here.
So, how to get PR in Denmark after study and what do you need to do? This guide will take you through the process step by step.
Denmark’s PR Requirements for Graduates
Before you apply for PR, you must meet Denmark’s PR Requirements. There are different criteria for the Denmark skilled worker visa and student visa. Here, we’ll explain the rules for international graduates.
To get PR in Denmark in 2025, you must:
- Live in Denmark for at least 8 years (or 4–6 years in special cases).
- Hold a legal residence permit during that time.
- Didn’t break any Danish laws or get any serious fines.
- Pass the Danish Language Test 2 or equivalent Danish exam.
- Have worked full-time for at least 3 years and 6 months.
- Have an annual average taxable income of DKK 331,249.35
- Show that you were active in Danish society (job, volunteer work, etc.).
- Not owe money to the public sector (like taxes or loans).
If you do all of these, you can apply for permanent residency. Some students may qualify faster if they meet bonus points. For example, if you passed the Danish Language Test 3, you may apply in 4 years.
PR Rules: Students vs. Skilled Workers (2025)
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Requirement
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International Graduates
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Skilled Workers
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Legal stay in Denmark
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8 years (or bonus 4–6)
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8 years (or bonus 4–6)
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Full-time work
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3.5 years
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3.5 years
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Danish language test
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Test 2 or higher
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Test 2 or higher
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Criminal record
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Must be clean
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Must be clean
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Public debt
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None
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None
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Special pathways (bonus points)
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Yes
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Yes
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Step-by-Step Process to Apply for PR After Studies
Applying for PR in Denmark may look hard at first. But don’t worry. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Gather All the Required Documents
Before you apply, collect all your important papers. You will need proof that you meet all the PR rules. Here are the documents you usually need:
- Your payment receipt
- Danish language test for PR result (like Prøve i Dansk 2 or 3)
- Work contract or employment proof
- Income proof, like pay slips or tax records
- Your ID photo and your passport
- Extra documents if you have special conditions (like disability or early pension)
Step 2: Create a Case Order ID Online
First, go to the SIRI website. There, you will create something called a Case Order ID, which is like your personal application number. Choose the right category for your application. Then, type in your full name, email, and other details.
Once you've done this, click the button that says “Create Case Order ID.” You’ll then receive your case number on the screen. Save it somewhere safe. You’ll need it later.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Now that you have your case number, you must pay the fee. The current fee in 2025 is DKK 7,110. You can pay the money in many ways:
- A card (Visa, MasterCard, or Dankort)
- Bank transfer
- Danish internet bank
- Post office
- A regular bank
Once you pay, keep the receipt. You must print it out and include it with your papers.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
The application form is called Start TU1-4. It is available on the SIRI website. Choose the form that matches your situation. If you are applying based on work or study, you fill it in yourself.
The form asks for simple information such as your name, CPR number, and job information. You can fill it out online or print and sign it by hand. Make sure every answer is correct before sending it.
Step 5: Book Your Biometrics Appointment
You’re almost done now. One last step. Within four weeks of applying, you must give your biometrics. You need to go to the Immigration Service office. There, they will take your fingerprints and a photo of your face. Once done, they will add these details to your PR file.
Best Work Visas to Secure Before Applying for PR
After finishing your studies, you need a work visa to stay in Denmark. This work visa helps you gain experience and later apply for PR. Let’s look at the best options for international graduates in 2025.
The Pay Limit Scheme
This is one of the most common work visas in Denmark. You can apply if you have a job offer with a high salary. In 2024, the minimum salary requirement was DKK 465,000 per year. That’s around DKK 38,750 per month.
You don’t need to be on Denmark’s job shortage list. But your job offer must meet the salary and work conditions.
The Positive List Scheme
This visa is for people with skills Denmark really needs. The Positive List includes jobs with worker shortages in Denmark. 2025 the list includes nurses, engineers, IT experts, and medical workers. This visa is a great choice if your degree fits one of these roles.
This visa has no fixed salary rule, but the job must match your education. The employer must provide a full-time contract. You can check the latest Positive List on SIRI’s website here.
Establishment Card for Graduates
This card is for students who finish a Danish higher education program. You don’t need a job offer to apply for this card. It gives you up to 2 years to find work after graduation. You can apply within 1 year of completing your education. During this time, you can work full-time in any job.
You can later switch to a better visa, like the Pay Limit Scheme. Full details are on SIRI’s Establishment Card page.
Work Visa Comparison for Graduates
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Visa Type
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Salary Needed
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Job Offer Required
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Leads to PR?
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Processing Time
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Pay Limit Scheme
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DKK 465,000/year
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Yes
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Yes
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~1 month
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Positive List Scheme
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No fixed amount
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Yes (from list)
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Yes
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~1 month
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Establishment Card
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No salary needed
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No
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Indirect
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1–2 months
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In-Demand Jobs in Denmark (2025)
According to the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR), the most wanted workers in 2025 are in these fields:
- Engineering (mechanical, civil, electrical)
- IT and Software Development
- Healthcare (nurses, doctors)
- Green Energy and Sustainability
- Teaching, especially in science and math subjects
How to Find a Job in Denmark as an International Graduate
Finding a job in Denmark can feel hard at first. But don’t worry. Many students find good jobs after graduation. You just need the right tools and a good plan.
Use Danish Job Portals
Start with popular job websites in Denmark. These sites list thousands of new jobs every day.
Here are some of the best ones:
- Jobindex.dk: Denmark’s biggest job portal
- WorkinDenmark.dk: made for international job seekers
- Graduateland.com: good for students and fresh graduates
- Jobnet.dk: official site by the Danish government
Make a Danish-Style CV
Danish employers like short and clear CVs. Your CV should be only 1–2 pages long. Write about your education, work experience, and skills. Use simple language and focus on what you can do.
Also, write a short cover letter for each job. This letter tells the company why you want that job.
Use LinkedIn and Make Connections
LinkedIn is very popular in Denmark. Many people find jobs through networking there. Make a strong profile with your photo and skills. Follow Danish companies and connect with recruiters. Sometimes, companies post jobs only on LinkedIn.
Ask Your University for Help
Most Danish universities have a career centre. They help students find internships and jobs. You can join job fairs, meet companies, and get CV help. Many universities also have partner companies looking for new graduates. It’s okay to ask them for support, even after you graduate.
Apply to Companies That Sponsor Visas
Some companies in Denmark are used to hiring foreigners, much like multinational employers in Singapore’s tech sector or Scotland’s energy industry. They will help you with your visa and papers. Popular companies that hired international graduates included:
- Novo Nordisk (Pharma)
- Maersk (Shipping and Logistics)
- Siemens Gamesa (Renewable Energy)
- Netcompany (IT and Digital Solutions)
- Vestas (Wind Energy)
Financial Requirements: Savings, Taxes, and Salary threshold for Danish PR
If you apply through the Pay Limit Scheme, you need a high-paying job. As of 2025, the minimum yearly salary is DKK 465,000. That’s about DKK 38,750 per month before tax. This salary must be shown on your contract.
If you are on the Positive List, there’s no fixed salary. However, the job must follow Danish pay and work rules.
Tax Contributions
To get PR, you must pay taxes regularly in Denmark. The government checks if you’ve paid the correct tax. You must not owe money to SKAT, Denmark’s tax office. If you miss tax payments, your PR may get rejected.
Proof of Savings
If you are not working full-time yet, you may need savings. This is common for people on the Establishment Card. As of 2025, there’s no fixed amount officially listed. But, many advisors suggest the minimum amount required to show financial self-sufficiency is approximately DKK 7,086.
Average Salaries in Key Danish Industries (2025)
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Industry
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Average Monthly Salary (DKK)
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Notes
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IT & Software
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50,000
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Very high demand in 2025
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Engineering
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48,000
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Especially green tech jobs
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Healthcare (Nurses)
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36,000
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Language skills are often needed
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Finance
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52,000
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Good for MBA graduates
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|
Life Sciences
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45,000
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Pharma and research fields
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Teaching
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33,000
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May require Danish skills
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Bank Account and Income Proof
Make sure your salary goes into a Danish bank account. Keep all your pay slips and tax cards safe. You will need them during your PR application. Also, always update your address and income info on borger.dk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the PR Application
Many people make small mistakes when applying for PR. These mistakes can delay or even ruin your application. Let’s look at the common ones so you can stay safe.
Not Meeting the Residency Requirement
Some forget that they must stay in Denmark long enough.
You must live in Denmark for at least 8 years (or 4 years sometimes).
If you leave Denmark for too long, those months may not count.
Short holidays are fine. But long stays abroad can break your record.
Missing Documents
PR applications need a lot of documents. If you forget even one, your case may be rejected. Commonly missed papers include:
- Tax reports (from SKAT)
- Pay slips
- Work contract
- Danish language test result
- Clean criminal record
Not Passing Danish Language Test
You must pass the Danish language test (Prøve i Dansk 2 or 3). Some students skip this or delay it for too long. But this test is very important for PR. If you pass Prøve i Dansk 3, you get more PR benefits. So, start learning Danish early—even just a little every day helps.
Not Using MitID
Almost all applications now need MitID to log in online. If you forget to update your MitID or CPR info, your case may be delayed or rejected. Make sure your MitID, email, and phone number are working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get PR in Denmark after studies?
It usually takes eight years to get a PR in Denmark. But some people qualify faster. It can take six years if you meet special conditions, like strong Danish skills or full-time work. Time spent as a student may not count fully. Only paid jobs, internships, or full-time work matter most for PR.
Can I bring my family while applying for PR?
Yes, you can bring your family while applying for PR. But they must apply separately. You must also meet the income and housing rules. Your partner or children need their own residence permits. Family reunification is allowed under certain rules. Make sure you meet all the conditions before applying together.
Is learning Danish mandatory for PR?
Yes, Danish is important for PR. You must pass the Danish Language Test 2. If you want PR in six years, you must pass the Danish Language Test 3. These tests check your speaking, reading, and writing skills. Knowing Danish also helps you find jobs and settle easily in Denmark.
Does freelance work count toward PR eligibility?
No, freelance work does not count toward PR. Only full-time, salaried jobs count. The job must be legal and registered in Denmark. Self-employment and freelance work don’t meet the PR work requirement. You must work for an employer and get a regular salary to qualify.
What are the benefits of Danish PR vs. citizenship?
PR gives you the right to live and work in Denmark forever. But you still keep your original passport. Danish citizenship gives you full voting rights and an EU passport. You also get access to more public jobs. However, to get citizenship, you must give up your old citizenship unless your country allows dual nationality.
Can I apply for PR without a job offer?
No, you cannot apply for PR without a job. You must show full-time work. You must have worked legally in Denmark for at least 3.5 years in the last 4 years. This is one of the main PR rules. A job offer alone is not enough. You need actual work experience.
How does the SU (student grant) affect my PR application?
Getting the SU (student grant) does not stop you from applying for PR. But, you must not have received any public benefits under the “Active Social Policy Act.” SU is not part of that law. So, if you only got SU while studying, it will not harm your PR application.
Are there PR exemptions for PhD graduates?
Yes, PhD graduates may get PR faster. If you finish a Danish PhD and work full-time, you might apply after four years. You must still meet all the other conditions, like the Danish language and income rules. The time spent during your PhD studies also counts more than regular student time.
What happens if my work visa expires during processing?
If your work visa expires while PR is being processed, you can still stay in Denmark. But only if you apply before your current visa ends. You will get a temporary right to stay under the same conditions. Always apply early to avoid problems. Don’t wait till the last minute.
How to appeal a rejected PR application?
If your PR is rejected, you can appeal. You must appeal within eight weeks. The appeal goes to the Immigration Appeals Board. They will review your case again. You can also submit new documents if needed. Always check the rejection letter. It tells you how and where to appeal properly.
Conclusion
Getting PR in Denmark after studying is not easy, but it’s possible. You just need to follow the right steps: work full-time, learn Danish, and follow all the rules. Don't worry if it takes time. Many students get PR after a few years of hard work.
So if you're wondering how to get PR in Denmark after study, just stay focused. Keep your job, speak Danish well, and never miss a deadline. Denmark is a great place to live. And PR will give you more freedom and peace of mind.