Yes, international students can work in Denmark, but the rules depend on where you are from. If you are a Nordic, EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you do not need a work permit for a student job and there is no student-specific hour limit. If you are from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, your student residence permit comes with a limited work permit: up to 90 hours a month from September to May and full time in June, July and August.
Who needs a work permit and who doesn't
Your nationality decides your starting point. Nordic, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can work without a work permit and have no student-specific hour limit. For everyone else, the student residence permit includes a limited right to work. That right is 90 hours a month from September to May, and full time in June, July and August. The exact rules are on your residence card, so check what it says. If your programme is not state-approved, different rules may apply, ask your institution. And if you are here on a short-stay visa, work is not permitted at all.
How many hours you can work
For non-EU/EEA/Swiss students, the limit is 90 hours a month from September to May. In June, July and August you can work full time. That is the rule as stated by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Working more than your permit allows is illegal work and may affect your residence permit. So keep track of your hours, especially if you have more than one job.
Finding a student job
Your institution's career centre or job portal is a good place to start. They often have listings for student jobs and part-time work. Workindenmark is the official employment service for international jobseekers, and many of their jobs are available in English. Whether you need Danish depends on the job. Learning Danish improves your chances, and Danish courses are free at higher education institutions. As you budget, remember that Denmark is not a cheap country, see our cost of living guide for what you will need beyond your salary. If you are still choosing where to study, our list of all universities in Denmark can help you compare institutions and their locations.
Tax and practicalities
If you earn a salary, you need a tax card. Your employer deducts tax at source. You can apply for a tax card through the Danish tax authorities (SKAT), check their website for the current process. Keep your residence card handy: it states what you are allowed to do. If you are from outside the EU/EEA and need to apply for a residence permit, start with our residence permit guide and then confirm the details on nyidanmark.dk.
If you are not from the EU/EEA
You normally need a residence permit for study before you come to Denmark, applied for through SIRI. The permit includes the limited work rights described above. Remember: work is not allowed on a short-stay visa. If your programme is not state-approved, the work rules may differ, so check with your institution. Also, if you are applying for a degree, note that undergraduate applications go through optagelse.dk with deadlines of 15 March and 5 July at 12 noon (CET). For tuition fees, higher education is free of charge for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland; other full-degree students pay fees set by each institution. Fees listed on this site come from the Study in Denmark register, always confirm them with the institution.
Sources
- Study in Denmark, student jobs
- Study in Denmark, do I need a visa?
- Study in Denmark, paying taxes
- Study in Denmark, how to apply
- Study in Denmark, tuition fees and scholarships
- Study in Denmark, residence permits for non-EU/EEA citizens
Frequently asked questions
Can international students work in Denmark?
Yes, but the rules depend on your nationality. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work without a permit and have no hour limit. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students with a residence permit can work up to 90 hours a month from September to May and full time in June, July and August.
How many hours can a non-EU student work in Denmark?
Up to 90 hours a month from September to May, and full time in June, July and August. Your residence card states the exact conditions. Working more than allowed is illegal and may affect your residence permit.
Do I need a work permit to work as a student in Denmark?
Nordic, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit for a student job. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need a student residence permit, which includes a limited work permit. If your programme is not state-approved, different rules may apply.
Can I work in Denmark on a short-stay visa?
No, work is not permitted during a stay on a short-stay visa. You need a residence permit that allows work, such as a student residence permit.