How to apply for a Schengen visa for Denmark?

Date : 24/02/2025

Ready to uncover the secrets of Christiansborg Slot, also known as Borgen, to admire the colourful Nyvahn canal or sign a business deal in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, to pursue your university research in Aarhus or discover the cradle of Viking civilisation in Roskilde? There are countless reasons to organise a trip to this European country but there is one thing you cannot forget! Whether for work or pleasure, you might need a visa to be allowed in Hans Christian Andersen’s homeland.

Our AXA team has gathered a few guidelines to help you in your visa application process and make sure you get your entry pass to Denmark and the Schengen area.
Here’s everything to know to apply for a Danish visa.

• Do you need a visa to visit Denmark?
• What type of visa do you need to travel to Denmark?
• Where must you apply for your visa for Denmark?
• When should you apply for your Danish visa?
• How much does a visa for Denmark cost?
• What are the different steps in the visa for Denmark application process?
• What documents must be provided with your Danish visa application?
• Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance?

Do you need a visa to visit Denmark?

As part of the Schengen area, Denmark applies the European Union’s common policy concerning short-stay visas (less than 90 days).

Foreigners travelling to Denmark in need of very specific information can visit the website New to Denmark.

Who doesn’t need a visa to visit Denmark?

• Citizens (and family members residing with them) of Schengen member- States or of European Union countries.
• Third-country nationals with a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country.
• Travellers from third-countries which have signed a visa-waiver agreement with the European Union.

However, they still need to comply with a few requirements:

• • They must travel with a passport issued less than 10 years before their trip and valid more than 3 months after their scheduled date of departure from the Schengen area.
  • Their stay must not exceed 90 days over a 180-day period.
  • They must apply online for an electronic travel authorisation (ETIAS) to enter the Schengen area (due to start mid-2025).

Good to know

• As demanded by Danish authorities, visa-free travellers must be able to provide proof of their means of subsistence during their stay in the country.
  The necessary amount has been set between 350 and 500 Danish Krone (DKK) per day (between €45 and €70).
• Nationals of the following countries can stay in Denmark up to 90 days, regardless of the duration of their previous visits to other Schengen states: Australia, Canada, Chile, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New-Zealand, Singapore.

Who needs a visa to travel to Denmark?

All travellers who don’t fall into one of the three previous categories need a visa to visit Denmark.
→ Here’s the list of all the nationalities who must apply for a visa for Denmark.

What type of visa do you need to travel to Denmark?

1. For stays shorter than 3 months undertaken for the most common purposes (tourism, business, visiting relatives, short internships and training courses, attending professional, cultural or sports events): you need to apply for a Type C short-stay visa, also called uniform visa or Schengen visa.

It is called a uniform visa because the criteria to obtain it and the rights it gives are identical, whatever the Schengen country where the application was submitted, or the demand granted.

It allows its holder to enter and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days over a 180-day period.

→ Here’s everything you need to know about the 90/180-day rule in the Schengen area.

Good to know

• The type C short-stay visa doesn’t allow its holders to work in a Schengen country. However, depending on their professional field and situation, certain categories of workers can be exempt from applying for a work-permit to practice certain time-limited activities in Denmark.
• For stays longer than 3 months, you need to apply for a type D visa, a national long-stay visa.

Contrary to the Schengen visa, there are several types of D visas, depending on the purpose of the trip. Each with its own criteria and application process.

Please note! Travellers from countries exempt from short-stay visa requirements must however apply for a type D visa if they want to stay longer than 3 months in Denmark.

Where must you apply for your Danish visa?

You need to apply for your visa for Denmark at the Danish embassy or consulate of your place of residence.

In countries where there is no Danish diplomatic service, you will need to submit your visa application at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country which has agreed to represent Denmark and to receive visa applications on its behalf.

In certain countries, Danish authorities entrust private companies (such as VFS Global) with the processing of visa application files.

Good to know:

• On the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, you will find where to submit your visa application file, according to your place of residence.
• Visa applications can be done online, unless they are processed through another country representing Denmark

When should you apply for your visa for Denmark?

A Schengen visa application must be submitted 6 months at the earliest and 15 days at the latest from your scheduled departure date.

Processing usually takes about 15 days. It can however be longer during the busier times of the year (summer or end-of-year holidays, important celebrations, etc.).

Bear in mind! You need to book an appointment to hand-in your visa application file which can delay the process if there’s no early availability.

We recommend: Submit your application as soon as possible, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before your scheduled date of departure. This will avoid unnecessary stress.

How much does a visa for Denmark cost?

The cost of a Schengen visa (or visa fee), standardised in all Schengen countries and non-refundable in case of visa refusal, depends on the age of the applicant:

• Travellers aged 12 and over: full fee
• Children between ages 6 to 12: reduced fee
• Children younger than 6: free of charge

Depending on the purpose of the trip (school trips, research, humanitarian work, etc.), certain travellers can benefit from a reduced visa fee or even fee exemption.

To find out more, read our article detailing the costs entailed by a Schengen visa application.

Please note:

• In countries where visa applications are processed by specialised private companies, you will need to pay an additional service fee.
• Visa and service fees are non-refundable even if the visa application is denied.

What are the different steps in the Danish visa application process?

1. Find out what type of visa is required and where to submit your application.
2. Make sure your passport meets the visa application requirements:
   • a. It must have been issued less than 10 years prior to your application.
   • b. It must remain valid more than 3 months after your scheduled date of departure from the Schengen area.
   • c. It must include 2 blank pages minimum.
3. Apply online or fill out the paper version of the application form.
4. Book your appointment to hand-in your application file.
5. Subscribe to certified and compulsory travel insurance.
6. Prepare the required supporting documents.
7. Attend your appointment to submit your file which must include:
   • a. Your appointment confirmation letter,
   • b. The printed application form duly completed, dated and signed,
   • c. Your passport,
   • d. The required supporting documents,
   • e. The accepted means of payment to settle the visa fees and service fees if applicable.

During your appointment, an agent will meet with you to:

• make sure your file is complete and your supporting documents are valid,
• record your biometric data: fingerprints and photos. Children under age 12 are exempt but must still attend the appointment.
• collect the visa and service fees.
• bring your passport. Don’t panic, you will get it back later.

Once your application has been examined, you will be informed by text/email/phone and will be asked to come recover your passport.

How will you know if your visa application is granted or not?

Visa granted: a visa sticker will feature on your passport.

Visa denied: you will receive a document explaining the reasons why your visa request was rejected and how you can appeal the decision.

What documents must be provided with your visa for Denmark application?

Documents common to all visa applicants

• The application form
• A passport
• An ICAO ID picture meeting international standards.
• A Travel insurance certificate.
  Subscribing to travel insurance is mandatory. This requirement is imposed by the European Union when applying for a visa in order to cover all medical expenses which could occur in case of illness or accident.

This insurance must meet the criteria established by the European Union Visa Code.

→ Remember to read our article on Schengen travel insurance to find out more.

Documents depending on individual situations

1. Useful Information

• For most travel purposes, the visa applicant must provide a letter of invitation written by the person, company or organisation which will accommodate them during their stay in Denmark.

An invitation form can be completed by the future host online, automatically generating a reference number (or invitation ID) which the visa applicant must add to their file. Completing the form online is a huge time-saver in the visa application process.

• Danish companies and organisations can ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for prior approval to host foreign visitors, making their visa application process faster and easier.

Check if your inviting structure meets the criteria to follow this simpler process.

2. You might also need to provide supporting documents detailing or justifying:

• The purpose of your stay,
• Your accommodation arrangements in Denmark,
• Your financial means of subsistence during your stay,
• Your intent on leaving the Schengen area at the end of your trip.

Relax! A precise list of the supporting documents you need to enclose according to your individual situation will be provided when you apply online or directly by consular authorities.

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for your Danish visa?

AXA Schengen travel insurance is certified by the consulates and embassies of all Schengen member States and thus is systematically accepted with visa applications.

AXA Schengen Visa Travel insurance offers many advantages:

• Quick and easy online subscription.
  You will automatically receive your compulsory insurance certificate which must be enclosed with your application file.
• Great value for money
• Refundable if your visa application is denied.
• No deductible
• No age limit
• Free medical teleconsultation

Compare the different options available and learn more about all the benefits of AXA Schengen visa insurance.

Get your free Schengen travel insurance quote now!

Related Articles

• Schengen Visa Application Form: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to apply for a Schengen visa for Iceland?
• How to apply for a Schengen visa for Finland?

FAQ

Does a Schengen visa allow me to visit Greenland?

While Greenland is a Danish territory, it is not however part of the Schengen area. A Schengen visa will consequently not allow you to travel there. You will need a specific visa.

However, if you are exempt from visa obligations to visit Denmark, you won’t need one to discover Greenland!

Why doesn’t Denmark use the euro?

The Danish government negotiated an opt-out allowing it not to use the euro. Its official currency is the Danish krone (1 EUR ~ 7,46 DKK). However, some shops located in areas popular with tourists accept payments in euros.

What is the Danish “Red Carpet” Program?

The Danish “Red Carpet” Program consists of simplified procedures to obtain a Schengen visa for visitors who travel to Denmark on a regular basis for business purposes.
Delays to obtain a visa are shorter (3 days), fewer supporting documents are required and the applicant doesn’t need to go to a visa centre to hand-in their file.