Denmark restricts work and family rights for international students starting May 2025

International students from third countries who enrol in non-state-approved higher education programmes in Denmark will no longer be allowed to work during their studies starting May 2, to stay for job search after graduation, or bring family members. The changes will apply only to new applications submitted on or after this date, according to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, Denmark.

These adjustments aim to ensure that residence permits are granted only to students whose primary intention is to study in Denmark.

Students who applied or were granted residence permits before May 2 will not be affected. They will retain their current rights, including limited work access, a six-month post-study job search period, and the option to bring family members. These rights will also continue for those applying to extend existing permits.

Family members who were granted accompanying residence permits before the new rules take effect will also retain their rights during any future extensions.

According to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, the amendment was made to the ‘Executive Order on the granting of residence and work permits to students’ and officially announced on April 30.