Foreign Students in Denmark Now Permitted to Work Part-Time Up to 90 Hours Per Month
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. All foreign students holding work permits in Denmark can now work part-time for up to 90 hours per month.
2. The new rules, effective today, July 1, also allow full-time work for three months (June, July, and August) this year.
3. Denmark has recently relaxed rules for professional models, permitting short-term work without a permit.
As of July 1, 2024, international students eligible to work part-time in Denmark can now work up to 90 hours per month. According to the Danish Immigration Service, students with part-time work permits can also work full-time for 90 hours in June, July, and August of this year.
The Executive Order regarding residence and work permits for students will be updated on July 1, 2024. Previously, foreign workers had to extend their stay before their current permits expired, ensuring their work stay did not exceed 90 days within the last 365 days.
Denmark's strong job market, characterized by low unemployment, makes it an attractive destination for part-time jobs. Popular industries include retail, hospitality, and customer service. The minimum wage in Denmark is relatively high, around 110 DKK (€14.75) per hour, with international students typically working 15-20 hours per week.
Rules on Seeking a Residence Permit for Up to 3 Years in Denmark as a Foreign Student
Foreign students can apply for a residence permit in Denmark for job searching if they hold a valid permit based on completed studies (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs approved by a state authority). Before applying, they should ensure their educational program is state-approved and check if their current permit includes a job search period.
The Styrelsen for International Rekruttering of Integration (SIRI) automatically grants a 3-year job search period with the study permit, provided the passport's validity allows. Students can apply for a job search permit if:
- The validity period of their student residence permit is shortened due to passport expiration.
- They have a 6-month job search period with their residence permit or have completed their education program in Denmark.
Additionally, Denmark has relaxed rules for foreign professional models, allowing them to work without a permit for short periods. Since June 1, 2024, professional models can enter Denmark without a work permit for up to three separate work periods of three days within 180 days.