Internship Legislation and Students Visa in Denmark
Denmark, a Scandinavian nation famed for its high quality of life and excellent education system, has long been a popular destination for students and interns from across the globe. However, immigration rules and regulations vary based on your country of origin, particularly when it comes to student visas and internships.
This comprehensive guide seeks to provide valuable insights into the complexities of Denmark’s internship legislation and student visa application process for citizens, EU, and non-EU citizens. Let Piktalent be your guide to the latest regulations and the best opportunities for your career growth in Denmark.
EU citizens
For Danish Citizens
Danish students who are enrolled in an educational institution that includes internships as part of their academic or vocational training are entitled to partake in these opportunities. It’s important to note that these internships are typically non-paid, as they are considered an educational activity. However, a student may receive a form of financial aid known as ‘SU’ (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte), which is the Danish state educational grant.
The internships in Denmark are regulated according to the Act on Vocational Education and Training. This Act stipulates that an educational agreement must be established between the student, the internship company, and the educational institution. The agreement will detail various aspects such as the internship period, learning objectives, working hours, and obligations of the involved parties. This agreement is designed to ensure the quality of the internship and protect the rights of the intern.
It’s worth mentioning that the internship must contribute to the student’s education and it cannot replace regular employees or be used as cheap labour. In case of disagreements or conflicts during the internship, the student can reach out to the educational institution for guidance and mediation.
For EU Citizens
Students from other EU countries enjoy the privilege of the free movement of people, which means they do not need a residence permit or visa to study or undertake an internship in Denmark. However, if the duration of stay exceeds three months, they must apply for an EU Residence Document.
For the application for an EU Residence Document, students need to present a number of documents, including a valid passport, a passport photo, proof of enrollment in a Danish institution, and proof of financial self-sufficiency during their stay in Denmark. The application can be done online through the State Administration’s website.
Regarding internships, the same rules apply to EU citizens as to Danish citizens. Internships must be part of the curriculum and recognized by their educational institution. The Working Environment Act (Arbejdsmiljøloven) ensures fair and safe working conditions for all interns, providing a foundation for ensuring internships offer educational value and are not exploitative in nature.
Non-EU citizens
The process of applying for a student visa or a residence permit, often referred to as a study permit, is a prerequisite for non-EU citizens intending to study in Denmark. The two primary types of permits are the ‘Study’ and the ‘Intern’ permits.
Study Permit
Students from outside the EU/EAA need to apply for a study permit to pursue a higher education program in Denmark. Key conditions for securing this permit include:
Course Approval: The applicant must be enrolled in a higher education program approved by a Danish educational institution or a state authority.
Language Proficiency: The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in either Danish or English, depending on the language of instruction of the course.
Financial Proof: The applicant must demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves during their studies in Denmark.
Internship Permit
If non-EU citizens wish to undertake an internship in Denmark, they need an ‘Intern’ residence permit. The internship must be related to the student’s ongoing education, and it should ideally provide the student with professional experience relevant to their education. Key conditions for securing this permit include:
Education Requirement: The internship must be a required part of the educational program in your home country.
Approval: Approval from the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) is mandatory. Both the employer and the educational institution must provide information to SIRI, who will then assess the relevance and educational value of the internship.
Contract: There must be a signed internship contract between the intern and the company, specifying details like working hours, tasks, and any remuneration. This contract should be in accordance with the Danish labour market standards.
Insurance: The intern must have valid health insurance for the duration of the internship.
It’s important to note that the processing times for these permits can take months, and there is a processing fee involved. Therefore, it’s advisable to start the application process well in advance of your intended start date.
Internships for non-EU citizens are governed by specific legislation to ensure fair treatment. The Act on the Legal Position of Foreign Employees (Udlandsservice) applies to all interns, ensuring that they are afforded the same level of protection as Danish employees. This includes compliance with Danish rules on working conditions, such as maximum working hours and health and safety regulations.
However, it is worth noting that some internships may not be considered ‘work’ under Danish law, as they are part of a course of study. This can affect entitlement to benefits such as pay. It’s therefore important to check the specific conditions in your internship contract.
While the process might seem complex initially, securing a student visa or internship permit as a non-EU citizen is manageable with proper planning and understanding of the rules. The Danish authorities provide comprehensive guidance and resources to help applicants navigate the process. In this way, Denmark continues to uphold its commitment to educational excellence and international cooperation.
Piktalent Services for Denmark
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Frequently Asked Questions
Non-EU citizens need to apply for a study permit to pursue higher education in Denmark. Applications can be made online on the Newtodenmark official website. Essential documents include proof of course enrollment, language proficiency, and financial ability.
Yes, non-EU citizens wishing to undertake an internship in Denmark need an ‘Intern’ residence permit. The internship must be related to your ongoing education, approved by SIRI, and there should be a signed internship contract between you and the company.
Yes, non-EU citizens are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while studying full-time during term. During June, July, and August, full-time work is permitted.
Yes, non-EU students are allowed to extend their residence permit for up to six months after completing their studies to search for work.
Yes, but certain conditions apply. These include having lived in Denmark for at least four out of the last five years, not having any criminal records, and being financially self-sufficient.
Yes, the Act on the Legal Position of Foreign Employees ensures that non-EU interns have the same protections as Danish workers.
You can appeal the decision within three weeks of receiving the rejection. It’s important to provide as much detail and supporting documentation as possible in your appeal.
Processing times can vary, but it typically takes between two to three months. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date.
Yes, there is a processing fee which varies depending on the type of permit. It’s best to check the most current fees on the Newtodenmark official website.
If you are granted a residence permit as a student, you may, in some cases, bring your spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 with you. They must apply for a residence permit and certain conditions must be met, including providing proof of being able to support your family financially.
No, Danish citizens do not need any special permissions or documents to undertake internships in Denmark. The internship must be recognized by their educational institution as part of their course curriculum.
No, as an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to study or undertake an internship in Denmark. However, if your stay exceeds three months, you must apply for an EU Residence Document.
To apply for an EU Residence Document, you will need a valid passport, a passport photo, proof of enrollment in a Danish institution, and proof of financial self-sufficiency during your stay in Denmark. The application can be made online through the State Administration’s website.
Interns in Denmark are protected by the Working Environment Act (Arbejdsmiljøloven) and the Danish Act on the Legal Position of Foreign Employees (Udlandsservice). These acts ensure fair and safe working conditions for all interns, including equal rights and protections as regular employees.
Non-EU citizens need a student visa or a residence permit to study or take up an internship in Denmark. The internship must be a part of your study program and should provide professional experience relevant to your education. Approval from the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) is required.
Typically, internships in Denmark are non-paid as they are considered part of the student’s educational curriculum. However, Danish students may receive a form of financial aid known as ‘SU’ (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte), which is the Danish state educational grant.
