Denmark
Visa regimes
June 2019
Embassy in Pakistan
The Royal Danish Embassy is located in Islamabad, Pakistan. The honorary ‘Consulate
General of Denmark’ is in Karachi.
Pakistani nationals are required to have a visa in order to enter Denmark and other Schengen
States. A visa must be obtained before departure from Pakistan. The same rules apply for
Afghan nationals. Pakistani citizens with diplomatic and service passports travelling to
Denmark are exempt from this requirement.
For more information embassy website can be reached from this link http://pakistan.um.dk/
On this website you can find information on the requirements for visa permit, residence permit,
application procedures, fees, and the Embassy's office hours. Please note that the Embassy
in Islamabad also handles visa applications to Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Contact hours
Embassy is open from Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday: 8:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. Afghan speaking applicants may call to inquire every Thursday between 2:00 p.m.
and 3:30 p.m.
Visits to the Visa Section are by appointment only through e-mail at isbambvisa@um.dk or
send an e-mail to the Embassy at isbambvisa@um.dk. Telephone Hours Consulate General
of Denmark in Karachi. Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m.
Embassy encourages all applicants not to contact the agents. Applicants are requested to
inform the Embassy of any agents that they may know of.
Visa processing time
The processing time varies and it is advisable to submit applications well in advance before
the intended journey. Please note that the processing time on the part of the Embassy and
the Danish Immigration Service only starts from the point when a fully and completed
application has been accepted.
Note: As a citizen of a country in Group 5, Pakistanis are subject to a number of restrictions
and as a starting point you only qualify for visas if there are extenuating circumstances, such
as the death or terminal illness of a family member living in Denmark.
In certain instances, a visa can be granted if you as a citizen of a country in Group 5 are
seeking to visit a spouse or cohabiting partner in Denmark and you previously have applied
for family reunification with that person and the application was refused due to the fact that
you have never been in Denmark (visitation requirement). In order to qualify for family
reunification, all the other requirements for family reunification must be met.
2|Page
Types of visa offer
Pakistani nationals are required to hold a residence and work permit to live and work in
Denmark. The same applies to Afghan nationals. The specific requirements are outlined by
the Danish Immigration Service.
Highly qualified professionals can - under certain conditions - apply for a work permit in
Denmark.
To work in Denmark interested applicant must apply for a residence and work permit. One
also needs to apply for a work permit if you will be doing unpaid work or seek side-line
employment. Click the following link https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-
apply/Work
1.1 Work Permit, Fast-track scheme
The Fast-track scheme makes it faster and easier for certified companies to recruit foreign
employees with special qualifications to work in Denmark. This means that individual, as a
highly qualified employee, can have a quick and flexible job start in the certified company. In
addition, the scheme allows you to alternate between working in Denmark and working
abroad.
Eligibility
You must have the skills to fill a position nominated by an approved business for an approved
occupation. It is a requirement that the employer is certified by the Danish Agency for
International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). List of certified employers can be accessed
through this link
https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Words-and-concepts/SIRI/Certified-
companies/?anchor=A7B9394A9C0E45639B8FFF29A686D959&callbackItem=B9144367D2
334F96846AFDE18478DEEC&callbackAnchor=45858563538B41608C9872058AD4A87D
For each profession, the educational requirement is mentioned along with the associated code
within the official classification of professions – DISCO-08. You can read more about DISCO-
08 on the website of Statistics Denmark.
(https://www.dst.dk/da/Statistik/dokumentation/nomenklaturer/disco-08) and also on Ministry
of Higher Education Website. Here is the direct link https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-
and-transparency/regulated-professions/list-of-regulated-professions
How to apply?
An application for certification is processed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment
and Integration (SIRI). Before submitting your application, you must create a case order ID for
your application and pay a fee to cover SIRI’s case processing expenses. You can do this on
the “How to apply” tab on website. There you also find the relevant application form, FT1. The
application form is an online form.
3|Page
If the application has been submitted and the applicant is residing legally in Denmark, since
the applicant
• is holding a valid visa,
• is exempt from the visa requirement or
• already holds a valid residence permit.
the applicant can appear in SIRI’s Citizen Centre and ask for a temporary permit in order to
begin working immediately. You must book an appointment via a link in the receipt the
employer receives after submitting the application or by contacting the employers contact
person at SIRI. It is not possible to book an appointment for this meeting here on
newtodenmark.dk.
Length of stay
One to four years – depending on your nominated occupation, the visa stream and your
circumstances. If you are employed for a shorter period than 4 years, your residence and work
permit will normally be valid for the period of your employment. If you wish to continue working
in Denmark after this time, you must apply for an extension of your residence and work permit.
In addition, you will automatically be granted a 6 month job seeking permit allowing you to look
for a new job in Denmark.
What you can do
This visa allows you to work in Denmark with travel to other Schengen states and bring your
family along.
Cost of visa and processing time
DKK 3,280 is the cost and it takes 1 months processing time.
1.2 Short Term Visa
There are different types of short visa offered to under short term visa to Denmark. If you wish
to visit Denmark for a short period of time a visa normally grants you the right to stay in the
entire Schengen region for up to 90 days. If you wish to stay in Denmark for a longer time, you
must apply for a residence permit.
Eligibility:
You can normally get a visa if the authorities assess that you undoubtedly intend to return
home before your visa expires and that you will also comply with the conditions for your visa.
This applies regardless of which country with a visa requirement you come from. However, if
the authorities assess that there is doubt whether you will travel home or leave the Schengen
countries before your visa expires - or whether you will otherwise comply with the conditions
for your visa - the authorities will investigate your case further. When the authorities then
decide whether you can get a visa, the authorities will emphasize which of the 5 main groups
of countries with a visa requirement, you belong to.
How to apply?
4|Page
Application should be submitted at Gerry’s Visa Service Center along with a non-refundable
visa application fee. A person applying for a short-term visa for Schengen will as a minimum
be required to submit the following documentation together with an application form.
(Electronically typed in or hand written application/form with capital alphabets is preferred.)
Valid national passport or other valid travel identification.
One passport photo. The photo must be 35 mm x 45 mm (size of head 30-36 mm from the
bottom of the chin to the top of the head). You must be facing the camera directly.
A fully filled-in online invitation form along with Invitation ID or originally signed invitation form
from your reference in Denmark, with information about the person(s) you will visit, as well as
name and address, purpose of your visit, and a description of the relationship between you
and your reference in Denmark.
For more details and to download the forms click the following link
http://pakistan.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/Going-to-Denmark/visa-for-short-stays/
Length of stay:
Up to 90 days only.
What you can do:
You can travel in Denmark and Schengen states.
Cost of visa and processing time
Applications are admissible along with a non-refundable visa application fee equivalent to DKK
445 - PKR 7,500 at the Gerry's Visa Service Center.
1.3 Visa for the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland
The Embassy of Denmark in Islamabad processes visa applications on behalf of the Faroe
Islands, Greenland and Iceland.
All applications for short term visitor's visas (up to 90 days) for the Faroe Islands, Greenland
and Iceland must be submitted personally at Gerry's Visa Service Centre.
To learn more about visa permits for Iceland, please visit the official website for the Icelandic
Directorate of Immigration.
Here is the link: http://pakistan.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/Going-to-Denmark/visa-for-
short-stays/application-fees/
Processing time is 15 days and fee is PKR 7,500
1.4 Green Card Scheme
The Green card applications are no longer accepted with effect from 10 June 2016.
Note: Applications for a residence permit under the Green card Scheme submitted before 10
June 2016 will be processed as normal. To follow up click the following link
https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/coming_to_dk/work/greencard-scheme/greencard-
scheme.htm
5|Page
1.5 Study in Denmark
As a foreign national, you can be granted a residence permit in order to study in Denmark.
The Danish Immigration Service lays out the requirements for obtaining such a permit.
Link: http://pakistan.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/Going-to-Denmark/residence-
permits/study-permit/
Eligibility:
If you have been admitted to a higher educational programme in Denmark, you can be granted
a permit to stay and study in Denmark. You can either complete a full educational programme
or do part of your education as a guest or exchange student. You can also be granted a
residence permit to complete a preparatory course for a higher educational programme. The
educational institution must be publicly accredited.
The educational programme must be approved by a state authority or by the Danish
Evaluation Institute, EVA. An educational programme is considered to be a higher educational
programme if the admission requirement is to have completed a high school programme.
However, this does not apply to programmes where admission is based on an entrance
examination. The educational programme must be a full-time study.
How to apply?
If you have applied online, your application has already been submitted. The application can
be submitted to a Danish diplomatic mission or an application centre in the country where you
are residing. If you apply online, you must choose the application form ST1 online.
In the ST1 online form your educational institution must complete the first of the two parts of
the form. When your educational institution has completed their part, a reference number and
password will be shown, which the educational institution must pass on to you. You are then
able to open the online application and complete your part.
Make sure you have all documents ready in digital form, in order to attach them as you
complete the application form.
Here is the following link: https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Study
Length of stay:
Depending on your programme enrolled from 3 months to 4 years.
6|Page
What you can do?
A residence and work permit based on studies in Denmark allows your family to come with
you to Denmark. A permit can be granted to your spouse, registered or cohabiting partner as
well as children under the age of 18 living at home.
Cost of visa
PKR 25,500 has to be paid in cash, along with Gerry's Service charges. Processing time is 2
months.
1.6 Au-Pair Permit
The term au pair means 'on equal terms'. The idea of an au pair stay is for a young person
to stay with a host family with children under the age of 18 'on equal terms' with the other
members of the family. The purpose is for the au pair to improve language and/or
professional skills as well as broaden his/her cultural horizon by becoming more
acquainted with Denmark. In return, the au pair participates in the host family's domestic
chores (e.g. cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, babysitting) for a maximum of five hours
a day, and no more than six days a week.
Eligibility
The agreement between you and the host family must be set by a binding au pair contract
which establishes the framework for your stay as an au pair with the family. When you
apply, you must meet the following requirements in order to be granted a residence permit
as an au pair:
• You must be at least 18 years old, but you must not have turned 30.
• You must not have started a family
• You must not be or have been married, be or have been in a stable cohabitating
relationship or be or have been in a civil partnership.
• You must not have children.
• You must not be expecting a child unless you are already staying in Denmark as
an au pair and wishes to change your host family.
How to apply
You must contact and make an agreement with a Danish family about being an au pair
with them. Moreover, there are a number of conditions to meet before you can obtain a
permit as an au pair. When SIRI assesses whether your stay as an au pair is in accordance
with your life story, or whether there is a reason to assume that your purpose for applying
differs from the intention behind the scheme, SIRI will look at the following:
• Whether you have completed a youth study programme equivalent to the Danish
9th grade.
7|Page
• Whether you are able to communicate with your host family and manage yourself
in Denmark. Thus, you must be able to speak and understand either Danish,
Swedish, Norwegian, English or German on a moderate level.
• Your reason for applying to stay as an au pair in Denmark.
• Any previous residence permits or applications for residence permits in Denmark.
• Any previous stays as an au pair in other western countries.
• Any previous stays with host families in Denmark.
• Whether you are related to your host family, or whether you are of the same
nationality as one or more of the family members.
• Your education and any vocational experience, including whether a stay as an au
pair has a natural connection to your life, career and development so far.
Length of stay
Depending on the agreement. As an au pair, you can be granted a residence permit valid
for a maximum of 2 years. In addition, the residence permit is limited to the validity period
of the au pair contract or to the day when the youngest child in the family turns 18.
What you can do?
The purpose of your stay in Denmark must be to engage in cultural exchange. You must
help your host family with their daily chores. In return, they will give you an idea of the
everyday life of a Danish family. You must not begin taking part in doing daily chores before
you have been granted a permit.
The residence permit does not allow you to take paid employment. Therefore, you are not
allowed to work outside of host family’s home – unless you undertake voluntary unpaid
work in an organisation or an association.
The work must be connected to the key tasks of the organisation or association. The work
should be of benefit to persons that neither you, nor your host family is related to.
Cost of visa and processing time
It can take 3 months’ time visa cost is DKK 2,755 or PKR 25000 approx. For more
information following link shall be followed.
https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Au-pair?anchor=canyouapply
8|Page
1.7 Family Reunification Permit
If you have close relatives in Denmark, you can apply for a residence permit on the grounds
of family reunification. On 4 June 2018, the Danish Parliament passed new rules for family
reunification for spouses. You can also adopt a child, foster a child, invite refugees under this
permit.
Eligibility
You can be granted a residence permit in Denmark under the rules for family reunification if
the residence permit is granted for the purpose of:
• Adoption
• Residence as part of a foster-family relationship, or
• Residence with a close family member
More detail on types of re-unification can be accessed through this link
https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Family/Family-reunification/Adopted-
child-etc_,-when-the-person-in-Denmark-is-a-refugee-
How to apply?
You can apply directly through Danish immigration website and/or through local mission in
Islamabad. For more detail the link can be accessed
http://pakistan.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/Going-to-Denmark/residence-permits/family-
reunification-permit/requirements/
Length of stay
If your application for family reunification is approved, you will initially be granted a temporary
residence permit, typically valid for one year. If you and the person in Denmark still meet the
requirements for residency, your residence permit can be extended. When you turn 18, it may
be possible for you to obtain a permanent residence permit by meeting lenient requirements.
What can you do?
You will be allowed to live in Denmark with various rights depending on under which category
you have applied.
9|Page
Cost of visa and processing time
For all applications for Residence Permit a fee is required to be paid directly to the Danish
Immigration Service. If applicants’ hand in their application at the Gerry's/VFS Visa Service
Centre in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi an 'application processing fee’ of PKR 25,500 has to
be paid in cash, along with Gerry's Service charges. If the application is processed directly
with the Danish Immigration Service by the references in Denmark and applicant only wishes
to proceed for Biometrics, the applicant may approach the Gerry's Visa Service Centre.
Link to all application forms:
All the applications forms can be downloaded via this link
http://pakistan.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/Going-to-Denmark/residence-
permits/application-forms/
The information on the latest fees and biometric rules is attached below
10 | P a g e
