Permission to reside and work in Denmark for international staff at Aarhus University

This page contains information about permission to reside and work in Denmark as an international employee at Aarhus University.


Nordic citizen

  • A residence and work permit is not necessary.
  • We recommend you to register with the public authorities if you are in Denmark for more than 3 months.
  • You must register with the public authorities if you are in Denmark for 6 months or more.
  • You are allowed to work and conduct research in Greenland and in the Faroe Islands.

We strongly encourage Nordic citizens to register with public authorities if you will reside in Denmark for more than 3 months because it makes a number of procedures easier and faster.

However, as a Nordic citizen you are free to enter, reside, study and work in Denmark. You are only required to register if you intend to stay in Denmark for more than 6 months.

Bring your ID

As a Nordic citizen, you can enter Denmark without a passport. However, you must be able to identify yourself if required. Your driver's license or bank card is sufficient identification, but we recommend you bring your passport.

Bringing your family

If your family members are Nordic citizens, they can enter and reside in Denmark as Nordic Citizens.

If your family members are not Nordic citizens, they can apply for a residence permit as accompanying family members to you based on your EU/EEA citizenship.

Please note: There are a number of documents and certificates you must bring from home to get registered. 

Only certificates in English/German/Scandinavian languages are accepted (original or authorized translations). Please note that certificates from some countries need to be apostille certified.

Read more about how to register and what to bring as a Nordic citizen

EU/EEA citizen


EU/EEA citizens can reside freely in Denmark for up to 3 months without registering with the public authorities. If you seek employment, you can stay for up to 6 months.

If you expect to stay for longer than the 3 or 6-month limit, you must apply in person to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) for an EU residence document (registration certificate).

Registration with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) is included in the Aarhus University Getting Started in Denmark registration event. The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) is part of the International Citizen Service (ICS).

Non-Nordic citizens are required to hold a work and residence permit to work or conduct research in Greenland or in the Faroe Islands. Special conditions apply

Bringing your family

If your family members are EU/EEA-citizens, they can apply for an EU Registration Certificate as accompanying family members to you.

If your family members are Nordic citizens, they can enter and reside in Denmark as Nordic Citizens (see above).

If they are non-EU citizens, they can apply for a residence permit as accompanying family members to you based on your EU citizenship.

Documents to bring from home

There are a number of documents and certificates you must bring from home to get registered. 

Only certificates in English/German/Scandinavian languages are accepted (original or authorized translations). Please note that certificates from some countries need to be apostille certified.

Read more about what to bring as an EU/EEA citizen

Non-EU/EEA-citizens

  • You are required to hold a work and residence permit
  • You are required to hold a work permit before you start to work (with very few exceptions)
  • You might need a visa to enter Denmark and the Schengen-area as well as Greenland and the Faroe Islands
  • A work and residence permit is required to work and conduct research in Greenland or in the Faroe Islands.
  • Accompanying family members are also required to hold residence permits
  • Working illegally can lead to serious consequences

Read more about work and residence permits for researchers, PhD-students and guests at Aarhus University.