Denmark visa options for Ireland passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Denmark

For reference, the routes Denmark offers non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals:

• Most nomadsTourist

  Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourist / Private Visit

  Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area

  Insurance

  Requiredtravel medical insurance covering all Schengen states with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid for the full visa period (covering emergency treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation).

  Good for

  Travellers from visa-required countries visiting for tourism or to see family/friends; nationals of many countries are visa-exempt for short stays.

  Requirement

  Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure), proof of funds (approx DKK 350/day staying with friends/family or approx DKK 500/day in a hotel), and clear purpose of visit. Does not permit work.

• Business

  Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business Visit

  Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen area

  Insurance

  RequiredSchengen travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid for the entire stay.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals from visa-required countries attending meetings, conferences, negotiations or short business activities (not taking up employment).

  Requirement

  Valid passport, invitation or documentation from the Danish business contact, proof of sufficient funds and purpose; no paid employment in Denmark permitted under this visa.

• Business

  Start-up Denmark Residence Permit

  Up to 2 years initially, extendable in periods of up to 3 years

  Insurance

  Recommendedprivate health cover advisable until eligible for the Danish public health system after registering residence; verify current requirements.

  Good for

  Non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs (and small founding teams) with an innovative, scalable business idea wanting to establish a company in Denmark.

  Requirement

  Business plan approved by an expert panel appointed by the Danish Business Authority (administered via SIRI); idea must be innovative and scalable (traditional shops, restaurants or consulting are excluded).

• Most nomadsWork

  Work and Residence Permit - Pay Limit Scheme

  Tied to the employment contract; typically issued for up to 4 years and renewable (verify exact validity per case)

  Insurance

  Recommendedpermit holders register for the public health system (and get a yellow health card) after taking up residence; private cover is advisable for any gap before coverage begins. Verify current rules.

  Good for

  Non-EU/EEA nationals with a Danish job offer at a high salary, regardless of profession, industry or educational background.

  Requirement

  Job offer with an annual salary of at least DKK 552,000 (2026 level, adjusted each 1 January); salary paid to a Danish bank account. Application fee approx DKK 6,810 (2026). A Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme exists at DKK 446,000 (2026) for posts advertised on Jobnet/EURES for 2+ weeks.

• Work

  Working Holiday Visa (Cultural Exchange / Work Permit)

  Up to 1 year

  Insurance

  Requiredprivate travel/health insurance advisable for the stay; confirm whether mandatory for your nationality.

  Good for

  Young nationals of partner countries (e.g. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Japan, South Korea); age limits are 18-30/31 for most and up to 36 for some (verify per nationality).

  Requirement

  Be within the eligible age range for your nationality, show return-ticket funds (approx DKK 5,000) and living funds (approx DKK 15,000). Work is limited (e.g. not more than a few months with the same employer); verify exact conditions.

• Most nomadsStudy

  Student Residence Permit - Higher Education

  Duration of the study programme (renewable while enrolled)

  Insurance

  Recommendedhealth insurance is needed for living in Denmark (estimated DKK 1,000-1,500/year private cover before public coverage applies); not always demanded as a first-time application document, so verify.

  Good for

  Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a full-time higher-education programme at a Danish institution.

  Requirement

  Admission to an accredited full-time programme and proof of self-support funds of approx DKK 7,426/month (2026), up to a maximum of approx DKK 89,112 (2026) for programmes over one year. Part-time study does not qualify.

• Residence

  Permanent Residence Permit

  Indefinite (permanent)

  Insurance

  OptionalNot required - permanent residents are covered by the Danish public health system.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals who have lived legally in Denmark long-term and want indefinite residence.

  Requirement

  At least 8 years of legal residence (or 4 years on the fast track), being over 18, no relevant criminal convictions, no overdue public debt, passing Danish language test (Prove i Dansk 3), and meeting employment/income conditions (e.g. ~DKK 346,156 average income test and full-time employment for the 4-year route, 2026 figures). Verify exact conditions.

Figures are 2026 levels and can change on 1 January each year; always verify on nyidanmark.dk before applying. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

Ireland → Denmark: frequently asked

Do Ireland passport holders need a visa to visit Denmark?

No. As a Ireland (EU/EEA/Swiss) citizen you have freedom of movement in Denmark and need no visa for any length of stay.

Can a Ireland passport holder live or work long-term in Denmark?

Yes — under EU/EEA/Swiss free movement you can live, work and study in Denmark indefinitely with no visa or residence permit.

Do I need travel insurance for Denmark?

Entry to Denmark never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Denmark visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.