Short stay visas, work permits and RUT registrations

News: Latest update regarding work permits:

Upcoming exemption from the requirement for residence and work permits for foreign event and conference staff

On Monday 30 June 2025, the Danish government announced that it will introduce an exemption from the requirement for residence and work permits for foreign workers in the event industry.

A new rule will be implemented that exempts foreign nationals employed by companies based in third countries from the general requirement for a residence and work permit, provided they are coming to Denmark for a short period to work for their foreign employer in connection with the organization of international business events such as congresses and trade fairs.

We are still awaiting the full description of this coming exemption. We do however know initially that the exemption will only apply to closed, indoor business events with a capacity of at least 400 registered participants and will be limited to a maximum duration of 10 working days.

It is also still unclear when the exemption will come into force, but clarification is expected late August 2025.

We will update this site as soon as we know more

VISA

Denmark is part of the Schengen region. If you wish to visit Denmark for a short period of time and you are a citizen of a country with a visa requirement, you must have a visa (not to be confused with work permit).

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.

Please see a list of visa free countries as well as countries with a visa requirement here:

https://www.nyidanmark.dk/de-DE/Words-and-concepts/US/Visum/Countries-with-a-visa-requirement-and-visa-free-countries

If you need to apply for a visa, please see here:

https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/how-to-apply-for-a-visa

Work permits

Citizens from a third country outside the EU, EEA, or the Nordic countries that are coming to work in Denmark, must - in general - have a work permit (not to be confused with visas which are described above).

As a result of the implementation of Brexit on 31 January 2020, British citizens are subject to the rules for third country citizens.[1]

If coming to Denmark for a congress, conference or event it is therefore important to first clarify:

Whether your employees need a work permit or not
If they do need work permits, which scheme you must apply through to obtain them.

Exemptions are found here: https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Words-and-concepts/SIRI/Exemption-from-the-requirement-of-a-work-permit/

To determine whether you need a work permit, it's best to consult the New to Denmark website; https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/ or contact SIRI directly. https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Contact-us/Contact-SIRI

Requirement for RUT registration of foreign companies

If your company will be performing work in Denmark on a temporary basis, you must notify the Register of Foreign Service Providers (RUT) about your company and services. This is also the case for your subcontractors/suppliers. RUT is the Danish government's official register to report a foreign service.

The notification to RUT must be submitted digitally (See the link to the user guide below). It is not possible to use a paper form. A digital ID or digital signature is not required for the notification process. The notification can be made in English, German, Polish or Danish.

General about this page
Please note: The information on this page is not exhaustive and cannot replace dialogue with authorities or relevant advisers. If in doubt, always contact the relevant authorities directly.

Copenhagen Convention Bureau cannot give detailed advice or guidance on specific cases, exemptions, individual business schemes or applications. Copenhagen Convention Bureau is not responsible for the outcome of applications based on the information on this page.

[1] As a result of transitional rules, certain UK nationals who have previously lived in the EU may have retained rights under EU rules.