Denmark Schengen Visa Guide 2026
Denmark — Copenhagen's design culture, LEGOLAND, Kronborg Castle, and the Danish Riviera — is a full Schengen member with a well-run visa process. Applications go through Danish embassies or VFS Global. Denmark's daily financial requirement of ~€90/day reflects Copenhagen's status as one of Europe's more expensive capitals. This guide covers the complete requirements.
Visa requirements can change. Check the Danish Immigration Service short-stay visa page and your local Danish embassy before applying.
In this guide
Key Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €90 adults · €45 children (6–11) · Free under 6 |
| processing time | 15 calendar days (up to 45 in complex cases) |
| Financial Requirement | ~€90 per day of stay |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Application Channel | Danish embassy or VFS Global (country-dependent) |
| Official Source | nyidanmark.dk |
Financial Requirements for a Denmark Visa
Denmark requires approximately €90 per day of your stay — among the higher Schengen requirements, reflecting Copenhagen's high cost of living.
| Trip Length | Minimum Required | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | €450 | €700+ |
| 7 days | €630 | €1,000+ |
| 10 days | €900 | €1,400+ |
| 14 days | €1,260 | €2,000+ |
Bank statements must cover the last 3 months, be bank-stamped, and show regular income. See our bank balance requirements guide for presentation tips.
Document Checklist for Denmark Schengen Visa
Core Documents (All Applicants)
- Completed visa application form — from the Danish Immigration Service website, signed and dated.
- Valid passport — valid for 3+ months after your return date, at least 2 blank pages.
- Previous passports — all expired passports showing prior travel history.
- 2 passport photos — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within 6 months.
- travel insurance — minimum €30,000 medical coverage valid for the Schengen Area. See our travel insurance guide.
- Flight reservation — round-trip itinerary (refundable or on-hold, not a paid ticket).
- Accommodation proof — hotel bookings with free cancellation for every night of your stay.
- Bank statements — last 3 months, bank-stamped, showing sufficient daily funds.
- Cover letter — explaining your travel purpose, itinerary, and ties to home country.
Employment / Income Proof
- employment letter confirming position, salary, and approved leave
- Last 3 months' payslips
- For self-employed: business registration, tax returns, company bank statements
- For students: enrolment letter, No Objection Certificate, sponsor's financials
How to Apply for a Denmark Schengen Visa
Find your application centre via the Danish Immigration Service. Denmark uses VFS Global in many countries.
- Confirm whether your country uses VFS Global or direct embassy submission.
- Book an appointment — at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date.
- Attend in person with originals and one copy of all documents.
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be collected.
- Pay the €90 visa fee — non-refundable.
- Track your application via the VFS portal or embassy reference number.
Denmark-Specific Tips
- Copenhagen card: If visiting multiple museums and using public transport extensively, the Copenhagen Card covers unlimited transport and entry to 80+ attractions — calculate whether it's worth it for your itinerary before buying.
- Tivoli Gardens: Open April–September and December only. Christmas market season (November–January) is magical but very crowded.
- LEGOLAND Billund: 3 hours from Copenhagen by train or car. Pre-book tickets and consider accommodation in Billund for a full day.
- Hamlet's Kronborg Castle (Elsinore): 45 minutes from Copenhagen by train — easy day trip. The castle grounds are free; interior entry costs extra.
- Scandinavian circuit: Denmark pairs naturally with Sweden (Malmö is 35 minutes from Copenhagen by train across the Øresund Bridge) and Norway. If visiting all three, apply at whichever country you spend the most nights in.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need for a Denmark Schengen visa?
Denmark requires approximately €90 per day. For a 7-day trip, show at least €630 — ideally €1,000+ as a buffer. Bank statements covering the last 3 months are required.
Does Denmark use VFS Global for visa applications?
Denmark uses VFS Global in many countries and accepts applications directly at its embassies in others. Check the Danish Immigration Service website to confirm the correct centre for your country.
Can I visit Sweden or Norway with a Denmark Schengen visa?
Yes. A Denmark Schengen visa is valid across all 27 Schengen countries. Denmark must be your main destination or first Schengen entry point. Malmö (Sweden) is 35 minutes from Copenhagen by train.
What is the Denmark Schengen visa processing time?
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from biometrics submission. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel.