Working Holiday Programme
Young people from partner countries combining a holiday in Denmark with incidental work.
The Working Holiday Programme is a Danish visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (No application fee) and processing time (~1-2 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Working Holiday Programme is for
Young people from partner countries combining a holiday in Denmark with incidental work.
Working holiday stays do not count toward permanent residence.
Working Holiday Programme - eligibility criteria
- Citizen of a country with a Danish working-holiday agreement
- Aged 18-30 (varies by agreement)
- Holiday is the main purpose, work is secondary
- Sufficient funds for arrival and a return ticket
- No accompanying dependants
Working Holiday Programme cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Working Holiday Programme (Denmark) is No application fee, with an indicative processing time of ~1-2 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at SIRI / New to Denmark.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Danish diplomatic mission or online, before travel |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months |
| Work rights | Incidental work allowed to fund the holiday |
| Study rights | Short courses permitted |
| Government fee | No application fee |
| Processing time | ~1-2 months |
| Route to PR | Working holiday stays do not count toward permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Working holiday stays do not count toward permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare Au Pair · Au Pair Residence Permit, Schengen C · Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C), Establishment Card · Establishment Card (Post-Study Job Search & Work). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Danish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Working Holiday Programme pitfalls we fix
Working Holiday Programme - frequently asked questions
How much does the Working Holiday Programme cost?
The Working Holiday Programme government fee is No application fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at SIRI / New to Denmark before applying.
How long does the Working Holiday Programme take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-2 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Working Holiday Programme lead to permanent residence?
Working holiday stays do not count toward permanent residence.
Can I work on the Working Holiday Programme?
Work rights: Incidental work allowed to fund the holiday.
Who can apply for the Working Holiday Programme?
Young people from partner countries combining a holiday in Denmark with incidental work.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Denmark government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- SIRI / New to Denmark - official Denmark immigration authority