Are you planning a trip to Denmark and wondering, “How long will my visa take?” You’re not alone. Timelines can feel stressful because two clocks are involved: the appointment wait time and the actual processing time, which is how long the authorities take to decide once your application is officially lodged. This guide breaks those apart so you know what you can control, what you can’t, and how to plan smartly, whether you’re applying for a short-stay Schengen visa or a longer stay for work, study, or joining family.

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What is the processing time for a Denmark visa?

For short-stay Schengen visas (Type “C”), decisions are normally made within 15 days after your admissible application is registered at the Danish mission. In individual cases, this can be extended up to 45 days if further scrutiny or extra documents are needed. 

Does the “15 days” include the wait time for the appointment?

No. The 15-day clock starts after your admissible application (biometrics + documents) is lodged and registered at the embassy/consulate. Any visa application centre handling/courier time back and forth is excluded, built in extra days for that transit. 

Also note: For some nationalities, Denmark must first consult other Schengen countries, which adds at least 10–12 days before a decision can be made. 

Denmark visa processing time by category

Short-stay Schengen visa (Tourist/Business/Visit: Type “C”)

• Typically, up to 15 days after the mission, your admissible file is registered.

• May extend to 45 days if extra checks are needed.

Long-stay/ residence-type cases (Type “D” visas & residence permits)
Handled by SIRI (work, study, etc.) or the Danish Immigration Service (family). SIRI’s service goals are:

• Most work routes & researchers: 1 month

• Students / educational attachment: 2 months

• Working Holiday, Au pair, certain job-seeking permits: 3 months

• Extensions (all types): 3 months

(These are service goals; peaks or additional checks can extend them.)

Please note: For family reunification (Danish Immigration Service), timelines vary by case; several family categories list expected maximum processing times around seven months. 

When should you start your application for a Denmark visa?

• Earliest: 6 months before travel (9 months for seafarers) under the Schengen Visa Code.

• Latest: 15 days before travel (not advised in peak seasons). 

• Safe buffer: Apply at least 4 weeks in advance (earlier for May–August and December–January). This gives room for courier time, public holidays, and any extra checks.

Denmark Visa Processing Time by Country (short-stay “C” visas)

1) From India

• Processing time: Normally up to 15 days from the day the embassy receives the file. Complex cases can take longer (up to 45 days). 

• Where to apply: Visa application centres in Denmark forward files to the Royal Danish Embassy/Consulates.

Tip: Apply 4+ weeks before travel; peak months can extend timelines.

2) From the UK

• Processing time: Typically up to 15 days; may extend to 45 days if the case needs further review.

Tip: UK passport holders are visa-exempt for short stays (90/180), non-UK nationals living in the UK should check if they need a visa.

3) From the UAE

• Processing time: Schengen rules say up to 15 days in normal cases, but the Danish Consulate in Dubai currently reports processing times up to 58 days.

• Where to apply: Visa application centers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi forwards files to Denmark’s mission.

4) From the US

• Processing time: The Danish Consulate in New York (regional hub) states 15 days in normal cases; if a case is referred to the Danish Immigration Service, expect around +45 days.

• Where to apply: Submit via visa application centers to Danish missions in the US.
  

Tip: US citizens are visa-exempt for short stays (90/180), but non-US passport holders in the US should verify requirements.

What can delay a Denmark visa?

• Peak season & public holidays: Volume + closures slow intake/transport.

• Incomplete documents: Gaps trigger document requests or interviews; Denmark checklists are strict (photo specs, insurance, etc.).

• Prior consultation with other Schengen states: Adds 10–12 days minimum for certain nationalities.

• Transfer to Danish Immigration Service (DIS): If your file is escalated, add 45 days.

• Security/name checks or complex travel history: Can extend review times (part of the “up to 45 days” window).

• Passport issues: Less than 3 months’ validity beyond departure, or passport issued over 10 years ago, can stall or prevent issuance.

• Biometrics: Non-compliant photos or unreadable fingerprints may require re-capture.

How to avoid delays?

• Apply early (4–6 weeks; earlier in peak season).

• Carry Schengen-compliant travel insurance (medical + repatriation).

• Submit a complete, consistent file (itinerary, stay, funds, home ties aligned).

• Book your appointment as soon as the documents are ready.

If your application exceeds the usual time

• Re-check email/SMS for embassy or VFS requests.

• Track your file and follow the mission’s guidance for status checks.

• If you’re well beyond 15 days (or approaching 45 days where extra checks apply), contact the competent Danish mission shown on your receipt. Official pages explain the stages and when cases are sent to DIS.