TRAINEE OR INTERNSHIP TO DENMARK FOR AMERICANS (NON-EU)

The legislation concerning internships/traineeships in Denmark for a young American is rather complicated. The following is for students and recent graduates only.

Please note, that this is meant only as a guide line. The power to grant permission to a traineeship or internship rests solely with the Danish authorities.

Neither the Denmark-America Foundation nor the Fulbright Commission can offer a special program or any help making it easier for young Americans to obtain the relevant permissions. These permits are solely given on an individual basis for Denmark.

Based on this understanding, should you have any questions concerning other practicalities, please feel free to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The main rules are the following:
American students who are legally in Denmark as exchange/guest students may work up to 15 hours on a weekly basis during their studies and full time in June, July and August. If an American student who is legally in Denmark as an exchange/ guest student wants to participate in a traineeship or internship after or before his/her studies, he/she must contact the Danish Immigration Service in order to obtain a work permit for this.

If a Recent American graduate (who is not an exchange/guest student to Denmark) wants to undertake a traineeship or internship in Denmark, he/she must obtain a residence-/work-permit. This permit will last for the period of the contract with the Danish firm but can not exceed 18 months.

For the full version of the legislation, to get more information about the official rules and to obtain the needed permits, please contact the Danish Immigration Service: www.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/frontpage.htm