How Non-EU Doctors Can Work in Denmark: A Complete Guide
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Denmark offers a clear but challenging pathway for doctors from non-EU countries who want to gain authorization and practice medicine. The process is rigorous, covering document verification, language skills, medical testing, adaptation training, and legal requirements. On average, the entire process can take between 3.5 to 5 years, depending on individual progress and processing times.
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Starting Point: Visa and Residence Permit
Before beginning the journey, non-EU doctors must secure a residence permit for authorization purposes. This is issued by the Danish Immigration Service and allows you to stay in Denmark while completing the authorization process.
The permit is usually valid for *up to three years** and can be extended if you make progress.
Applicants must provide proof of funds: in 2025, this is around *DKK 40,734** for a single applicant, with higher amounts required if you bring family.
If you already have a confirmed hospital position for your adaptation employment, you can apply for a *specifically requested healthcare professional permit**, which may be valid for up to four years.
This visa is essential because you cannot attend free municipal Danish classes or sit for exams without legal residence in Denmark.
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Step 1: Credential Verification
The first step is to prove your qualifications. Doctors must create an EPIC account (through the U.S.-based ECFMG) and upload their diploma, transcripts, proof of internship, and medical license. EPIC verifies these documents directly with your issuing institutions.
After this, you must submit an application to the Danish Patient Safety Authority (STPS) and pay a fee of DKK 3,508. Be aware of the six-year rule: if your medical degree is older than six years, you must demonstrate at least 12 months of recent medical practice. Processing this stage often takes 12 to 24 months due to high demand.
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Step 2: Learning Danish and Passing the Language Exam
Language skills are critical for working with patients in Denmark. Once in Denmark on a valid residence permit, you can enroll in municipal language schools, where Danish classes are offered for free to residents. You must study up to Module 5 and take the official Prøve i Dansk 3 (PD3) exam.
The PD3 exam includes reading, writing, and speaking components. To pass, you must score at least 7 points in two modules and 10 points in one module. Most doctors need 12 to 18 months of study to prepare for this exam.
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Step 3: Medical Knowledge Exams
After passing the language requirement, doctors must demonstrate their professional knowledge. The written exam is held in March and September, followed by the oral exam in May and November. The tests cover internal medicine, surgery, general practice, and patient safety.
If you fail the written exam, you may be given the opportunity to defend your answers orally. Preparing and completing this stage usually takes 3 to 6 months.
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Step 4: Danish Health Legislation Course
All doctors must understand Danish healthcare laws. To meet this requirement, you must attend a three-day course on health legislation. The course includes group work, case discussions, and a final written test. It is offered several times per year, and scheduling typically adds 1 to 2 months to your timeline.
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Step 5: Adaptation and Training Employment
One of the most important steps is the adaptation employment period, known as evalueringsansættelse. This involves a 12-month supervised internship in a Danish hospital. You must secure this position yourself, though STPS provides guidance. During this stage, you are paid according to Danish intern salaries, but you may only work under supervision with a temporary evaluation authorization.
At the end of this stage, your supervisor submits an evaluation report to STPS. Completion of this period is crucial for full authorization.
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Step 6: Final Authorization and Specialization
After submitting your evaluation report, you can apply for full authorization with STPS. Processing generally takes 1 to 3 months. Once authorized, you may choose to:
* Work independently as a doctor in Denmark.
Apply for *specialist training**, which is managed by Danish regional health authorities and may take 4 to 6 additional years.
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Total Timeline
The journey for most non-EU doctors looks like this:
Credential verification: *12–24 months**
Language learning & exam: *12–18 months**
Medical exams: *3–6 months**
Legislation course: *1–2 months**
Adaptation employment: *12 months**
Final authorization: *1–3 months**
Overall estimated time: 3.5 to 5 years
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Final Thoughts
Becoming a doctor in Denmark as a non-EU graduate is demanding but achievable. It requires patience, persistence, and careful planning, especially with visas, finances, and language preparation. The pathway ensures that foreign-trained doctors meet the same high standards as Danish graduates, making it a rewarding but challenging process.
For official updates and application details, always check:
* [Danish Patient Safety Authority (STPS)](https://en.stps.dk)
* [New to Denmark – Immigration Service](https://www.nyidanmark.dk)
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