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Visa - frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a visa?

According to the Schengen Visa Code, the maximum case processing time may not exceed 15 calendar days. The period can be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days in individual cases if further scrutiny is required.

Please note: there is no need for you or your Danish reference to contact the REGIONAL VISA HUB DENMARK in Guangzhou within the 15 calendar days.

When should I hand in my visa application?

Applicants must apply at least 15 days before entering Schengen. Planning ahead and handing in the application as soon as possible is always a good idea since unforeseen problems, such as incomplete documentation, may arise and prolong the case processing time.

Application can behanded in 6 months before entering Schengen and for seamen 9 months before entering Schengen.

How long can I remain in the Schengen area if I hold a short-term Schengen visa?

A visa normally grants you the right to stay in the entire Schengen region for a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period. This periods begin when you first enter the Schengen area.

Do I need to submit the original invitation letter?

Yes. We strongly recommend the inviting partner to make use of online invitations. This invitation will produce a reference number that should be submitted with the application. Read more about online invitation letters here.

Alternatively, we also accept scanned copies of the original invitation letter.

NB: All invitation letters should be signed.

Do I need to pay a fee to arrange an appointment or to obtain visa application forms?

No. It is not necessary to pre-arrange an appointment and please note that no such fees will be requested. The hand-out of application forms and information material as well as the arrangement of an appointment is free of charge.

Do I need a signature on the dispatch letter and invitation letter?

Yes. All letters from Chinese and Danish companies must be signed.

Do I need to apply for a visa in person?

Applicant’s fingerprints and Photo

Applicants need to appear in person for the collection of the biometric data: ten fingerprints and a fresh photograph are collected from persons applying for a visa.    
 
Before the recording of the photo, applicants may be asked to remove glasses or adjust head coverings if they hide facial features.

Certain categories of applicants are exempt from the requirement to give fingerprints, including:    

  • Children under the age of 12
  • Persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible    
  • Heads of State and members of national governments, and members of their official delegations when invited for an official purpose.

The introduction of biometric data is part of the Schengen Visa Information System (VIS). For more information about VIS, fingerprints, data protection and legal background, please see Visa Information System (VIS) factsheet here.   

After having applied once in person, the biometric data will be stored for 5 years. For persons applying after having their biometrics taken either at a Danish representation or another Schengen representation and who are known to REGIONAL VISA HUB DENMARK in Guangzhou for their integrity and reliability, the requirement of lodging the application in person may be waived, so they can apply via messenger (company, travel agent or family member). Applications submitted by letter will be returned to sender.   

Requests for dispensations must be directed by e-mail to the REGIONAL VISA HUB DENMARK in Guangzhou. Guangzhou:  [email protected]

The e-mail must contain the full name of the applicant, who needs dispensation. This applicant must be able to prove, that he or she has been to Schengen before and had their biometrics taken and followed the length of stay of the previous visa.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Proof of health insurance is to be submitted along with your visa application. The following four items must be covered by the insurance:

  1. repatriation for medical reasons;
  2. urgent medical attention;
  3. emergency hospital treatment.
  4. Must not exclude COVID-19 related treatment

The minimum coverage must be 30,000 EUR. Importantly, the insurance must cover the effective period that you stay in Denmark/Schengen.

Who are exempt from paying the visa fee?

According to the rules for fees charged by the Danish mission abroad, certain groups are exempt from paying the visa fee upon application. For more information please see here (in Danish only).

The most usual types of exemptions are:

  • spouses or children to citizens of the EU (unless special circumstances are in place, Danes are not covered)
  • students whose studies in the homeland and in Denmark are closely connected and interlinked (this must be proven, and does not apply to residence permit application)

If you belong to one of the groups, please write an email to REGIONAL VISA HUB DENMARK in Guangzhou at: [email protected]

Based on the documentation you have provided, the REGIONAL VISA HUB DENMARK in Guangzhou will assess, whether you are covered by the exemptions.

My application was sent to the Danish Immigration Service. Why?

There may by various reasons for this. Each application is evaluated individually and based on the applicant’s profile, including purpose of visit and intention to return.

REGIONAL VISA HUB DENMARK in Guangzhou will decide to grant a visa “bona fide”, or send the application to the Danish Immigration Service for further investigation (e.g. verification of Danish reference, family/friend relations, previous stays/overstays in the Schengen area, risk of illegal immigration and more).

I received my visa, but how do I read the sticker?

It is crucial that you check the information on the sticker before travelling as REGIONAL VISA HUB DENMARK in Guangzhou nor the Danish representations in Beijing and Shanghai can be held liable if a mistake has occurred when printing the visa sticker. How to read your sticker here.

There is a difference between the number of days in my sticker and the total period of stay (from..until). How long can I stay in Schengen?

You are allowed to stay in Schengen for the number of days in the field 'DURATION OF STAY………DAYS'. The period 'FROM - UNTIL' is longer to allow flexibility regarding entry and exit within the mentioned period in case of emergency. So the total stay must never exceed the number of days in 'DURATION OF STAY………DAYS'.

I am a family member of a EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. What rules apply for me?

Family members of an EU/EEA citizen or Swiss citizen who is exercising his/her right to free movement in Denmark have the right to have their visa application processed in accordance with EU regulations. Applicants are encouraged to apply at the nearest VAC but have the legal right if they so choose to apply directly at the REGIONAL VISA HUB DENMARK in Guangzhou. Appointment is needed.

What is a legalization?

Legalisation is a confirmation that a signature and stamp are genuine and a certification that the signatory is entitled to sign that document. A legalisation does not verify the document’s content.. In China, a document must be legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then legalized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Beijing or our Consulates in order to be fully legalised.

Normally a notary public office can offer to handle the entire legalization procedure. Alternatively, you may contact the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' legalization office: +86(010)65889906 and +86 (010) 65889763.

Am I allowed to work in Denmark if I hold a short-term Schengen visa?

No. A visa does not allow you to take up employment, (incl. unpaid/pro bono) or establish a business, trade or profession in Denmark. However, in some very specific cases some work activities may be exempt, e.g. “Fitter Rule” and PhD activities. Please read more here. 

More information is available on the website of the Danish Immigration Service about visas and work permits.