Non-EU countries

Follow this procedure if:

  • You are a non-EU/EEA national who has completed nurse training in a non-EU/EEA country.
  • You are a non-EU/EEA national who has completed nurse training in an EU/EEA country (other than Denmark).
  • You are an EU/EEA national who has completed nurse training in a non-EU/EEA country. You can apply for registration under the special EU/EEA provisions if you have worked for at least three years in another EU/EEA country.

Note: It is no longer mandatory to pass a language test before undergoing employment evaluation when applying for authorization as a nurse.

To obtain Danish authorization as a nurse, passing a Danish test is no longer a requirement. However, you must still be able to communicate in Danish in order to secure employment.

It is the responsibility of your employer to ensure that, as an employed nurse, you can demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the Danish language depending on the specific tasks assigned to you. This requirement also applies to your employment for adaptation and training purposes.

Therefore, Danish language skills will continue to be necessary for obtaining authorization and working as a nurse. We strongly encourage all applicants for Danish authorization as nurses to start practicing Danish.

What does this change mean for you?

This change applies to those who have not yet applied for authorization and to those who have already submitted their applications to us but have not yet had them processed.

  • For those of you who have already applied and had your education assessed as suitable for testing: You may now proceed to complete a 6-month employment period for adaptation and training purposes. You will receive a separate letter from us with instructions on how to proceed.
  • For those of you who have already applied but have not yet had your education assessed as suitable for testing: If your education is determined to be suitable for testing, you will be able to continue and complete a 6-month employment period for adaptation and training purposes.

You are responsible for searching and securing employment for adaptation and training purposes on your own, as well as applying for an evaluation authorization from us.

Why was this change made?

The language requirements for nurses from non-EU/EEA countries have been aligned with the language requirements for healthcare professionals within the EU/EEA. This change is a result of an agreement reached on February 23, 2023, regarding the emergency plan for the hospital system, which was agreed upon by the Danish government, Danish Regions, and KL. These rules came into effect on June 19, 2023.

News and Deadlines

It is important to stay updated on any changes to the registration procedure and be aware of the special deadlines you must meet.

Authorization Process

To obtain Danish authorization as a nurse, you need to follow the steps outlined below.

1. Application and Qualification of Approval

To apply for Danish authorization, you need to complete an application and submit it electronically to the Danish Patient Safety Authority. Print and sign the application form, and send it via regular mail along with the documentation of your qualifications. Please ensure that you send two copies of the required documentation, either as certified true copies or original documents and regular copies. For more detailed information, please refer to the "Application and Approval of Qualifications" section.

If your education is approved (deemed suitable for testing or equivalent to Danish education), you will be given a period of three years to fulfill the conditions for permanent authorization in Denmark.

Application and Approval of Qualifications

2. Language Skill

Passing a Danish language test is no longer a requirement before undergoing employment evaluation for nurse authorization. However, you must still be capable of communicating in Danish in order to secure employment.

It is the responsibility of your employer to ensure that you, as an employed nurse, can demonstrate a sufficient level of proficiency in Danish based on the specific duties assigned to you. This requirement also applies to your employment for adaptation and training purposes.

Therefore, Danish language skills will continue to be necessary for obtaining authorization and working as a nurse. We strongly encourage all applicants for Danish nurse authorization to begin practicing the Danish language.

3. Employment for Adaptation and Training Purposes

When we have approved your education, you can commence employment for adaptation and training purposes (evalueringsansættelse). This employment is designed to assess your clinical and communication skills. For further information, please refer to the "Employment for Adaptation and Training Purposes" page.

Employment for Adaptation and Training Purposes