New Rule Allows Overseas Models To Enter Denmark Without a Work Permit

On 1 June 2024, it was announced that a new executive order will allow overseas models to access Denmark as they are now exempt from the requirement for a work permit for short periods of time.

The new rule of exemption will positively impact the showcases planned during Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25 as casting agents and brands will now have the ability to book international models that previously required work permits to enter Denmark for casting days and runways/presentations.

Having posed continued obstructions for numerous years at Copenhagen Fashion Week, with many international hired models turned away at passport control in Denmark due to the issues raised by the need for work permits for short periods of time, this vital new executive order will alleviate the issues many brands have faced with their desire to cast from the international model agencies and continue to present modern, celebrated and forward thinking model casting each season.

The new amendment is the result of several years’ work led by Dansk Fashion & Textile in order to ensure the ability of international models to travel for Copenhagen Fashion Week without the need of a work permit.

"I am very happy that our hard work behind the scenes has paid off. Copenhagen Fashion Week is an important international fashion week, and therefore the rules so far have been hugely frustrating, because they made it difficult to live out the ambitions when it comes to international models. Therefore, we are very satisfied that the rules have been relaxed, as an international fashion week must be able to represent international models."

– Thomas Klausen, CEO of Dansk Fashion & Textile and chairperson of the board of Copenhagen Fashion Week

New rule of exemption

The new rule of exemption means that foreigners (third-country citizens) who are going to work as professional models in Denmark can work for up to 3 separate work periods of up to a total of 3 days' duration within a period of 180 days without a work permit. It is a requirement that the foreigner must work with companies while they hold significant and international fashion shows or fashion fairs. Furthermore, it is a requirement that the foreigner can legally enter and reside in Denmark, either because they are a resident of a visa-free country or because they have been issued a visa in order to use the new exemption rule.

Further information

Further information (including conditions for accompanying family) is accessible here.