PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT IN DENMARK

If you were a regular resident of Denmark for eight years or more you can proceed to apply for a permanent residence permit. A permanent residence permit is issued for individuals who want to work, seek family reunification, or study in Denmark.

You apply for a Denmark residence permit through the Danish Immigration Service or the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

Requirements for a permanent residence in Denmark.

• You must be over the age of 18.
• You still need to meet the requirements for your current residence permit.
• You need to have 8 years of legal residency in Denmark. You should be a legal resident of Denmark for at least 8 uninterrupted years at the time the Immigration Service reaches a decision for the residence application.
• You must not have been convicted of certain crimes. If you were sentenced for a crime for more than six months you will be ineligible for a permanent residence permit.
• You must not have any overdue public debts.
• You must not have received certain forms of social benefits. You must not have received certain forms of social benefits within four years of applying for a permanent residence permit or until the time when the permanent residence permit is granted.
• You need to accept a declaration of residence and self-support. The declaration of residence and self-support are included in the application (online and printable)
• You must be employed. You need to have a job at the time the Immigration Service reaches a decision for your application.
• You need to pass the Danish language test 2. You must pass the Danish language test 2 or a Danish exam of an equal or higher level
• You need to have been employed for at least 3 years and 6 months.

In case you meet the following requirements, you will qualify for a permanent residence permit after only four years of legal residence in Denmark (the standard time is eight years):

• You must pass the Danish language test 3.
• You must have been employed for the last four years.
• You must pass the active citizen exam or display active citizenship.
• You must have an annual income above the average amount.

How to Apply for Permanent Residence in Denmark?

The process of applying for permanent residence in Denmark includes five simple steps.

Step 1. Create Case Order ID

When submitting a permanent residence application, you must create a case order ID on the SIRI website. Choose the type of residence permit you are applying for and provide your personal information (name, surname, email, etc.) After you are done, simply click “Create Case order ID” and receive your case number.

Step 2. Pay the Fee

After creating the SB-ID, enter your case number and pay a fee of DKK 10,330 (1400 EUR).

Step 3. Compile the Required Documents

Before applying for permanent residence, make sure you have all the required documents from the checklist. This includes your Danish language test, proof of employment and housing, etc.

Step 4. Fill in the Application

Step 5. Have your biometric features recorded

You are required to submit your fingerprints and a facial photo within four weeks of submitting your application. You can record your biometrics at the Immigration Service’s Citizen Service but must book an appointment before showing up.

Document Checklist for Danish Permanent Residence Application

When you apply for a Danish permanent residence permit, you are required to submit the following documents:

• Documentation of paid application fee. Print and attach the payment receipt.
• Documentation that you meet the housing requirement. Submit this if you have been granted a residence permit based on family reunification and you and your spouse/partner live together.
• Documentation of Danish-language abilities. You need a document such as a Prøve I Dansk certificate or a Folkeskolen completion certificate.
• Documentation of employment. You must submit documents such as your tax returns or an employment contract.
• Documentation of your income. You have to prove you received an income during your time in Denmark, such as through payslips or tax returns.
• Documentation of active citizenship (an exam certificate or a statement from a board or an association).
• Documentation of disability in the form of a doctor’s statement. (If applicable)
• Documentation issued by your municipality that you have been granted an early-age pension. (If applicable)
• Documentation that you have taken care of a seriously ill child. (If applicable)
• Documentation of foreign residence in connection with work. (If applicable)

How Long Does a Permanent Residence Permit Take to Process?

The processing time at the Danish Immigration Service or the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) for a Denmark permanent residence permit is ten months.

The cost of obtaining a permanent residence permit in Denmark depends on the scope of services that our migration lawyers will provide. It usually includes a set of services

• translation of documents into Danish
• consultations and legal services
• help in filling out the application and questionnaire
• counseling and recommendations on passing the interview
• escort to the interview
• interpreter services if necessary
• help with housing and transport