Permanent Residence in Denmark

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 29, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

If you’ve held a temporary residence permit in Denmark for eight years or more (four years in certain cases), you might be eligible to apply for a Danish permanent residence permit. In this article, we’ll explore what a Danish permanent residence permit is, its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application process.

What is a Danish permanent residence permit?

In Denmark, permanent residence is a legal status given to non-Danish citizens who have lived in the country for at least eight and meet the requirements set by the Danish Immigration Service. Some people can apply after four years if they meet extraordinary requirements.

What are the benefits of a Danish permanent residence permit?

There are many options of temporary permits available for expats wanting to work in Denmark, especially if you already have been offered salaried employment. These offer a lot of rights, however, if you’ve been living in Denmark for a while, you will be much more comfortable with the benefits of a permanent residence.

A permanent residence permit in Denmark allows you to live and work without time limits or the need for additional visas. It grants access to free education, healthcare, and the Danish welfare system, along with social benefits. You can retain your permanent residency even if you leave Denmark for up to two years. You can stay even if you stop working, studying, or running a business, meaning you are not tied to your employment status.

Most importantly, it's the only path available towards Danish citizenship. This is different from other EU countries, including The Netherlands and Ireland, where citizenship and residence are different paths that don’t depend on each other. In contrast to those examples, Denmark treats permanent residence as a stepping stone.

When can you apply for a Danish permanent residence permit?

To qualify for a permanent residence permit in Denmark, you'll need to meet some basic requirements and at least two out of four additional criteria. If you manage to meet all four supplementary requirements, you can fast track and be eligible after just four years of legal residence.

Basic requirements

• Be over 18 years old.
• Still meet the requirements for your current residence permit.
• Have legally lived in Denmark for at least eight years.
• Have no convictions for certain crimes.
• Be free of any overdue public debts, like taxes.
• Have not received certain social benefits.
• Accept a declaration of residence and self-support.
• Be employed.
• Have not obstructed the verification of your identity.
• Pass the Danish language test 2 (Prøve i Dansk 2) or an equivalent exam.
• Have been employed for at least three years and six months.

Supplementary requirements

• Must pass the Danish language test 3 (Prøve i Dansk 3).
• You must have been employed for at least four years.
• You must pass the active citizen exam or have displayed active citizenship.
• You must have had an annual taxable income of DKK 319,738.75 (2024 level).

Active citizen exam

The active citizen exam is a written multiple-choice test held twice a year, in summer and winter, at various language schools across Denmark. It covers Danish democracy, culture, history, and everyday life, with 25 questions based on study material available on the Dansk og Prøver website (good luck spelling the ø).

To meet the supplementary requirement of active citizenship, you must pass this exam. You can be exempt from taking the exam by providing proof of at least one year of active participation in a board, organisation, or group that supports democratic values and contributes to your integration and development in Danish society.

For more details on registration, exam dates, and study materials, visit the Dansk og Prøver website (in Danish only).

What documents are required to apply for a Danish permanent residence permit?

The following list shows the documents you may need for your application:

• Copy of all passport pages (if your residence is based on work, study, or you're a family member of someone who is).
• Proof of application fee payment.
• Proof of meeting the housing requirement (for family reunification cases).
• Documentation of Danish-language skills.
• Employment proof (tax returns, contracts).
• Income documentation (payslips, tax returns).
• Proof of active citizenship (exam certificate, board statement).
• Medical documentation (if you have a disability).
• Municipality-issued early-age pension documentation (if applicable).
• Proof of caring for a seriously ill child (if applicable).
• Proof of foreign residence for work (if applicable).

How to apply for permanent residency in Denmark?

There are five simple steps for Danish permanent residence applications:

1. Create an SB-ID: This is a case-order ID needed when submitting an application or appeal with a fee.
2. Pay the fee.
3. Gather your documentation.
4. Fill in your application.
5. Have your biometric features recorded: This includes fingertips and pictures of your face, which you have to submit within four weeks of your application.

It is important that you submit your application before your current residence permit expires. The expected maximum processing time is 10 months.

Can your family members get permanent residency?

Yes, there are different ground on which you can apply for family reunification if you are a Danish citizen or hold a permanent residence card.

• Spouse/partner
• Child
• Adopted child
• As the sibling or parent of an unaccompanied minor
• Child born by foreign parents in Denmark
• Other family members

For more information, click on the links provided for each case. The fee for this type of family reunification is different from the fee for permanent residence on the basis of family reunification, as it is temporary. In this case, it's DKK 8,575 for a spouse, child, adopted child or other family members.

What are Danish permanent residence permit fees?

All fees are regulated every year on 1 January. As of 2024, the fees for the Danish permanent residence are:

• Work or study: DKK 7,475
• Family reunification, asylum or religious worker: DKK 5,545

What if your application is rejected

The Immigration Service reviews and makes the first decision on permanent residency applications. If your application is denied, you have the option to appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board. The decision letter you received from the Immigration Service will include details on how to file an appeal. If you think there was important information that wasn’t considered when your application was reviewed, you can request that the Immigration Service reopen your case for a second look.

Talk to an immigration expert

Whether you're aiming for Danish citizenship or simply a more stable life in Denmark, starting with a job makes the entire process more manageable and efficient. Browse through our job board and find all the options available for you in Denmark. Or, alternatively, get in touch with us so we can connect you with immigration and relocation experts. 

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