Residence permit in Denmark

1. Foreign spouses and same-sex partners have the right to move to Denmark with residence permit on the following conditions:

• Both spouses or partners have to be over 24 years of age;
• Mandatory cohabitation in the country;
• One of the spouses or partners has to be the resident of Denmark of live in the country for 3 years and over on the basis of residence permit;
• One of the spouses or partners is required to have stable official income not less than kr55000;
• One of the spouses or partners is required to have purchased or leased housing;
• One of the spouses or partners should not have any financial support from the state within the year prior to marriage;
• Provide the evidences that the relationship lasts at least 2 years;
• Pass English and Danish proficiency tests.

2. Minors under 18 years of age are not eligible for Denmark residence permit on the basis of family reunification.

Children of majority age are eligible for Denmark residence permit on the basis of family reunification only in case they cannot take care of themselves (illness, disability, etc.). 

3. Parents or birth relatives of Denmark citizens/residents have the right for residence permit only in case they cannot take care of themselves (illness, disability, etc.).

The cost for education in one of Denmark universities for foreign national will be approximately €6000 – €16000 annually depending on the chosen educational institution.

Residence permit is issued for the whole period of study.

In order to obtain Denmark residence permit on the basis of study, it is required to submit:

1. The document on enrollment to Denmark university;
2. The document confirming sufficient funds for living and studying in Denmark;
3. The document on English and Danish proficiency sufficient for training.

Employment is one of the most realistic and quickest ways to move to Denmark on the basis of residence permit.

Denmark provides few immigration programs in this regard.

1. The Danish Green Card Program

It is a point based system in order to qualify applicants. Evaluation criteria include education, English or Danish proficiency, ability to integrate into society.

The applicant is required to get at least 100 points for being considered.

In case of positive decision residence permit is issued for 2-year period with the right for extension and possibility of being employed with several employers.

2. The Positive List

The program implies the involvement of foreign employees with the most in-demand specialties.

Danish employer has the right for invitation and signing a contract of indefinite duration with an alien having an in-demand speciality. In this case residence permit will be issued for 4-year period with possible extensions. In case of fixed-term contract residence permit is issued for the period stated in contract plus additional 6 months for seeking other employer.

An alien is eligible to bring family with him if he is able to support it financially.

Apart from diploma on higher education it is required form an alien to be proficient in English and in some cases in both English and Danish languages.

3. The Pay Limit Scheme

Annual wage in amount of at least kr375000 (€50000) is a main requirement for residence permit.

Other documents, such as diploma, employment book, letters of recommendation, etc., are not mandatory.

Employment contract or job offer with clearly indicated wage is compulsory.

Residence permit will be issued for 4-year period with possible extensions in case of signing employment contract of indefinite duration. In case of fixed-term contract residence permit is issued for the period stated in contract plus additional 6 months for seeking other employer.

An alien is eligible to bring family with him if he is able to support it financially.

4. The Fast-track scheme

There is a fast track procedure to hire foreign staff for a number of Denmark companies.

These companies are listed in the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.

The Fast-track scheme allows to hire employees on Pay Limit, researchers, foreigners who will train the company’s employees, and conclude short-term contracts with them.

• Scientists;
• Medical doctors;
• Oil industry workers;
• Aliens carrying out internships in Denmark;
• Athletes;
• Workers of agricultural sector;

There are two possibilities for aliens wishing residence permit in Denmark on the basis of business:

1. Startup idea

An alien introduces innovative and prospective idea to a special committee and can set up a business in Denmark on the basis of residence permit upon approval.

In order to set up such kind of business a foreign national will need to provide:

• A detailed and promising business plan;
• Approved innovative idea that meets interests of Danish economy;
• Sufficient funds for living in Denmark within a year (kr135000, or at least kr270000 by having a spouse/partner, or at least kr310000 by having a children);
• Readiness to participate in the development and income-generating activities of the business.

It is worth remembering that the Danish government does not invest or financially support the business, but only gives the opportunity for setting it up in the country, so the investor assumes all costs.

With the successful development of business a residence permit is issued for a 2-year period with the possibility of extension for another 3 years.

2. Create a company, hire a staff, set a salary of kr50000 and get a residence permit on the basis of the Pay Limit program.

Under Danish legislation, the application for refugee status is considered within 3 months.

Refugees (refugees with families) who came to the territory of Denmark as an asylum-seekers cannot be deported if there are combat actions or a low standard of living in their home country, as well as if they are the victims of Islamic radicals, anti-Semites, etc. Such persons are eligible for a residence permit for a period of 6 months with possible extensions.Upon 5 years of legal residence in Denmark refugees have the right to receive permanent residence if the situation in their home country does not change and they are still in danger.

There is no program for obtaining a residence permit on the basis of major investments in Denmark,unlike in other European countries, so it is not the way to move there.