Application processing times – service goals
For the most common types of applications the Immigration Service has maximum time limits for how long applicants should expect to have to wait for a decision (service goals).
Please be aware that this page is currently under revision
The stated maximum processing time is calculated starting from the date the Immigration Service receives a fully completed application. An application is considered fully completed if it contains all required information, has been signed correctly and includes the required documentation.
The Immigration Service determines whether the application is fully completed. The vast majority of applications are fully completed when the Immigration Service receives them and applicants typically will not hear from us until the decision is sent. If the application is not fully completed we will inform the applicant as soon as possible. This is often the case for Greencard applicants who have a foreign education.
Maximum processing times
Service goals for first-time stays in Denmark vary from one to seven months, depending on what type of application has been submitted and how complicated it is. The service goal can also vary due to seasonal fluctuations in the volume of applications being processed.
For example, if it states that first-time applications for residence permits for researchers take one month to process, then a decision on a fully completed application for a residence permit for a researcher will be made within one month. A fully completed application submitted on 1 February 2011 would be finalised by 1 March 2011. See table 1.
For all types of applications for a temporary extension of a residence permit submitted after 1 January 2011 the Immigration Service expects a maximum processing time of three months. Applications for a permanent residence permit submitted after 1 January 2011 have an expected maximum case processing time of five months. See table 2.
Service goals have also been set for other case types, such as passports. See table 3.
Table 1: Maximum processing times for first-time applications
*) Applies to applications submitted after 1 January 2011
**) Applies to applications submitted before 1 January 2011
***) Does not apply to complicated cases submitted before 1 January 2011
Table 2: Maximum processing times for applications for a temporary extension of a residence permit and applications for a permanent residence permit
| Case type: | Maximum processing time (fully complete application): |
|---|
| Employees (including the Positive List, the Pay Limit Scheme, researchers, athletes and coaches) - extension |
3 months* |
| Au pairs - extension |
3 months* |
| The Greencard scheme - extension |
3 months* |
| Accompanying family members (reg. work or studies) - extension |
3 months* |
| Interns - extension |
3 months* |
| Religious workers - extension |
3 months* |
| Students - extension |
3 months* |
| Permanent residence permit |
5 months* / 6 months** |
*) Applies to applications submitted after 1 January 2011
**) Applies to applications submitted before 1 January 2011
Table 3: Maximum processing times for applications concerning replacement of residence card, passport, EU appeal cases and residence permit not to be considered as lapsed
| Case type: | Maximum processing time (fully complete application): |
|---|
| Residence permit not to be considered as lapsed before departure (family reunification) |
3 months |
| Residence permit not to be considered as lapsed after departure (family reunification) |
4 months |
| EU appeal cases |
6 months* |
Passport (Danish alien’s passport or convention passport)
Read more detailed information about passport |
10 weeks |
*) Applies to applications submitted after 1 January 2011