Extension of a residence permit

If you are a refugee and hold a temporary residence permit on the grounds of asylum or Protected Status, this normally means that you can only have your residence permit extended if you still risk persecution in your country of origin.

You can submit your application for an extension no sooner than 2 months before your residence permit expires. Please note that it is your own responsibility to apply in time. If you apply too late this can result in prosecution by the police and/or a fine. You also risk that the start date of your residence permit will be calculated anew, or that your application for an extension will be viewed and processed as an entirely new application for a residence permit.

Application forms

When applying for an extension of your temporary residence permit, you need to use different application forms depending on whether you are over or under the age of 18.

Extension of a temporary residence permit (adults)
> Application form AS1 (English version)

Extension of a temporary residence permit (children under 18)
> Application form AS2 (English version)

You can obtain a printed version of the application forms at the Danish Immigration Service's Citizen Service, where you can also submit your application. If you live outside the Greater Copenhagen area, you can also obtain the forms and submit your application at your local police station.

Re-entry permit

You are allowed to remain in Denmark while your application for an extension is being processed. If you wish to leave Denmark while awaiting the ruling, you can apply for a re-entry permit valid for the entire Schengen region. A re-entry permit allows you to re-enter Denmark even if your residence permit is not valid.

Re-entry permit
> Application form (Danish/English version)

Permanent residence permit

If you have legally resided in Denmark for at least five years, it is possible to get permanent residence. In order to get a permanent residence permit, you must meet certain requirements. Read more about the general conditions for permanent residence

Please note that special rules apply to applicants who have had asylum in Denmark for the last 8 years and have shown willingness to integrate into Danish society. Read more about the specific rules for refugees with eight years of residence

Important information about your passport

When you apply for an extension of your residence permit, make sure that your passport is valid. The Immigration Service can revoke or refuse to extend your temporary residence permit if you do not hold a valid passport or other travel documents.

Please note that your residence permit can only be extended up to three months before your passport expires. In other words, if your passport expires in 12 months, your residence permit can only be extended by nine months. The Immigration Service will not extend a temporary residence permit for less than six months.

If you hold a national passport (i.e. a passport from your country of origin), the diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate general) of your country of origin will renew it.

The Immigration Service is responsible for renewing Alien's passports and Convention passports.