Permanent residence
Here you will find information concerning the rules for being awarded permanent residence in Denmark. Please note that the information is a simplified and revised version of the rules. If you are in doubt or would like additional information, you can read the rules in their entirety or you can
contact the Danish Immigration Service.
You can apply for permanent residence once you have met all the requirements.
Read more about how to apply for permanent residence.
Please note there are special requirements if:
You have had asylum in Denmark (refugees) for the past eight years, and have shown a willingness to integrate. Read more
You are between the ages of 18 and 19, and have worked or studied continuously since completing primary school (folkeskolen). Read more
You have strong ties to Denmark. Read more
You are a pensioners or early age pensioner. Read more
Requirements
- You must still qualify for temporary residence
- You must be over the age of 18
- You must have resided in Denmark legally for at least five years. Read more
- You must not have a criminal record. If you have been sentenced to more than 18 months in jail you are disqualified from receiving permanent residence. If you have been sentenced to less than 18 months in jail (whether suspended or served) you are temporarily disqualified from receiving permanent residence. Read more
- You must not have any overdue public debts. Read more
- You must not have received certain types of public benefits for a period of three years prior to submitting your application for permanent residence, or while your application is being processed. Read more
- You must have submitted a signed declaration of integration and active citizenship in Denmark. Read more
- You must have passed Prøve i Dansk 1 or a Danish language test of an equivalent or higher level. Read more
- You must have held regular full-time employment and/or been enrolled in an educational programme in Denmark for at least three of the five years prior to submitting your application for permanent residence. Read more
- You must be working or studying at the time at the time of becoming eligible for permanent residence.
If you do not meet the requirements for permanent residence
If you do not meet the requirements you cannot obtain permanent residence, unless you belong to the special group that is exempt from one or more of the requirements or if Denmark's international obligations require that you be granted an exemption. Read more about the special consideration
If you do not meet the requirements for permanent residence, you can instead apply for an extension of your temporary residence permit and then apply for a permanent residence permit at a later time.
If you reside in Denmark under EU rules, you will need to meet other requirements for permanent residence
If you are covered by the EU’s free movement of persons rule (either as an EU citizen or as a family member of an EU citizen), and you have a right to stay in Denmark, you can qualify for permanent residence under the EU’s requirements after residing in Denmark for five years.
Read more about the EU’s requirements for residence on the Regional State Administration’s website.
Read more about special rules apply to family members of a Danish citizen who is covered by the EU’s free movement of persons rule. (Only in Danish)