Extension of a residence permit
The regulations for residence permit extensions vary depending on the type of permit you hold. You can read more about the specific conditions on the pages that describe the different types of residence permits.
How to apply for an extension
Your application for extension must be submitted no sooner than two months before and no later than one month before the expiration of your current permit. However, if you are a student at a post-secondary educational programme, you may submit your application for an extension as early as four months before it expires. Normally, you must submit your application in Denmark.
Extension of a residence permit as a student
> Application form B
Furthermore, you can obtain a printed version of the application form from the Service Centre of the Immigration Service, or from the local police.
If you live in the Greater Copenhagen area, you can submit your application at the Service Centre of the Immigration Service or send it by post to the Immigration Service. If you live elsewhere, you can also submit your application at your local police station.
You are allowed to remain, study and work in Denmark while your application for an extension is being processed. If you wish to visit your country of origin 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.
Application for re-entry permit
> Application form
Permanent residence permit
If you have been granted a residence permit as a student at a higher educational programme, and if you have resided in Denmark without interruption for the past seven years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
The Immigration Service assesses your case and decides whether or not to grant you permanent residency. You must meet all the following conditions:
The grounds for your residence permit must have been largely the same throughout all seven years, and you must still meet the conditions for your original residence permit.
You must have passed a special Danish language test.
You must not have been sentenced to over two years in prison for serious crimes, such as drug offences, trafficking, murder, assault or rape. If you have been sentenced to a sentence for a lesser crime, the date which you will be eligible for a permanent residence permit will be postponed.
You must not have any overdue public debt.
When applying for a permanent residence permit, you should use the same application form as when applying for an extension (Application form B).
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. 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.