Extension of a residence and work 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 and work 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. Normally, you must submit your application in Denmark.
You can chose one of the following application forms, depending on whether you are a(n):
Employee (including applicants under the Positive List, Pay Limit scheme, athletes and trainees)
> Application form AR3 (English version)
> Application form AR3 (Danish version)
Religious worker
> Application form RF1 (Danish and English version)
Researcher at a research institute, Self-employed person, or applicant under the Corporate scheme or the Greencard scheme
> Application form (English and Danish version)
Family member of a foreign national who is working or studying in Denmark
> Application form FA9 (English version)
> Application form FA9 (Danish version)
You can obtain a printed version of the forms at the Service Centre of the Immigration 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.
Permanent residence permit
Whether you are eligible for a permanent residence permit in Denmark depends on what type of permit you hold.
If you have been granted a residence and work permit on the grounds of salaried work or self-employment, and if you have resided in Denmark without interruption for the past seven years, you will normally be eligible for a permanent residence permit.
The Immigration Service assesses your case and decides whether or not to grant you permanent residency. The following conditions must all be met:
The grounds for your residence permit must have been largely the same throughout all seven years, and the conditions for your original residence and work permit must still be met.
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.
Application form to be used when applying for a permanent residence permit
> Application form (English and Danish version)
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.