Who can come to Denmark?

Residence in Denmark is not freely available to all. Since 1973, Denmark has enforced an immigration embargo. Conditions to enter and reside in Denmark vary i.a. with the nationality of the applicant:

Nordic citizens

(That is nationals from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland) can always come to Denmark to reside and work without a permit.

EU/EEA citizens

They can enter and reside in Denmark if, for example, they are working or studying here.

Citizens from other countries

They cannot simply decide to live in Denmark for any lengthy period. Residence permits can be granted, however, if the individual is a:

• refugee
• qualifies under family reunification legislation
• is engaged in a particular time-limited commission in this country (for example, work or study).

It is up to immigration authorities to determine whether a foreign citizen is eligible for a residence permit in Denmark. This means that the Danish Immigration Service has the initial authority to examine and decide applications for residence permits on grounds of asylum, family reunification, or work.