Denmark How to Get a Denmark Residence Permit for Work, Study, or Business

Requirements

• Concrete job offer in Denmark
• Annual salary at least DKK 552,000 (2026)
• Minimum 30 hours/week
• Salary paid into a Danish bank account within 180 days of permit issuance
• Pay and employment conditions match Danish market standards

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages (including blank pages) required
• Employment contract/job offer stating salary and hours required
• Fee payment receipt required
• Form AR1 (employer part + applicant part), or AR6 for fast-track required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create case order ID

   Create a case order ID online and pay the fee of DKK 6,810.

2. 2

   Employer completes AR1 part 1

   The Danish employer completes their part of form AR1, generating a reference code.

3. 3

   Applicant completes part 2

   The applicant completes their part of the application online.

4. 4

   Submit

   Submit the application.

5. 5

   Biometrics

   Record facial photo and fingerprints within 14 days at a Danish mission, VFS centre, or SIRI/Citizen Service branch.

6. 6

   Decision

   Await the decision (typically about 1 month).

Official Sources

• Official Pay Limit Scheme - New to Denmark (SIRI) · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration
• Official Fee rates overview - New to Denmark · Danish Immigration Service / SIRI

Requirements

• Concrete job offer in Denmark
• Annual salary around DKK 446,000 (lower threshold)
• Additional conditions including Danish bank account requirement and supplementary checks

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Employment contract required
• Fee payment receipt required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create case order ID and pay fee

   Create a case order ID and pay DKK 6,810.

2. 2

   Employer and applicant complete forms

   Employer completes their part; applicant completes the applicant part.

3. 3

   Submit and biometrics

   Submit and record biometrics within 14 days.

4. 4

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Work schemes in SIRI - an overview · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Job offer in a profession on the Positive List for Higher Education
• Profession requires tertiary education
• Pay and conditions match Danish market standards

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Employment contract required
• Documentation of qualifications required
• Fee payment receipt required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Confirm profession on Positive List

   Verify the profession appears on the current Positive List for Higher Education.

2. 2

   Create case order ID and pay fee

   Create a case order ID and pay DKK 6,810.

3. 3

   Complete forms, submit, biometrics

   Employer and applicant complete forms; submit; record biometrics within 14 days.

4. 4

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Work schemes in SIRI - an overview · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Job offer in a skilled-trade occupation on the Positive List for Skilled Work
• Pay and conditions match Danish market standards

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Employment contract required
• Fee payment receipt required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Confirm occupation on Positive List

   Verify the occupation appears on the current Positive List for Skilled Work.

2. 2

   Create case order ID and pay fee

   Create a case order ID and pay DKK 6,810.

3. 3

   Complete forms, submit, biometrics

   Employer and applicant complete forms; submit; record biometrics within 14 days.

4. 4

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Work schemes in SIRI - an overview · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Employer must be a SIRI-certified company
• Job offer meeting the conditions of one of the five tracks

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Employment contract required
• Form AR6 required
• Fee payment receipt required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Employer creates case order ID

   The certified employer creates a case order ID and pays the fee.

2. 2

   Employer completes AR6

   The employer completes form AR6.

3. 3

   Applicant completes part

   The applicant completes their part of the application.

4. 4

   Submit and biometrics

   Submit; record biometrics within 14 days; arrange quick start if applicable.

5. 5

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Fast-track scheme - New to Denmark (SIRI) · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Documented unique/special qualifications
• Connection to an activity or employer in Denmark

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Documentation of special qualifications required
• Fee payment receipt required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create case order ID and pay fee

   Create a case order ID and pay the applicable fee.

2. 2

   Complete forms, submit, biometrics

   Complete the application; submit; record biometrics within 14 days.

3. 3

   Decision

   Await the case-by-case decision.

Official Sources

• Official Work schemes in SIRI - an overview · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland (Nordic citizens need no permit)
• Qualify under one category: worker, self-employed, self-supporting, student, or family member
• Documentation supporting the chosen category

Required Documents

• Valid EU/EEA/Swiss passport or national ID required
• Category documentation (e.g., employment contract, business accounts, proof of funds, enrolment) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Choose category and apply

   Apply to SIRI for the EU registration certificate under the relevant category.

2. 2

   Submit documentation

   Submit the supporting documentation (no fee).

3. 3

   Receive registration certificate

   Receive the EU residence document, typically within weeks.

Official Sources

• Official Residence as a Nordic, EU or EEA citizen - New to Denmark · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration
• Official EU self-employed person - New to Denmark · SIRI

Requirements

• At least 2 years of continuous, full-time, unsupported employment with the same Danish employer
• Previous Danish residence permit (refugee, family reunification, or accompanying family member) revoked or denied extension
• Salary corresponding to Danish standards for the occupation with no wage subsidies
• Salary paid to a Danish bank account in the applicant's own name
• No misuse of previous permits or unlawful receipt of means-tested public benefits
• Valid passport
• No criminal record disqualifying residence

Required Documents

• Valid passport required
• Employment contract specifying salary, working hours, and terms required
• Documentation of at least 2 years of employment with the same employer (e.g. pay slips, employer confirmation) required
• Evidence that previous residence permit was revoked or denied extension required
• Danish bank account details required
• Biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) required
• Documentation of family members if applying for accompanying permits

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Check eligibility

   Confirm that you have completed at least 2 continuous years of full-time employment with the same Danish employer and that your previous permit was revoked or denied extension.

2. 2

   Pay the processing fee

   Pay the DKK 6,810 processing fee online via the nyidanmark.dk payment portal before submitting your application.

3. 3

   Submit the application

   Submit your application online through the New to Denmark portal (nyidanmark.dk), uploading all required documentation including your employment contract and proof of 2 years' employment.

4. 4

   Provide biometric data

   Attend an appointment at a Danish diplomatic mission or SIRI service centre to provide your photograph and fingerprints.

5. 5

   Await SIRI decision

   SIRI will process your application within approximately 1 month. You will be notified of the decision via the online portal or post.

6. 6

   Collect residence card

   Once approved, collect your residence card from the relevant authority. The permit is tied to the specific job; any change of employer or position generally requires a new application.

Official Sources

• Official Labour Market Attachment Scheme — New to Denmark · SIRI — Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration
• Official Work Schemes in SIRI — an Overview · SIRI — Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Admission to a state-approved higher-education programme
• Proof of disposable funds (DKK 7,426/month; up to DKK 89,112 for 12 months if studying >1 year)
• Proof of paid tuition where applicable

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Letter of admission required
• Proof of paid tuition (if applicable)
• Proof of funds required
• Fee payment receipt required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create case order ID and pay fee

   Create a case order ID and pay the fee (approximately DKK 2,170).

2. 2

   Complete application

   Complete the application; the educational institution may complete part of it.

3. 3

   Submit and biometrics

   Submit; record biometrics within 14 days.

4. 4

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Higher Education student permit - New to Denmark (SIRI) · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration
• Official Work permit / job seeking after study - New to Denmark · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Trainee or apprenticeship agreement with a Danish company/institution

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Trainee agreement required
• Fee payment receipt required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create case order ID and pay fee

   Create a case order ID and pay the applicable fee.

2. 2

   Complete forms, submit, biometrics

   Complete the application; submit; record biometrics within 14 days.

3. 3

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Work schemes in SIRI - an overview · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Previously held a Danish work/residence permit on an eligible basis

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Documentation of prior employment/permit required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Apply on job change/end of employment

   Apply to SIRI when employment ends or changes.

2. 2

   Submit and decision

   Submit the application and await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Job search - New to Denmark (SIRI) · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Innovative growth-company business plan approved by the expert panel under the Danish Business Authority
• Individual or team of up to 3 entrepreneurs
• Proof of self-support (solo approx. DKK 153,240; 2025 level, reconfirm 2026)
• Company-ownership documentation

Required Documents

• Fee payment receipt required
• Copy of all passport pages required
• Expert-panel approval required
• Financial documentation required
• Company-ownership documentation required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain expert-panel approval

   Submit the business plan and obtain approval from the expert panel under the Danish Business Authority.

2. 2

   Create case order ID and pay fee

   Create a case order ID and pay DKK 3,060.

3. 3

   Complete online form

   Complete the online application (about 30 minutes).

4. 4

   Submit and biometrics

   Submit; record biometrics within 14 days.

5. 5

   Decision

   Await the decision (about 1 month after expert-panel approval).

Official Sources

• Official Start-up Denmark - New to Denmark (SIRI) · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Both parties normally aged at least 24
• Valid marriage/registered partnership, or proof of at least 18 months cohabitation
• Sponsor provides independent, adequately-sized housing not in a restricted area
• Sponsor is self-supporting with no specified benefits
• Sponsor generally holds permanent residence (min. 3 years, with exceptions) and passes Prøve i Dansk 3
• Couple meets the collective integration conditions (e.g., 4 of 6)
• Financial guarantee of DKK 61,709.34 (2026) posted by the sponsor

Required Documents

• Passport copies required
• Marriage/partnership certificate or proof of at least 18 months cohabitation required
• Proof of housing required
• Financial-guarantee documentation required
• Language test results required
• Employment/education documentation required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create SB-ID and pay fee

   Create an SB-ID and pay DKK 8,490.

2. 2

   Gather documents

   Gather all required documents.

3. 3

   Complete joint application

   Complete the joint application online (about 60-70 minutes).

4. 4

   Submit and biometrics

   Submit at a Danish mission or Citizen Service and record biometrics.

5. 5

   Post-arrival language

   After arrival, pass Danish A1 within 6 months and A2 within 9 months.

Official Sources

• Official Spouse or cohabiting partner family reunification - New to Denmark · Danish Immigration Service

Requirements

• Child generally under 18
• Parent lawfully residing in Denmark on a qualifying basis
• Sponsor meets applicable housing and support conditions

Required Documents

• Passport copies required
• Birth certificate / proof of parentage required
• Fee payment receipt required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create SB-ID and pay fee

   Create an SB-ID and pay the applicable fee.

2. 2

   Complete application

   Complete the family application.

3. 3

   Submit and biometrics

   Submit and record biometrics.

4. 4

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Child family reunification - New to Denmark · Danish Immigration Service

Requirements

• Exceptional circumstances justifying reunification
• Sponsor lawfully residing in Denmark

Required Documents

• Passport copies required
• Documentation of the family relationship and exceptional circumstances required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create SB-ID and pay fee

   Create an SB-ID and pay the applicable fee.

2. 2

   Complete application and submit

   Complete the application, submit, and record biometrics.

3. 3

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Other family member reunification - New to Denmark · Danish Immigration Service

Requirements

• Sponsor holds refugee/protection status in Denmark
• Qualifying spousal/partner relationship
• Defined situations under the more favourable rules

Required Documents

• Passport copies (if available)
• Proof of relationship required
• Documentation of the sponsor's protection status required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create SB-ID

   Create an SB-ID and start the application.

2. 2

   Complete and submit

   Complete the application, submit, and record biometrics.

3. 3

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Spouse or partner of refugee in Denmark - New to Denmark · Danish Immigration Service

Requirements

• Offer for a research position from a Danish research institution

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Research employment contract/offer required
• Fee payment receipt required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create case order ID and pay fee

   Create a case order ID and pay DKK 6,810.

2. 2

   Complete forms, submit, biometrics

   Institution and applicant complete forms; submit; record biometrics within 14 days.

3. 3

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Work schemes in SIRI - an overview · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Invitation or agreement for a guest/visiting research position at a Danish institution

Required Documents

• Copy of all passport pages required
• Documentation of the guest research position required
• Fee payment receipt required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create case order ID and pay fee

   Create a case order ID and pay the applicable fee.

2. 2

   Complete forms, submit, biometrics

   Complete the application; submit; record biometrics within 14 days.

3. 3

   Decision

   Await the decision.

Official Sources

• Official Work schemes in SIRI - an overview · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Born on or after 1 July 2014
• At least one Danish parent (mother, father, or co-mother)

Required Documents

• Birth certificate required
• Documentation of the parent's Danish citizenship required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Automatic acquisition at birth

   Danish citizenship is acquired automatically at birth where conditions are met.

2. 2

   Retention before age 22

   If born abroad with no Danish residence/close association, apply to retain nationality before turning 22 to avoid loss.

Official Sources

• Official Citizenship - words and concepts - New to Denmark · Danish Immigration Service / UIM

Requirements

• Age 18+
• 8 years continuous legal residence (4 with all supplementary requirements)
• Continue to meet current permit conditions
• Clean criminal record (no sentence over 6 months; outside exclusion period)
• No overdue public debt (excluding student/bank loans)
• No specified social benefits within the prior 4 years
• Employed at the time of decision (min. 15 hours/week)
• Pass Prøve i Dansk 2
• Sign the residence/self-support declaration
• Meet at least 2 of the 4 supplementary requirements

Required Documents

• Tax assessment notices (årsopgørelser) and payslips for income required
• Employment documentation required
• Language test certificates required
• Passport copy required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Create SB-ID and pay fee

   Create an SB-ID and pay the fee (DKK 7,570 on work/study basis, or DKK 4,970 other grounds).

2. 2

   Gather documents

   Gather income, employment, and language documentation.

3. 3

   Submit form

   Submit the form online (e.g., TU1).

4. 4

   Biometrics

   Record biometrics within 6 weeks.

5. 5

   Decision

   Await the decision (up to 12 months).

Official Sources

• Official Permanent residence permit - New to Denmark (SIRI) · SIRI / Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration

Requirements

• Hold a permanent residence permit
• Generally 9 years continuous residence (variations apply)
• Self-sufficiency (no integration-law benefits over 4 months in the past 5 years, none in the past 2 years)
• Pass Prøve i Dansk 3 (Dansk 2 in limited cases)
• Pass the 'Indfødsretsprøven af 2021' citizenship test
• No disqualifying criminal record
• Sign declaration of loyalty

Required Documents

• Permanent residence permit documentation required
• Language test certificate (Prøve i Dansk 3) required
• Citizenship test (Indfødsretsprøven) result required
• Proof of self-sufficiency and clean record required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Submit digital application

   Submit the digital application (requires MitID).

2. 2

   Meet all conditions

   Demonstrate that all conditions are met.

3. 3

   Placed on naturalisation bill

   Name is placed on a naturalisation bill.

4. 4

   Parliament passes the bill

   The Folketing passes the bill; a guidance letter follows.

5. 5

   Constitution ceremony

   Attend the municipal constitution ceremony (sign declaration, handshake with the mayor) and receive the citizenship certificate.

Official Sources

• Official Danish citizenship - Ministry of Immigration and Integration (UIM) · Ministry of Immigration and Integration (UIM)
• Official Conditions for acquisition of Danish citizenship - Life in Denmark (borger.dk) · Danish public-sector portal (borger.dk)