Getting a permanent residence permit in Denmark is a big achievement if you want to work, be with your family, or study in the country. If you have lived in Denmark for at least eight years, you can apply for this permit. In this article, we will explain the requirements and steps you need to follow to become a permanent resident of Denmark. Get ready to learn about the process and take a step closer to making Denmark your home.
Requirements for Permanent Residence in Denmark
To qualify for a permanent residence permit in Denmark, you need to fulfil certain requirements. Let’s have a closer look at each of these requirements:
Age Requirement
You must be over the age of 18 to apply for a permanent residence permit in Denmark.
Current Residence Permit
You still need to meet the requirements for your current residence permit. Additionally, you need to be a resident in Denmark at the time the Immigration Services decide on your residence permit application. If you happen to be outside of Denmark for any reason, you must return to the country.
Eight Years of Legal Residency
To be eligible for a permanent residence permit, you need to have a minimum of 8 years of legal residency in Denmark. This means you should have been a legal resident of Denmark for at least 8 uninterrupted years at the time the Immigration Service reaches a decision on your residence application.
No Conviction of Certain Crimes
Having been convicted of certain crimes can make you ineligible for a permanent residence permit. If you have been sentenced for a crime for more than six months, you will not qualify for a permanent residence permit.
No Overdue Public Debts
To be eligible for a residence permit, you must not have any overdue payments for various public debts, including Social Service Act or Active Social Policy Act benefits, child support paid in advance, day-care payment, overpaid housing benefits, housing-subsidy loan, taxes, and levies.
No Receipt of Certain Social Benefits
You must not have received certain forms of social benefits within four years of applying for a permanent residence permit or until the time when the permanent residence permit is granted.
Acceptance of Declaration of Residence and Self-Support
As part of the application process, you need to accept a declaration of residence and self-support. The declaration of residence and self-support is included in the application, which can be completed online or in printable format.
Employment Requirement
To be eligible for a permanent residence permit, you must be employed at the time the Immigration Service reaches a decision on your application. The employment requirements are as follows:
- You need to be employed in a non-terminated, permanent position.
- You can prove that you will continue to be employed, or
- You are self-employed.
No Working Against Establishment of Identity
You must not have worked against the establishment of your identity. This includes presenting falsified identity documents, using another person’s identity document, or providing false information about your personal data such as name, date of birth, country of birth, or citizenship.
Danish Language Proficiency
You need to pass the Danish language test 2 or an equivalent Danish exam of a higher level. Accepted exams include Danskuddannelsernes Prøve i Dansk 2, FVU reading exam (level 2 or 3), and any exam considered to be of an equivalent or higher level than Prøve i Dansk 3.
Employment Duration
To qualify for a permanent residence permit, you must have been employed for at least 3 years and 6 months. The following types of employment can be considered as regular employment:
- Paid employment with a minimum of 30 hours per week or 120 hours per month.
- Self-employment that carries the same weight as a regular full-time employment.
- Working for a business owned by your spouse.
- Sick leave, holiday, absence to care for family members, parental leave, etc., within the terms and conditions of your employment.
- Flexjob, provided it meets the terms established by the Active Employment Policy Act.
- Accelerated Path to Permanent Residence
In certain cases, you may qualify for a permanent residence permit after only four years of legal residence in Denmark, which is half the standard time. The requirements for this accelerated path are as follows:
- You must pass the Danish language test 3.
- You must have been employed for the last four years.
- You must pass the active citizen exam or display active citizenship.
- You must have an annual income above the average amount.
Documents Required for Danish PR Application
To ensure a smooth application process for a Danish permanent residence permit, it is important to prepare and submit the necessary documents. Below is a checklist of the documents you will typically need to include:
- Proof of paid application fee: Print and attach the payment receipt as documentation of the fee payment.
- Housing requirement documentation: If you have obtained a residence permit based on family reunification and live together with your spouse/partner, provide documentation to demonstrate that you meet the housing requirement.
- Danish-language abilities documentation: Include a document such as a Prøve i Dansk certificate or a Folkeskolen completion certificate to showcase your Danish-language proficiency.
- Employment documentation: Submit relevant documents such as tax returns or an employment contract to verify your employment status.
- Income documentation: Provide evidence of your income during your stay in Denmark, such as payslips or tax returns, to demonstrate financial stability.
- Active citizenship documentation: Include an exam certificate or a statement from a board or association to prove your active participation as a citizen.
- Disability documentation: If applicable, attach a doctor’s statement as proof of any disability you may have.
- Early-age pension documentation: If you have been granted an early-age pension by your municipality, submit the relevant documentation to support your claim.
- Documentation of caring for a seriously ill child: If you have taken care of a seriously ill child, provide the necessary documentation to support this circumstance, if applicable.
- Foreign residence documentation in connection with work: If you have had periods of foreign residence due to work-related reasons, include the appropriate documentation.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the nature of your application. It is essential to thoroughly review the application instructions provided by the Danish Immigration Service or the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) to ensure you have all the necessary documents in order to complete your permanent residence permit application successfully.
Benefits of getting a Danish Permanent Residency
Acquiring a Danish Permanent Residence (PR) permit comes with a range of benefits that can greatly enhance your quality of life. Let’s explore some key advantages of obtaining Danish PR:
- Healthcare: As a permanent resident of Denmark, you gain access to the country’s comprehensive healthcare system. This means you can enjoy free or subsidized medical services, including doctor consultations, hospital treatments, and medications.
- Education: Denmark is renowned for its high-quality education system. Permanent residents have the opportunity to benefit from free education in Denmark at public schools and universities. This applies to both primary and secondary education, as well as higher education, opening doors to excellent learning opportunities.
- Travel: Holding a Danish PR permit grants you the freedom to travel within the Schengen Area without the need for additional visas or permits. This allows you to explore and discover various European countries conveniently.
- Child Services: Denmark places great importance on the well-being and development of children. As a permanent resident, you can access a wide range of child services, including subsidized childcare, early childhood education, and healthcare provisions for children.
- Work: With a Danish PR permit, you have the right to work and live in Denmark without restrictions. You can pursue employment opportunities in a diverse range of industries and benefit from fair labor laws, workplace safety regulations, and social security provisions.
- Social Welfare Benefits: Permanent residents are eligible to access various social welfare benefits provided by the Danish government. These benefits may include unemployment benefits, disability allowances, and retirement pensions, ensuring a safety net during times of need.
Conclusion
Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Denmark is a significant achievement for individuals looking to establish long-term roots in the country. By fulfilling the requirements outlined in this article, including meeting the residency duration, employment, language proficiency, and other criteria, you can move closer to securing your permanent residence status in Denmark. Remember to consult the Danish Immigration Service or the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process.
