Permanent Residency in Denmark
Denmark offers an attractive pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for individuals who wish to live, work, and thrive in this progressive Scandinavian country. Achieving PR status in Denmark provides long-term stability, access to social benefits, and the ability to work freely without time restrictions.
Applicants typically need to meet conditions such as residency duration, employment history, language skills, and financial self-sufficiency. Obtaining a Danish Permanent Residency opens the door to numerous opportunities, making it an appealing option for international professionals and students looking to settle in Denmark.
International Students who complete their Bachelors or Masters degree in Denmark from Public Danish University are more eligible towards getting their settlement quicker. Since International students who graduate from Danish Public Universities only get up to 3 Years of Post Study Work Right. International students can pursue their employment during this period leading to meeting the criteria of Employment and Income Tax for Permanent Residency.
Once you have graduated, you will be granted a 3-year extension of your residence permit if you want to find a job in Denmark as PSW. The residence permit for job seeking grants you the same right to work as you had as a student, i.e. 20 hours per week and full time in the summer months June, July and August.
You cannot get a permanent residence permit immediately after a student visa. To qualify for a permanent residence permit in Denmark, you must meet the requirements. Usually International students combine multiple Study Duration + PSW + Work Permit to be eligible for their Permanent Residency in Denmark.
Requirements for Permanent Residency in Denmark
Here are the required documents and paperwork, along with the time duration necessary for applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Denmark:
Documents and Paperwork
- Valid Passport: A copy of your valid passport, should have a minimum 10 months remaining validity.
- Residence Permit Proof: Documentation showing your legal stay in Denmark, such as a continuous residence permit card. You should not have exited the country or should not have been jailed, as these duration will not be counted.
While on a temporary permit, you need to be employed, studying, or living under a qualified residence status for at least 8 years before becoming eligible for PR.
In Danish Public Universities which offer various degrees in English Track, Bachelor’s Degree is of standard 3 Years and Masters Degree of 2 years with few Masters degree leading to RESEARCH of additional 3 Years. Hence this duration of your study under temporary permit is also counted towards your Permanent Residency in Denmark. - Employment Records: Proof of full-time employment, tax assessment notice (årsopgørelser) and paychecks having an annual taxable income of DKK 319,738.75 equivalent to Euro 43,000.00 per year (2024 level) or more for the 2 years prior to the Immigration Service reaching a decision about your application for a permanent residence permit.
International students usually claim this duration off full time job while you are on your PSW or after PSW while on Employer Sponsorship ( Danish Work Visa / Work Permit).- You must be employed at the time the Immigration Service reaches a decision about your application for a permanent residence permit.
- Are employed in a non-terminated, permanent position.
- Can prove that you will continue to be employed (for example, if you are employed in a non-terminated, temporary position but there is still a significant amount of time before the position ends).
- Are self-employed.
- You are employed in a temporary position that is about to expire, but you can prove that you will continue to be working by providing a new employment contract or a statement from your current employer stating that they expect to extend your position. Your current employment does not have to be full-time, provided you meet the other employment requirements. However, you must work at least 15 hours per week.
- Danish Language Certificate: Documentation of your language skills, typically a certificate from Danish Language Test Level 2 or higher.
Few of the Public Universities will offer International Students studying degree in English Track with FREE Danish Language Classes or through Students Clubs. During your study duration, you will have acquired ample opportunities to communicate in the Danish language.
Prøve i Dansk 2 (written level B1, oral level B1+) is a test of your Danish language skills. It shows whether you have achieved a general ability in Danish language and have been introduced to Danish culture and society in a way that makes you able to work and function as an active member of society. It also indicates if you are able to participate in qualifying education and further professional education. - Tax Records: Copies of your tax returns or income statements to show financial independence and no reliance on public assistance.
- You may not have any overdue public debts OR received any public funding for Social Service, Child support, Day-care, Overpaid housing benefits, Housing-subsidy loan ,Taxes and levies, unless the amount in arrears is due to circumstances beyond your control.
- You may not have received certain social benefits within four years of applying for a permanent residence permit. Nor may you receive them until the time when the permanent residence permit is granted.
- If your spouse/partner received cash benefits.
- You must accept a declaration of residence and self-support.
- Criminal Record Certificate: A clean record document from Danish authorities and any other countries where you have lived.
If you were sentenced to more than six months of incarceration, you are permanently ineligible for a permanent residence permit. You will also be permanently ineligible for a permanent residence permit, if you are charged or indicted for a crime that can result in more than six months of incarceration. - Integration and Civic Engagement Proof (if applicable): Certificates of volunteer work or civic participation to demonstrate your contribution to Danish society via any 1 of the below;
- Statement of 1 Year of Membership of a parents’ committee, a school board, a board of a non-profit housing organization, an integration council or a senior council.
- Participation of 1 year in work for children or young people.
- Participation of 1 year in a non-profit organization.
- Integration Exam Certificate: Proof of passing the integration exam or citizenship tests, if required.
Medborgerskabsprøven is a test about Danish democracy, everyday life in Denmark, Danish culture and Danish history. If you want a permanent residence permit in Denmark, you are usually required to pass Medborgerskabsprøven. It takes place twice a year (summer and winter). Medborgerskabsprøven consists of 25 written questions. You get 30 minutes to answer all 25 questions.
Fast-track Option (4-year PR): If you meet stricter conditions—such as passing the Prøve i Dansk 3, maintaining continuous full-time employment for at least 4 years, and meeting higher income requirements—you may qualify for PR in as little as 4 years.
Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Denmark
Here are the key benefits of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Denmark:
- Ultimate Stay: PR allows you to live in Denmark indefinitely without the need to renew your residence permit, providing long-term stability.
- Free Movement within the Schengen Area: As a Danish PR holder, you can travel freely within the Schengen countries for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Employment Opportunities: You have the right to work for any employer in Denmark without restrictions, increasing your job flexibility and career growth options.
- Access to Social Benefits: PR holders can access various social welfare benefits, such as healthcare, child support, and education support, enhancing quality of life.
- Family Reunification: You have the right to bring your immediate family members to Denmark, making it easier to reunite with loved ones.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Obtaining PR is the first step towards becoming a Danish citizen, which provides full political rights and the ability to apply for a Danish passport.
- Education and Study Benefits: As a PR holder, you gain access to state-funded education, including universities and vocational training, at reduced or no cost.
- Equal Rights to Danish Residents: You enjoy almost all the rights and privileges of Danish citizens, except for voting rights in national elections, enhancing your integration into society.
These benefits make PR in Denmark a valuable status for anyone looking to build a secure and prosperous future in the country.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Permanent Residency in Denmark is a significant milestone that opens doors to numerous opportunities and long-term stability in one of the world’s most progressive countries. The process may seem complex, but with the right guidance, it becomes a smooth journey. A One Global Consultants will play a crucial role in this journey by offering expert counseling and personalized assistance at every step of your Danish Student Visa.
From helping you understand eligibility criteria to guiding you through documentation and providing continuous support even after the process starts, our team ensures that you’re well-prepared and confident. With A One Global Consultants by your side, achieving your dream of settling in Denmark becomes a clear and attainable goal.