Permanent residency (PR) means living and working in a country without worrying about your visa expiring. Unlike temporary residence, which is given for a limited period, permanent residency has no time limit. Once you get permanent residency, you don’t need to keep renewing your visa or study permit. It also gives you access to more benefits like social welfare, better job opportunities, and a path to citizenship.
Yes, international students can apply for permanent residency in Denmark, but only after they have lived in Denmark for a certain number of years and meet some requirements. You cannot apply for PR while you are still studying. However, the time you spend in Denmark as a student can count toward your permanent residency.
To apply for permanent residency in Denmark, you must meet the following basic conditions:
You must complete a higher education program at a recognized university or educational institution in Denmark. This is the first step towards building your future in the country.
You must have legally lived in Denmark for at least 8 years (or 4 years in some cases, such as if you are highly qualified, working full-time, or have passed specific integration exams).
You must have a valid Danish residence permit (such as a work or post-study permit) at the time of applying for PR.
Before applying, you need to have worked full-time (at least 30 hours per week) for at least 3 and a half years in the last four years.
You must pass the Danish Language Test 2 (Prøve i Dansk 2) or higher.
You must not have any serious criminal convictions or unpaid debts to public authorities.
7 . Financial Independence
You should not have received any public benefits (like unemployment support or social assistance) under the Danish Active Social Policy Act in the past 3 years.
You must have had the same registered address in Denmark for the past year.
You need to meet at least two of four extra standards in order to get a permanent residence permit. If you meet all four of these extra standards, you will only need 4 years of legal residence in Denmark to get a permanent residence permit instead of the usual 8.
Passed Danish Language Test 3
Worked for at least 4 years
Pass the active citizenship exam
Have an annual taxable income of DKK 331,249.35
After completing your studies in Denmark, you can apply for a post-study work permit under the Establishment Card Scheme or the Job-Seeking Period (usually valid for 6 months to 3 years). During this time, if you get a full-time job and fulfill other conditions, you can start counting this period toward your PR.
You can apply for PR through the Danish Immigration Service or SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration). You need to:
Fill out the online application form
Pay the application fee (around DKK 6,000, subject to change)
Submit documents such as your passport, residence permit, proof of employment, tax reports, and Danish language test results.
Attend an interview or give biometric data if required.
Processing time is usually 6 to 8 months, but it can vary.
Getting permanent residency in Denmark has many advantages:
Stay in Denmark without renewing your visa
Work in any job without restrictions.
Start your own business.
Access to full healthcare, social benefits, and pension
Easier path to Danish citizenship
Travel in and out of Denmark more freely.
If you wish to get a PR in Denmark, we suggest you start planning early while you are still a student.
Focus on learning Danish and finding a full-time job after graduation.
Keep track of your time in Denmark and save important documents.
Avoid taking public support that can affect your eligibility.
Talk to a migration advisor or visit the official websites for the latest rules.
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