Temporary Residence Permits In Denmark
Embarking on your Danish adventure? Navigating the maze of temporary residence permits in Denmark can feel like embarking on a quest worthy of its own saga. Fear not, fellow expats! We’ve got you covered!
In this comprehensive guide, we unravel the mysteries of temporary residence permits, providing you with the key insights and practical tips you need to secure your stay in the land of hygge.
Let’s dive in!
What Is A Temporary Residence Permit?
A temporary residence permit in Denmark is required for people who want to work, seek family reunification, study or stay in Denmark for an extended period of time. A temporary residence permit is mostly required for individuals who are non-EU/EEA citizens.
It is valid for up to 1 or 2 years and needs to be renewed until you apply for a permanent permit.
Is There A Difference Between A Temporary Permit For EU/EEA Citizens And Non-EU/EEA Citizens?
EU and EEA citizens have certain rights to move and reside freely within these areas due to their right of freedom of movement. They generally don’t need a residence permit for short-term stays or for working and living in another EU/EEA country.
Non-EU/EEA citizens, on the other hand, often need a temporary residence permit to live and work in Denmark. The permit is typically issued for specific purposes such as work, study, family reunification, or other specific circumstances.
Why Obtain A Temporary Residence Permit?
You should apply for a temporary residence permit if you are going to stay in Denmark for an extended period. Non-EU/EEA citizens should apply for the permit according to the process outlined by the Danish Immigration Service.
The permit is intended to legalize residence for non-EU/EEA citizens who wish to stay in Denmark for an extended period. You can also enjoy a lot of benefits from it.
These benefits include:
✅ Education
✅ Access to healthcare Services
✅ Travel benefits
✅ Work benefits
When Should You Apply For A Temporary Residence Permit?
You should apply for it before or immediately after you land in Denmark, but originally, once your stay in Denmark exceeds 90 days, you should apply for a Denmark temporary residence permit.
You should apply for a Denmark temporary residence permit through the Danish Immigration Service or the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).
What Are The Different Types Of Temporary Residence Permits in Denmark?
The permits issued to individuals depend on the purpose of your stay and type of permit you are looking for.
However, there are two main categories of residence permit in Denmark:
- Permanent residence permit
- Temporary residence permit
Even these two main permits have sub-types that depend on one’s purpose of travel to Denmark. The most commonly applied residence permits have been explained below:
Work Permit
When you apply for a job in Denmark, apply for the permit as soon as you get a job letter or work contract from a Danish employer.
You should submit your application before entering Denmark, as you are not allowed to work in Denmark while waiting for the permit. For this, you must submit a passport or national ID, a passport-size photo, a job application, and a verified document/ a work contract.
Study Permit
When you apply and get accepted into a program or university, you should apply for the permit as soon as you receive an acceptance letter from a Danish educational institution.
It’s preferable to apply in advance or before the start of the academic program so as not to have a hard time with the processing. A Language proficiency (English or Danish) certificate, acceptance letter, and proof of financial stability (almost DKK 6,397 per month) is needed.
Family Re-Unification Permit
You should apply for it when you want to join your family member in Denmark. Apply as soon as possible after your family member in Denmark has received a residence permit.
The application process for family reunification can take time, so early application is recommended. You would need a passport, ID, visa and documents legalizing your relationship with the member living in Denmark.
Researcher Permit
Researchers can apply when they have a research position secured in Denmark. It’s advisable to apply in advance, before you arrive in Denmark.
You mostly need your passport, ID, visa, and documents validating your research and research application for this process,
Short Stay Permit
This permit is valid if you have to attend conferences or any cultural events. You should apply for the permit as soon as you have confirmed your plans for the temporary stay event in Denmark.
Allow enough time for processing, it is better if you apply for it in advance.
Permits related to entrepreneurship, working holidays, or other specific purposes are to be applied as soon as you meet the eligibility criteria. Check the specific requirements for each type of permit and plan your application accordingly.
How Long Does The Processing Take?
The processing time for residence permits can vary according to situations and needs, but it’s advised that you should apply in advance of your intended travel date. The processing time generally takes 3 months, though.
The Danish Immigration Service provides information on average processing times for different types of permits, or you could consult with a relevant authority to ensure accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific circumstances and a smooth process.
What Are The Rеquirеmеnts For A Temporary Rеsidеncе Permit In Denmark?
To qualify for a temporary residence permit in Denmark, you must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a temporary residence permit.
These rеquirеmеnts include:
- Applicant Must Be Over 18 Years Old: You are eligible for a permit if you are 18 years or above.
- Applicant Must Have Travel Insurance: You must have travel insurance when you travel to Denmark and must meet the temporary permit requirements.
- Applicant Must Have A Clean Criminal Record: You must not have a criminal record and must maintain a clean criminal record or you are considered ineligible for a permit.
- Applicant Must Have Financial Stability: Having financial stability means you can cover your expenses.
- Applicant Must Have A Work Contract Or Admission Letter: You must have an employment contract or a letter of admission from a university to be eligible for a temporary residence permit. It’s needed for validation.
- Applicant Must Have A Place To Stay: You need to have a place to stay before you arrive in Denmark.
- Applicant Must Pass The Danish Language Test: This is an important requirement that must be fulfilled. You need this for smoother interactions and to be able to communicate effectively.
If you complete even some of these requirements, you are eligible for a temporary residence permit in Denmark.
However, please consult an immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation. They can help you with the documentation and guide you through it.
How To Get A Temporary Residence Permit In Denmark?
You could apply for the permit online through the website of the Danish Immigration Service or the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), or you could submit your application in person by visiting the local registration office of your municipality.
A step-by-step application process is:
- Create Case Order: You must first apply online by creating a case ID, choose the type of permit you are applying for, and receive a case number.
- Pay The Fees: The next step is to pay the fees. The fee amounts to mostly 4,000 DKK, depending on the type of permit you are applying for. The difference in the price of permits is:
- Residence permit for work: DKK 4,405
- Residence permit for studies: DKK 1,890
- Residence permit for family reunification: DKK 2,920
- Documentation: All documents must be submitted during the application, language test, passport, employment documents, etc. No documents are to be missed. Some of the documents that you might have to provide are:
- Passport
- Passport size photo
- A clean criminal record
- Paid application fee receipt
- Completed and verified Application form
- Financial documents
- A visa (that granted access into Denmark)
- Proof of residency where you’ll stay
- Employment certificate
- Language certificate
- Letter of acceptance to university
- Proof of family relationship
- Complete The Application Form: Once you have completed all the required documentation, you are nееd to complete the application form per the permit you are applying for. The application form can be found on the SIRI website.
- Submit Your Biometrics: Once done, the individual must submit their application. Along with their biometrics and photo.
- Waiting Time: The waiting time is mostly 3 months as it takes time to process applications.
- Rеcеivе Your Temporary Rеsidеncе Permit: After a few months of wait, you are granted a temporary residence permit.
Does Denmark Permanent Rеsidеncе Permit Expire?
No, as long as you renew it before the previous permit expires. You must apply for a residence extension or renewal no earlier than 3 months before your current permit expires.
Please note that you’ll have to leave Denmark if you are late in applying for the renewal or extension before your previous permit expires. You are liable to a fee if you apply for the renewal or extension.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this guide on temporary residence permits in Denmark, consider yourself armed with the knowledge and confidence to face the bureaucratic hurdles. Remember, the journey to your Danish dream is a step-by-step process, and with each form filled and requirement met, you’re one step closer to calling Denmark your home.
May your residence be as warm and welcoming as the Danish spirit itself – cheers to your new chapter!
Denmark Awaits!
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