Permanent residence permit

Permanent residence permit in Denmark

With a permanent residence permit you can live and work in Denmark without having to renew your permit. The requirements are extensive, and many are refused on details – such as debt to public authorities or missing documentation of employment. We review your situation and your papers before you apply.

Basic requirements

• You are at least 18 years old
• You have lived lawfully in Denmark for at least 8 years (or 4 years if you meet all four supplementary requirements)
• You still meet the conditions of your current residence permit
• You have passed Danish Language Test 2 (Prøve i Dansk 2) or an equivalent test
• You have no overdue debt to public authorities
• You have not received benefits under the Active Social Policy Act or the Integration Act in the last 4 years
• You have been in full-time employment for 3 years and 6 months within the last 4 years and still work at least 15 hours per week
• You have not committed crimes that exclude permanent residence
• You sign a declaration on residence and self-support

Supplementary requirements – you must meet 2 of 4

• Passed Danish Language Test 3 (Prøve i Dansk 3)
• Full-time employment for 4 years within the last 4½ years
• Passed the citizenship test or active citizenship for at least 1 year
• Average taxable income of at least DKK 346,155.57 per year for the last 2 years (2026 level)

If you meet all four supplementary requirements, you can apply after just 4 years of residence.

Fee and processing time

The fee is DKK 7,570if your residence is based on work or studies, and DKK 4,970if your residence is based on family reunification or refugee status. The expected processing time is up to 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

How many years must I have lived in Denmark to get permanent residence?

As a rule, 8 years of lawful residence. If you meet all four supplementary requirements, you can apply after 4 years.

Which Danish test is required?

Danish Language Test 2 is a basic requirement. Danish Language Test 3 counts as one of the supplementary requirements.

Can I get permanent residence if I owe money to public authorities?

No, overdue public debt excludes permanent residence. The debt must be paid before you apply.

Last updated September 2026. Source: nyidanmark.dk – Permanent residence. Amounts and rules change regularly – we always check the current requirements in your case.