EU law and free movement
Residence and work in Denmark for EU/EEA citizens and their families
Residence in Denmark under EU rules
Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland have the right to live and work in Denmark under the rules on free movement. The same applies to their family members – even if the family member comes from a country outside the EU. The rules are completely different from the ordinary Danish rules: for example, there is no 24-year rule, no bank guarantee and no fees.
We help EU citizens, their families and employers document the basis of residence and apply for the right documents from SIRI.
Who has the right to reside?
- Workers – with genuine and effective paid work, typically at least 10-12 hours per week for at least 10-12 weeks
- Self-employed persons – with a genuine business registered with the Danish Business Authority
- Students – enrolled in a Danish education programme and able to support themselves
- Self-sufficient persons – with funds for at least the first 12 months (e.g. DKK 7,095 per month for a person without dependants in 2026)
- Jobseekers – up to 6 months and then up to 6 more months if actively seeking work
For stays under 3 months, no document is needed. For longer stays, you must apply for an EU residence document (registration certificate).
Registration certificate from SIRI
The application is sent to SIRI, and you attend in person, e.g. at International House Copenhagen. There is no fee. Workers, students and self-sufficient persons normally receive the certificate on the spot, while self-employed persons typically wait 2 months (up to 4 months).
Family members from outside the EU
A spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner (with documented cohabitation), children under 21 and in some cases dependent parents can obtain a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen. The EU citizen must have a right of residence in Denmark. There is no fee, and processing normally takes 3 months (up to 4 months).
Permanent right of residence after 5 years
After 5 years of continuous residence under EU rules, you can obtain a permanent right of residence. Shorter stays abroad do not necessarily interrupt the period. Family members from outside the EU must apply before their residence card expires.
Are you a Danish citizen?
Danish citizens can also use the EU rules if they have lived and worked, studied or supported themselves in another EU country – e.g. Sweden. Read more about family reunification under EU rules.
Nordic citizens do not need a registration certificate, but their family members from outside the Nordic countries must apply under the EU rules.
How to apply – step by step
Steps marked we handle this for you are included when you use us.
- Clarify your basis of residencewe handle this for you
Worker, self-employed, student, person with sufficient resources or family member. We assess which basis is strongest.
- Complete the application onlinewe handle this for you
Form OD1A (EU citizen) or OD1B (family member) is completed on nyidanmark.dk. We prepare it if you wish.
- Appear at SIRI within 30 days
You must appear in person with your passport and receipt. If everything is in order, the registration certificate is often issued immediately.
- CPR and MitID
With the registration certificate you can be registered in the CPR at the municipality and get MitID.
- Keep track of the conditionswe handle this for you
If you lose your job or your situation changes, it may matter. Contact us before you act.
Documents to have ready
- Copy of passport or national ID card
- Employment contract or employer declaration (no more than 60 days old)
- If self-employed: CVR registration and proof of the activity
- If a student: admission letter and proof of funds
- If relying on own resources: bank statements or other documentation
- Proof of the family relationship when applying as a family member
Send us your documents We review them and tell you what is missing – before you pay any fee.
Frequently asked questions
As an EU citizen, do I need a residence permit in Denmark?
No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have a right of residence as workers, self-employed people, students or people with sufficient resources. If you stay more than 3 months, you must apply for a registration certificate.
What is a registration certificate?
It documents that you live in Denmark under the EU rules. You apply with SIRI or an International Citizen Service centre and must show that you work, study or have sufficient resources, for example.
Can I lose my right of residence as an EU citizen?
Yes, if you no longer meet the conditions, for example because you do not work and lack sufficient resources. If you lose your job involuntarily, you can keep your worker status for a period.
When do I get a permanent right of residence?
After 5 years of lawful, continuous residence under the EU rules, you generally get a permanent right of residence. In some cases it can happen earlier, for example on retirement or permanent incapacity to work.
Do the EU rules apply to British citizens?
British citizens who lived in Denmark before 1 January 2021 are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement and have special rights. Other British citizens must follow the ordinary Danish rules.
What can I do after a refusal?
Refusals under the EU rules can be appealed. The authorities must assess the case under EU law, and the decision must be proportionate. We review the decision and assess your options.
Last updated September 2026. Source: nyidanmark.dk – EU worker, nyidanmark.dk – Family member of an EU citizen. Amounts and rules change regularly – we always check the current requirements in your case.
Review of your case
We assess your basis of residence and your documentation, so the application is complete when you attend at SIRI.
Get help with your application
We go through your documents and tell you honestly whether you meet the requirements before you pay any fees.
Or call 32 23 38 22