EU law and free movement

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.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to apply for residence under the EU rules?

No. Registration certificates, residence cards and permanent residence under the EU rules are free of charge.

How many hours must I work to count as a worker?

The work must be genuine and effective. As a starting point, at least 10-12 hours per week for at least 10-12 weeks is required.

Can my spouse from outside the EU live with me in Denmark?

Yes. If you as an EU citizen have a right of residence in Denmark, your spouse can obtain a residence card. The ordinary Danish requirements such as the 24-year rule and the bank guarantee do not apply.

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.