Frequently asked questions about Danish immigration law

Here we have gathered the questions we are asked most often – and that people search for – about work permits, family reunification, permanent residence, citizenship and EU rules. The answers are general; your specific case may involve circumstances that change the assessment.

Work permits · Spousal reunification · Permanent residence · Danish citizenship · EU citizens and EU rules · Students and trainees · Applications, refusals and appeals

Work permits

How do I get a work permit in Denmark?

Most people apply under one of the schemes: the Pay Limit Scheme (salary of at least DKK 552,000 per year in 2026), the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme (at least DKK 446,000), the Positive List (jobs in occupations with labour shortages) or Fast-track if the employer is certified. Which scheme fits depends on your salary, your position and your employer. Read more about the Pay Limit Scheme →

What is the pay limit in 2026?

The pay limit is DKK 552,000 per year in 2026 for the Pay Limit Scheme and DKK 446,000 for the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme. The limits are adjusted every year on 1 January. Only cash salary, fixed supplements, the employer’s pension contribution and paid holiday count – not free housing, car or meals. Read more about the Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme →

How long does it take to get a work permit?

SIRI normally processes an application under the Pay Limit Scheme within 1 month, but it can take up to 3 months if information is missing. A complete application from the start is the best way to avoid delays.

Can I change jobs when I have a work permit?

As a rule, the permit is tied to the specific position and employer. If you change jobs, you normally need to apply for a new permit before you start the new job.

Can my spouse work if I have a work permit?

Yes. If you hold a residence permit under, for example, the Pay Limit Scheme, your spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner can apply for residence as an accompanying family member and as a rule has the right to work in Denmark.

What happens if I lose my job?

Your permit is tied to your job, so a dismissal can affect your residence. Contact us as soon as possible – there may be ways to stay, for example through a new job or another scheme, but you need to act in time.

What is the Positive List?

The Positive List is a list of positions where Denmark lacks labour. If you have been offered a job on the list and have the relevant education, you can apply for a work permit – even if the salary is below the pay limit, as long as it follows Danish pay and employment conditions. Read more about the Positive List →

Spousal reunification

What are the requirements for spousal reunification?

The main requirements are that you are both at least 24 years old, that the spouse in Denmark provides financial security of DKK 61,709.34 (2026 level), that you have housing of adequate size outside the disadvantaged areas on the housing list, that the spouse in Denmark has not received public assistance in the past 3 years, and that together you meet the integration requirements. The applicant must then pass Danish tests. Read more about spousal reunification →

What is the 24-year rule?

As a rule, both spouses must be 24 years old before a permit can be granted. The application can be submitted when the younger spouse is 23½.

How much does spousal reunification cost?

The fee to SIRI is DKK 8,490. In addition, there is the financial security of DKK 61,709.34 (2026 level), normally provided as a bank guarantee, which can be reduced when the applicant passes Danish tests.

How long does spousal reunification take?

The expected maximum processing time is 10 months. Many cases are decided faster, but an incomplete application can extend the case considerably.

How large must the home be?

There may be no more than 2 persons per room, or there must be at least 20 m² per person after the reunification. The home must not be in an area on the current list of disadvantaged housing areas.

Why are applications for family reunification refused?

Typical reasons are a missing bank guarantee, housing that does not meet the requirements, receipt of public assistance, unmet integration requirements, or doubt that the marriage was entered into voluntarily and is genuine. A refusal can often be appealed – the deadline is stated in the decision.

Can we use the EU rules instead?

Yes, in some cases. If the Danish spouse genuinely lives or works in another EU country, the family can obtain residence under the EU rules – the so-called Sweden Model. The 24-year rule and the bank guarantee do not apply. Read more about EU family reunification →

What happens in case of divorce?

If the permit was granted on the basis of the marriage, a divorce or separation can lead to the permit being revoked. The authorities consider, among other things, how long you have lived in Denmark and your ties to the country. Get advice before you separate, if possible.

Permanent residence

When can I get a permanent residence permit?

As a rule, after 8 years of legal residence. If you also meet the supplementary requirements – including 4 years of full-time work, Danish Test 3, the citizenship test and an average taxable income of at least DKK 346,155.57 (2026 level) over the past 2 years – you can apply after just 4 years. Read more about permanent residence →

How much must I have worked to get permanent residence?

You must have had ordinary full-time employment or self-employment for at least 3 years and 6 months within the past 4 years, and you must still work at least 15 hours a week when the decision is made.

Which Danish test do I need for permanent residence?

Danish Test 2 or an equivalent or higher Danish test. If you apply after 4 years under the supplementary requirements, you need Danish Test 3.

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

As a rule, no, if the debt is overdue. There is an exception for debt where a deferral has been granted and the amount is below DKK 143,100.98 (2026 level).

What does permanent residence cost, and how long does it take?

The fee is DKK 7,570 if your residence is based on work or study, and DKK 4,970 for family reunification or asylum. Processing time is up to 12 months.

Danish citizenship

When can I apply for Danish citizenship?

As a rule, after 9 years of uninterrupted residence in Denmark, and you must hold a permanent residence permit. Shorter requirements apply to, among others, refugees and spouses of Danish citizens. Read more about Danish citizenship →

How much must I have worked to get citizenship?

You must have been in ordinary full-time employment for at least 3 years and 6 months within the past 4 years and still work at least 15 hours a week when the bill is introduced. There are exceptions for, among others, pensioners and people with disabilities.

Can I have received public assistance?

You must not have received assistance under the Active Social Policy Act or the Integration Act within the past 2 years – and not for more than 4 months in total within the past 5 years. State pension and disability pension do not count.

Which tests must I pass?

You must document Danish language skills (as a rule Danish Test 3) and pass the citizenship test, which tests knowledge of Danish society, history and democracy.

Can I get an exemption?

In special cases – for example documented illness or disability – the Danish Parliament’s Naturalisation Committee can grant an exemption from certain requirements. An exemption application must be thoroughly documented.

Can I keep my current citizenship?

Denmark allows dual citizenship. Whether you can keep your current citizenship depends on the rules of your home country.

EU citizens and EU rules

Do I need a residence permit in Denmark as an EU citizen?

No. EU citizens have the right to reside in Denmark as workers, self-employed persons, students or persons with sufficient resources. If you stay for more than 3 months, you must apply for a registration certificate. Read more about EU law and free movement →

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

Yes, as a rule. Family members of an EU citizen exercising the right to free movement in Denmark can obtain a residence card under the EU rules. The requirements are much milder than the Danish rules on family reunification.

What is the Sweden Model?

It is a way for Danish citizens to be reunited with family under the EU rules: the Danish spouse genuinely lives and works in another EU country, for example Sweden, together with the family, and the family can then return to Denmark under the EU rules. Read more about EU family reunification →

Students and trainees

How many hours can I work as a student?

Students in higher education may work 90 hours per month and full-time in June, July and August. Working more is illegal work, which can lead to a warning or revocation of the permit. Read more about student residence →

SIRI has written to me about a check – what should I do?

Reply before the deadline and have the case reviewed. The registers may, for example, show more income in a month than you actually worked because of holiday pay or back pay. We help review payslips and draft a reply.

Who can become an agricultural trainee in Denmark?

People aged 18 to 29 who are enrolled in a relevant agricultural education, have passed a language test at A2 level and have a traineeship agreement with a Danish farm, market garden or forestry business. Read more about agricultural trainees →

Applications, refusals and appeals

Can I appeal a refusal?

Yes, most decisions can be appealed. The appeal instructions and deadline are stated in the decision – meet the deadline, even if you do not yet have all documents. We assess whether an appeal has good chances or whether a new application is better.

What is a consultation (partshøring)?

Before the authorities make a decision against you, you normally receive a letter with the information they rely on and a chance to comment. Your reply can have a major impact on the outcome, so it should be thorough and documented.

Why should I use an adviser?

You can apply yourself. But many refusals and delays are caused by missing documentation or misunderstandings of the requirements. We review your case before you pay the fee, so you know whether you meet the conditions – and what may be missing.

In which languages can I get advice?

We advise and reply in Danish and English. You can also read about our services in 14 other languages on our language pages.

Last updated September 2026. Sources: nyidanmark.dk, uim.dk. Amounts and rules change regularly – we always check the current requirements in your case.