Permanent residence permit
Requirements, fees and help with your application for permanent residence in Denmark
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.
How to apply – step by step
Steps marked we handle this for you are included when you use us.
- Check that you meet the requirementswe handle this for you
Residence period, work, Danish test, no overdue debt and no public assistance. We review your situation before you pay the fee.
- Make sure your current permit is validwe handle this for you
If it expires during processing, you must apply for an extension. We keep an eye on the deadline.
- Pay the fee
DKK 7,570 for residence based on work or study, DKK 4,970 for family reunification or asylum.
- Collect documentationwe handle this for you
Payslips or tax statements for 4 years, test certificates, lease and any documentation of debt. We review everything.
- Submit the applicationwe handle this for you
We prepare and submit the application if you wish.
- Decisionwe handle this for you
Processing can take up to 12 months. If you receive a hearing letter, we help with the reply.
Documents to have ready
- Copy of all pages of your passport and your current residence card
- Payslips or tax statements for the last 4 years
- Certificate for Danish Language Test 2 (or 3) and the citizenship test
- Proof of housing (lease or title deed)
- Proof that any debt is under a deferral
- Receipt for the fee
Send us your documents We review them and tell you what is missing – before you pay any fee.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for permanent residence?
As a rule after 8 years of lawful residence in Denmark. If you also meet the supplementary requirements – including 4 years of full-time work, Danish Language Test 3, the citizenship test and a high average income – you can apply after 4 years.
How much must I have worked?
You must have had regular full-time employment or self-employment for at least 3 years and 6 months within the last 4 years. You must still be working when the decision is made.
Which tests must I pass?
Danish Language Test 2 or an equivalent test, and the citizenship test (medborgerskabsprøven). If you apply after 4 years, you need Danish Language Test 3.
Can I have debt or have received public assistance?
You must not have overdue public debt, except certain amounts with a deferral. You must also not have received assistance under the Active Social Policy Act or the Integration Act within the last 4 years.
What does it 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 takes up to 12 months.
What happens to my current permit while I wait?
Make sure your current permit is valid at all times. If it expires before a decision on permanent residence, you must apply for an extension. Otherwise you may lose the right to live and work in Denmark.
Last updated September 2026. Source: nyidanmark.dk – Permanent residence. Amounts and rules change regularly – we always check the current requirements in your case.
Review of your case
We check residence, employment, Danish tests and debt, so you do not pay a fee for an application that ends in refusal.
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