Residence permit

Biometric residence cards

The following applicants must have their biometric data recorded when submitting their applications:

• All third-country citizens (non-EU/EEA, Nordic or Swiss citizens) age 18 years and over.
• Applicants under 18 years of age, who DO NOT live with a parent or other legal guardian.
• Applicants under 18 years of age if requested.
• Biometric data must also be recorded when applying for an extension.

Only children under the age of 6 and persons for whom fingerprints are physically impossible to obtain are exempted from providing fingerprints.

In the following three cases biometrics do not need to be recorded. The applicant is requested to submit three passport photos along with the application and supporting documents:

• Individuals under 18 years of age, who live with and will accompany a parent or other legal guardian to Denmark - and who are not applying for a residence card.
• Applications for Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Case order ID is not applicable for residence applications for Greenland and the Faro Islands.
• Applying under EU law. Biometric data is not required for third country citizens applying under EU legislation. Case order ID is not applicable for applications for residence cards under the EU legislation.

Note: The Danish Immigration Service/Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment will not begin processing the application until they have received the biometric data. If the applicant refuses to have his or her picture taken or fingerprints recorded, The Danish Immigration Service/Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment will refuse the application.

Documentation
Applicants are required to submit the original and one copy of all documents including the passport. The copies MUST be in A4 or letter size format and in colour.

For more information see www.newtodenmark.dk

Danish Heritage Permit

To qualify for this permit, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

1. You have previously held Danish citizenship 
2. Both your parents or all four grandparents are or were born Danish citizens 
3. You are a German citizen belonging to the Danish minority in South Schleswig

If you qualify for this permit, you will be granted a temporary residence permit for a maximum of 12 months. Normally you will be granted permanent residency after having resided in Denmark for one year.

Step 1: Start the Application and pay Application Fee
Start by filling out the Heritage Application (SG3) form and submit it along with the required documents in Step 2.

Pay the fee for the Embassy online via the following link and ensure to include the receipt with your application:

https://dys.um.dk/permit/

Important: Please read this explanation regarding the fee structure for the permit you're applying for.

Step 2: Collect Documents
Please click here for the document checklist.

Please note: The document checklist found within the application form will be slightly different from the Embassy checklist. Please follow the Embassy checklist carefully.

For quick and efficient processing you must collect all the necessary documents in the mandatory checklist before you submit your application. Failure to submit all the required documents may result in unnecessary delays or rejection.

Your original passport will be shipped to the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa for verification, but will be returned to you via courier (prepaid at VFS), usually within a week.

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications for residence permits for Denmark must always be made in person as biometric features (digital photo, fingerprints and signature) are mandatory requirements for permit applications.

Applications are submitted through our outsourcing partner, VFS Global. Please visit their website to book an appointment.

Please note that when booking an appointment online, it will be at a VFS Global Centre, not at the Embassy or any of our consulates.

Please do not show up for your appointment more than 10 minutes in advance.

Please note that documentation is accepted only in the following languages:

• English
• Danish
• Norwegian
• Swedish

Documentation in French is unfortunately not accepted.

Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or rejection.

Family Immigration

Please ensure that you submit all required documents for your permit application, as missing documents could result in a delay in processing or result in a rejection of the application.

Please follow Step 1-2-3  below to apply for a residence or work permit.

Step 1: Start Application and Pay Application Fee 
Start by completing a copy of the application form. Please ensure that you select the form that suits your situation by going through the questionnaire here. 

Pay the fee for the Embassy online via the following link and ensure to include the receipt with your application:

https://dys.um.dk/permit/

Important: Please read this explanation regarding the fee structure for the permit you're applying for.

Step 2: Collect Documents

Please click here for our document checklist.
You will also need to follow the document checklist included in the application form.

Your original passport will be shipped to the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa for verification, but will be returned to you via courier (prepaid at VFS), usually within a week.

Step 3: Submit Application
Applications for residence permits for Denmark must always be made in person as biometric features (digital photo, fingerprints and signature) are mandatory requirements for permit applications.

Applications are submitted through our outsourcing partner, VFS Global. Please visit their website to book an appointment.

Please do not show up for your appointment more than 10 minutes in advance.

Please note that documentation is accepted only in the following languages:

• English
• Danish
• Norwegian
• Swedish

Documentation in French is unfortunately not accepted.

Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or rejection.

All residence permit applications are handled by the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa. Application are forwarded to the Danish Immigration Service or Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment.

After processing the application, the Danish Immigration Service or Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment forwards the decision to the Embassy.

If a permit has been granted, the Embassy will notify you directly. You can then travel to Denmark to have the permit issued. Please note that if you are not visa exempt for Denmark, an entry visa will need to be issued for you.
If your application has been refused, the Embassy will send you a refusal letter.

The Embassy will not contact the authorities for status updates until the regular service goal for processing has been surpassed, however you are welcome to forward your status request directly to the DIS. Contact information can be found here.

Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or rejection.

Greenland Permits

Certain professions are exempt from work permits for Greenland. To find out if this applies to you, please contact the Danish Immigration Service directly by calling +45 35 30 88 88 or using the following email address: [email protected]

You will need to provide the following information about all persons travelling to Greenland:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Citizenship
• Job title
• Detailed job description
• Specific job location

Online Applications

For a list of all available types of work and residence permits, please visit New to Denmark. This list will indicate which applications have online application forms.

Please ensure that you submit all the required documents for your application, as missing documents will result in a delay or rejection of your application.

Please follow Permit Step 1-2-3 below to apply for a residence or work permit. Please note that you can only apply three months before your entry date.

Step 1: Start Application and Pay Application fee 
Start by completing a copy of the relevant application form online (See the link to application list above). Ensure that you print out a confirmation of the online submission of your application.

Pay the fee for the Embassy online via the following link and ensure to include the receipt with your application:

https://dys.um.dk/permit/

Important: Please read this explanation regarding the fee structure for the permit you're applying for.

Step 2: Collect Documents

Please click here for our document checklist.

Your original passport will be shipped to the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa for verification, but will be returned to you via courier (prepaid at VFS), usually within a week.

Step 3: Submit Application
Applications for residence permits for Denmark must always be made in person as biometric features (digital photo, fingerprints and signature) are mandatory requirements for permit applications.

Applications are submitted through our outsourcing partner, VFS Global. Please visit their website to book an appointment.

Please do not show up for your appointment more than 10 minutes in advance.

Please note that documentation is accepted only in the following languages:

• English
• Danish
• Norwegian
• Swedish

Documentation in French is unfortunately not accepted.

Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or rejection.

Re-entry Permit

If you are a temporary or permanent resident of Denmark but have left Denmark without your valid residence card or your lost your residence card while travelling, you can apply for a re-entry permit. If approved, a visa will be issued into your passport, allowing you to return to Denmark.

Step 1: Start the Application and pay Application Fee

Start by filling out the application form, accessible via the NewToDenmark website and submit it along with the required documents in Step 2.

Pay the fee for the Embassy online via the following link and ensure to include the receipt with your application:

https://dys.um.dk/permit/

Important: Please read this explanation regarding the fee structure for the permit you're applying for. For this specific permit, please disregard the fee listed as #1.

Step 2: Collect Documents

Please submit the following:

1. Your passport
2. Your completed application form
3. Proof of payment to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
4. Documentation for your return trip - e.g. flight tickets
5. Police report (if your residence card has been lost or stolen)

Your original passport will be shipped to the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa if you apply through VFS Global.

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications for re-entry permits must always be made in person.

Applications can be submitted at the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa or through our outsourcing partner, VFS Global. Please visit the website of VFS Global to book an appointment with them.

Residence and/or Work Permits

For a complete overview of available types of work and residence permits please visit New to Denmark

Please ensure that you submit all the required documents for your application, as missing documents will result in a delay or rejection of your application.

Please follow Permit Step 1-2-3 below to apply for a residence or work permit. Please note that you can only apply three months before your entry date.

Step 1: Start Application and Pay Application Fee 

Start by completing a copy of the relevant application form (See the link to application list above).

Pay the fee for the Embassy online via the following link and ensure to include the receipt with your application:

https://dys.um.dk/permit/

Important: Please read this explanation regarding the fee structure for the permit you're applying for.

Step 2: Collect Documents

Please click here for our document checklist.

Please note: The document checklist found within the Danish Immigration Service's application form is slightly different from the Embassy checklist. Please follow the Embassy checklist carefully.

Your original passport will be shipped to the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa for verification, but will be returned to you via courier (prepaid at VFS), usually within a week.

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications for residence permits for Denmark must always be made in person as biometric features (digital photo, fingerprints and signature) are mandatory requirements for permit applications.

Applications are submitted through our outsourcing partner, VFS Global. Please visit their website to book an appointment.

Please do not show up for your appointment more than 10 minutes in advance.

Please note that documentation is accepted only in the following languages:

• English
• Danish
• Norwegian
• Swedish

Documentation in French is unfortunately not accepted.

Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or rejection.

All residence permit applications are handled by the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa. Application are forwarded to the Danish Immigration Service or Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment.

After processing the application, the Danish Immigration Service or Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment forwards the decision to the Embassy.

If a permit has been granted, the Embassy will notify you directly. You can then travel to Denmark to have the permit issued. Please note that if you are not visa exempt for Denmark, an entry visa will need to be issued for you.
If your application has been refused, the Embassy will send you a refusal letter.

The Embassy will not contact the authorities for status updates until the regular service goal for processing has been surpassed, however you are welcome to forward your status request directly to the DIS. Contact information can be found here.

Student Permit

Step 1: Start the Application and Pay Application Fee 
Once your enrolment is approved by the Danish educational institution, a two-part application form is forwarded to you with Part 2 filled out by the host school. Fill out Part 1 and submit the form along with the other required documents on the Embassy checklist (see Step 2 below).

Pay the fee for the Embassy online via the following link and ensure to include the receipt with your application:

https://dys.um.dk/permit/

Important: Please read this explanation regarding the fee structure for the permit you're applying for.

Step 2: Collect Documents
Please click here for our document checklist.

Please note: The document checklist found within the student permit application form is slightly different from the Embassy checklist. Please follow the Embassy checklist carefully.

Your original passport will be shipped to the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa for verification, but will be returned to you via courier (prepaid at VFS), usually within a week.

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications for residence permits for Denmark must always be made in person as biometric features (digital photo, fingerprints and signature) are mandatory requirements for permit applications.

Please notice that applications should not be submitted until 3 months prior to the start of your study period.

To book an appointment please click here for the VFS Global booking module.

Please note that when booking an appointment online, it will be at a VFS Global Centre, not at the Embassy or any of our consulates.

Please do not show up for your appointment more than 10 minutes in advance.

Please note that documentation is accepted only in the following languages:

• English
• Danish
• Norwegian
• Swedish

Documentation in French is unfortunately not accepted.

Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or rejection.

All residence permit applications are handled by the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa. Application are forwarded to the Danish Immigration Service or Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment.

After processing the application, the Danish Immigration Service or Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment forwards the decision to the Embassy.

If a permit has been granted, the Embassy will notify you directly. You can then travel to Denmark to have the permit issued. Please note that if you are not visa exempt for Denmark, an entry visa will need to be issued for you.
If your application has been refused, the Embassy will send you a refusal letter.

The Embassy will not contact the authorities for status updates until the regular service goal for processing has been surpassed, however you are welcome to forward your status request directly to the DIS. Contact information can be found here.

Working Holiday

To qualify for the Working Holiday permit you must be a Canadian citizen between 18 and 35 years of age, both ages inclusive. Your passport must be valid 3 months after your planned departure from Denmark and you will also need to provide proof of sufficient funds and valid travel insurance.

If you qualify for the working holiday permit, you can be granted a residence permit for a maximum of 12 months. The primary purpose of your stay must be a holiday, but you may work during your stay in Denmark to earn extra funds to support yourself. You are allowed to study for a maximum of 6 months, and work part time or full time for a maximum of 6 months during the 12-month period.

Please click here for more information on the Working Holiday permit .

STEP 1: Start the Application and Pay Application Fee 
Start by filling out the application form:

• Online form

Note that you can only apply three months before your entry date.

Pay the fee for the Embassy online via the following link and ensure to include the receipt with your application:

https://dys.um.dk/permit/

Important: Please read this explanation regarding the fee structure for the permit you're applying for.

STEP 2: Collect Documents
Please click here for the document checklist. 

Please note: The document checklist found within the application form will be slightly different from the Embassy checklist. Please follow the Embassy checklist carefully.

For quick and efficient processing you must collect all the required documents in the mandatory checklist before you submit the application. Failure to submit all the required documents may result in unnecessary delays or rejection.

Your original passport will be shipped to the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa for verification, but will be returned to you via courier (prepaid at VFS), usually within a week.

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications for residence permits for Denmark must always be made in person as biometric features (digital photo, fingerprints and signature) are mandatory requirements for permit applications.

Applications are submitted through our outsourcing partner, VFS Global. Please visit their website to book an appointment.

Please do not show up for your appointment more than 10 minutes in advance.

Please note that documentation is accepted only in the following languages:

• English
• Danish

Documentation in French is unfortunately not accepted.

Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or rejection.

All residence permit applications are handled by the Royal Danish Embassy in Ottawa. Application are forwarded to the Danish Immigration Service or Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment (SIRI).

After processing the application, the Danish Immigration Service or Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment forwards the decision to the Embassy.

If a permit has been granted, the Embassy will notify you directly. You can then travel to Denmark to have the permit issued. Please note that if you are not visa exempt for Denmark, an entry visa will need to be issued for you.
If your application has been refused, the Embassy will send you a refusal letter.

The Embassy will not contact the authorities for status updates until the regular service goal for processing has been surpassed, however you are welcome to forward your status request directly to SIRI. Contact information can be found here.