Immigration to Denmark
Immigration to Denmark and obtaining residency in this country can be achieved through seven main methods. The pathways for immigration to Denmark are as follows:
- Immigration to Denmark through education
- Immigration to Denmark through work
- Immigration to Denmark through investment
- Immigration to Denmark through marriage
- Immigration to Denmark through birth
- Immigration to Denmark for individuals with special qualifications
- Immigration to Denmark through asylum
Overall, obtaining residency in Denmark through education can be considered the best and least risky immigration method. Denmark offers extensive study opportunities for international students at various levels, and due to its low unemployment rate, individuals can quickly convert their student visa into a work visa.
Nevertheless, immigration through investment in Denmark and company registration is also regarded as one of the most profitable investment types in European countries. The Danish investment program does not directly lead to citizenship, and to obtain permanent residency and citizenship, individuals must reside in the country and pay taxes for nine years before applying for a passport.
For more information about living in Denmark and choosing the best migration route to this country, you can contact the experienced experts at MIE Immigration Institute for a free initial consultation.
Residency through Education in Denmark
In educational migration to Denmark, applicants are allowed to work 20 hours per week and can obtain a dependent visa for their spouse and children under 18. Graduates are permitted to stay in Denmark for up to six months after graduation to search for a job.
Residency through employment in Denmark
For work-based migration to Denmark, you must obtain a job offer from an employer in the country. The employer can issue an invitation only if no suitable candidate is found within Denmark or the European Union.
Residency through investment in Denmark
Registering a company alone does not grant residency in Denmark. The individual must present a strong business plan to the Danish government and prove that they can have a positive impact on the employment of Danish citizens and the country’s economy.
Residency through Marriage in Denmark
If the authenticity of the marriage is proven, the foreign spouse is granted temporary residency in Denmark. After two years of marriage and living in Denmark, the individual can apply for Danish citizenship.
Residency for Successful Individuals in Denmark
Artists and athletes must provide proof of their unique skills to qualify for migration to Denmark. Renowned athletes and those playing in premier league teams can use this pathway for residency.
Residency Through Asylum in Denmark
An asylum seeker in Denmark is granted temporary residency for a minimum of one year and up to three years while their case is processed. During this period, they are generally not allowed to bring family members unless under exceptional circumstances.
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Everything About Denmark for Immigration
Denmark is located in Northern Europe and shares a land border only with Germany. Additionally, a sea bridge called the Øresund Bridge connects Denmark to Sweden. One of the best cities in Denmark is Copenhagen, which is also the capital of the country. The population of Denmark is approximately 5.91 million people, of which 8.5% are immigrants, mostly from South Asia and the Middle East.
Although Denmark has been a member of the European Union since 1973, it has kept its own currency and is not a member of the Eurozone. The official currency of Denmark is the Danish Krone. The official language is Danish, and the majority of the population (80.4%) are Christians.
Despite having a monarchy, Denmark has a welfare state and ranks first globally in terms of income equality. It also ranks seventh in the world for per capita income. In annual surveys, its people are repeatedly ranked as the “happiest” people in the world. Denmark is also known for having one of the lowest levels of administrative corruption in the world.
Denmark has a four-season climate, with the average temperature in winter, particularly in February (the coldest month), around 0°C. In summer, the warmest month being August, the temperature fluctuates around 15.7°C.
In terms of administrative divisions, Denmark is divided into five regions:
- Hovedstaden (Capital Region)
- Nordjylland (North Jutland)
- Midtjylland (Central Jutland)
- Sjælland (Zealand)
- Syddanmark (Southern Denmark)
Greenland and the Faroe Islands are two autonomous territories of Denmark.
Pathways of Immigration to Denmark
Immigration to Denmark can be done through various immigration methods. These methods include:
- Immigrating to Denmark through Education
- Immigrating to Denmark through Employment
- Immigrating to Denmark through Investment
- Immigrating to Denmark through Marriage
- Immigrating to Denmark through Birth
- Immigrating to Denmark for Specific Individuals
- Immigrating to Denmark through Asylum
Immigration to Denmark through Education
Education in Denmark is free and compulsory for children aged 7 to 16 years. Students receive a uniform curriculum until grade 7, but from grade 8 onwards, they are directed into either advanced or basic classes depending on their abilities. Attending grade 10 is optional, and it helps students prepare either for practical life or for further studies.
Higher Education in Denmark
Denmark is a popular destination for international students, boasting prestigious universities and more than 600 courses offered in English at various academic levels. For students from Scandinavian and EU countries, higher education is free, while students from other countries are required to pay tuition fees ranging from €10,000 to €16,000 per year.
The total length of education in Denmark, from primary through doctoral studies, is approximately 20 years. A bachelor’s degree typically takes 3 to 4.5 years, a master’s degree takes 2 years, and a PhD takes 3 years. Non-European students must secure university admission before applying for a student visa. Admission is contingent upon providing proof of language proficiency, evaluating the applicant’s
| Acceptance into a University or Higher Education Institution | You must provide final acceptance from a Danish university or higher education institution. |
| Language Proficiency | You must meet the minimum required level of language proficiency for studying in your program. |
| Proof of Financial Means | You must demonstrate that you have at least €1,000 per month to cover living expenses during your stay. |
| Payment of the First Semester’s Tuition Fees | Non-EU students must pay the first semester’s tuition fees to receive final university acceptance. |
Family Accompaniment:
The spouse and children under 18 of students can accompany them in Denmark, provided that the student can cover their living expenses. The living cost for each accompanying family member is DKK 6,015 per month, which should be paid for 12 months annually.
Students on higher education programs are allowed to work 20 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during the summer months (June to August). Family members of students can also work full-time without needing a separate work visa.
Post-Graduation:
After completing their studies, students can stay in Denmark for up to 6 months to search for a job. If they find employment, they can apply for a work-based residence permit.
Secondary Education in Denmark
Young non-Danish individuals can apply for residence to complete their secondary education in Denmark. The residence permit is granted for a maximum of 12 months to complete secondary studies. Applicants must have proficiency in Danish, English, German, Swedish, or Norwegian.
Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of accommodation arrangements and a sufficient bank balance to cover living expenses for the duration of their studies. The monthly living expense requirement is DKK 6,015, so for a full 12-month period, applicants must show proof of DKK 72,180. Applicants under 18 must have a legal guardian during their studies.
Higher Preparatory Education (Folk High Schools) in Denmark
For those wishing to attend folk high schools or preparatory courses, a residence permit is granted for a maximum of 18 months, either continuously or non-contiguously. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Danish, English, German, Swedish, or Norwegian and provide evidence of their ability to cover living expenses.
Family members will not be granted residence as accompanying relatives, and applicants will not be allowed to work during this period.
Immigration to Denmark through Scholarships
There are opportunities for non-Danish students to benefit from financial aid and scholarships in Denmark. Various programs have been established to support international students, including:
Nordplus Scholarship
This program is specifically for citizens of Nordic and Baltic countries. These individuals can complete their higher education in other Nordic countries.
Erasmus Scholarship
This program allows students from European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland to continue part of their higher education in Denmark’s universities and institutions. The study period under this scholarship can range from three months to a maximum of 12 months. The Erasmus Mundus program is available for specific master’s degree courses and is open to both European and non-European students.
Fulbright Scholarship
This scholarship is for students from the United States who wish to pursue their higher education in Denmark.
Government Scholarship under Cultural Agreements
This scholarship is offered to students interested in studying fields related to Danish culture and language. Long-term scholarships are awarded to students from China, Egypt, Israel, South Korea, Japan, and Russia for studies related to Danish culture, architecture, and the environment. In addition to the above countries, short-term (summer) scholarships are available to students from 34 other European countries for Danish language studies.
Government Scholarship for Non-European Students
Each year, a limited number of government scholarships are offered by Danish higher education institutions to qualified non-European students.
Eligibility Criteria for Non-European Students:
- The applicant must be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- The applicant must be enrolled in a full-time higher education program in Denmark.
- The applicant must have obtained residence in Denmark for the duration of their studies.
Non-Eligible Applicants:
- Applicants waiting for admission to an art education institution.
- Individuals legally entitled to Danish citizenship.
- Applicants who are children of non-Danish parents and have obtained permanent residency in Denmark.
- Scholarships for International Students
In some cases, the scholarship covers part or all of the tuition fees. In other cases, the scholarship also includes living expenses. The specifics of what is covered are determined by the university or institution’s admissions office.
These scholarships help international students cover their tuition fees and, in some cases, living expenses while studying in Denmark.
Immigration to Denmark through Employment
Citizens from outside the European Union (EU) and the Nordic countries must obtain a work visa and residence permit to work in Denmark. If a work visa is granted, the accompanying family members (dependents) are also allowed to reside in Denmark.
Previously, Denmark had a program known as the Danish Green Card, which operated on a points-based system. If you scored enough points in this system, you could obtain residence in Denmark. However, the Green Card scheme has now been abolished, and this route is no longer available.
To work and obtain a work visa for Denmark, you must receive a job offer from an employer in the country. The position must first be advertised in Denmark and the EU, and if no suitable candidates are found, the employer can offer you the job.
It is clear that obtaining a job offer for someone from outside the EU is not easy, so individuals who have good opportunities to study in Denmark often enter the country on a student visa. After completing their studies, they can work in Denmark or other European countries.
It is important to consider the unemployment rate when applying for work in a foreign country.
Immigration to Denmark through investment and company registration
In general, investment in Denmark through company registration is possible through two methods: online registration and paper registration. Companies registered in Denmark must choose an auditor and provide annual financial performance reports. However, under the following conditions, there is no obligation to choose an auditor and provide audited reports:
- Balance sheet amount equivalent to 4,000,000 DKK
- Net financial turnover equivalent to 8,000,000 DKK
- Employing an average of 12 full-time employees throughout the financial year
It is important to note that simply registering a company will not grant you residency in Denmark. You must provide a strong business plan to the Danish government and prove that it will have a positive impact on the employment of Danish citizens and the economy of the country.
Therefore, understanding the business market in Denmark is very important. In Denmark, it is possible to register the following types of companies:
- SE Company (Public Limited Company) The minimum required capital to register this company is 120,000 EUR. EU regulations must be followed in the establishment of this company. If the official address of the company is in Denmark, it must be registered with the Danish Business Authority. The location and nationality of the company can be transferred from Denmark to other European countries.
- EEIG (European Economic Interest Grouping) Individuals or companies from various European countries come together to establish a business in the EU. If the official address of this company is in Denmark, it must be registered there. The registration of such companies in Denmark does not require initial capital.
In these companies, there is no need for separate financial accounts, as each member will pay taxes according to the laws of their country based on their share in the partnership.
- IVS Company (Private Limited Liability Company) Introduced in 2014, IVS is a new form of limited liability company. The minimum required capital to register these companies is 1 DKK. These companies are usually registered with the aim of starting a small business in Denmark, with limitations on the initial capital required.
If funding for the business is not available, operational capital is typically provided through loans.
- JV Company (Joint Venture) Typically, companies (legal entities) of different nationalities form partnerships to carry out specific activities in Denmark and register a company. These companies register their partnership in the form of A/S or ApS companies.
Private Limited Company The conditions for A/S and ApS companies are specified above.
- Business License – Personal Business Entity For small businesses mainly managed by one person, a business license can be obtained in Denmark. This method does not require a minimum capital investment for company registration. If partnership with others is necessary, this can be achieved through other company registration methods, such as limited liability or JV.
In any case, all partners (or the sole owner) must register with the local business authority for activities such as real estate, buying and selling, industry, construction, etc.
It is important to note that while Denmark is a country with good investment potential, the investment pathways leading to residency for Iranian nationals are usually complex and risky. Therefore, applicants typically do not choose direct investment methods for obtaining residency in this country. Instead, they invest after entering Denmark and obtaining residency through other means.
Immigration to Denmark through birth
In relation to acquiring residency and citizenship, countries follow two systems: the jus soli (right of the soil) and jus sanguinis (right of blood). Countries that follow the jus soli system grant citizenship to children born on their soil. In the jus sanguinis system, citizenship is based on the nationality of the parents, meaning that a child, regardless of their place of birth, will acquire the nationality of their parents.
In many countries, there is no distinction between the mother and father, and if either parent is a citizen of the country, the child will also be granted citizenship. Acquiring Danish citizenship through birth in Denmark follows the jus sanguinis system, meaning that the child must be born to at least one Danish parent in order to obtain Danish citizenship by birth.
Immigration to Denmark through marriage
One of the easiest ways to acquire Danish citizenship is through marriage to a Danish citizen or a person residing in Denmark. However, due to past abuses of this method, very strict laws have been imposed in this regard. Therefore, currently, only individuals who genuinely intend to marry can pursue immigration to Denmark through a marriage visa.
Among the regulations in place to prevent any misuse of marriage visas is the granting of a passport to the foreign spouse after several years of living together in the country.
Denmark also has such stringent laws, and if you wish to marry a Danish citizen, you must prove that your marriage is based on genuine affection and mutual understanding, and that your purpose is not simply to acquire Danish residency through a sham marriage.
If the authenticity of the marriage is proven, the foreign spouse is granted temporary residency in Denmark, and after two years of marriage and living in Denmark, the person can apply for Danish citizenship.
Immigration to Denmark through asylum
Any foreigner residing in Denmark, whether legally or illegally, can apply for asylum. According to the Human Rights Convention, an asylum seeker is someone who has been forced to leave their home country due to fear of torture or punishment based on race, religion, nationality, or political views.
Asylum seekers are granted temporary residence for the processing of their case for a period of one to three years. After three years, they can apply to bring their family members. If the asylum application is approved, the individual will be referred to one of the municipalities. However, if it is rejected, the case is referred to the Appeal Board.
In cases where an asylum application is initially rejected in Denmark and does not meet the necessary conditions, the Danish Immigration Service will inform the Immigration Council of Denmark, and after approval, no further appeals are allowed.
Applicants are usually placed in refugee accommodation centers, but if they are financially capable, they may live outside these centers. It should be noted that the MIE (Malekpour Immigration Institute) does not provide services related to asylum and does not endorse this method.
Immigration for artists and athletes to Denmark
Immigration to Denmark for artists and individuals who have achieved significant success in various sports fields is possible with a job offer. Applicants who wish to immigrate through this route must possess unique abilities. One of the conditions for immigration to Denmark for artists is that they must provide proof of their specific skills.
Famous athletes and those participating in premier league teams can use this method to immigrate to Denmark. The required conditions for sports immigration include that applicants must have top rankings in their sport and that sports must be their primary profession, with income being earned through this field.
Immigrating for doctors to Denmark
Doctors who are in a country other than Denmark and wish to immigrate for work must know that in order to be eligible for immigration to this country and for employment status, the conditions for obtaining a work permit in Denmark and their residency depend on the applicant’s citizenship status. Applicants wishing to pursue medical training in Denmark, which is considered a job position in this country, must have a job offer.
To practice in Denmark, your medical degree must be validated by the Danish Patient Safety Authority. The necessary conditions for immigration to Denmark for doctors include having a medical degree, language proficiency, immigration status, and insurance.
- The residence permit granted to you will allow you to stay in Denmark but will not grant you the right to work.
- This permit will allow you to stay in the Schengen area for 90 to 180 days.
- Doctors wishing to immigrate to Denmark must first learn the country’s language.
- Applicants must participate in the medical entrance exam in Denmark.
- Applicants must provide a stable address for their residence.
- Applicants must be over 18 years old.
Immigrating for dentists to Denmark
Immigrating for dentists to Denmark is possible through two routes: education and work. If the educational path is chosen, applicants must receive an admission letter from a university to continue their studies. If the work path is chosen, the first step is to have their qualifications recognized.
During the recognition process, the applicant can bring their family with them. Children under 18 years old are eligible for free education, and the spouse of the applicant is allowed to work full-time. However, during the qualification recognition process, the applicant will not be allowed to work unless they have a valid and suitable job offer.
An important point is that there is no need to provide a Danish language certificate. The applicant can enroll in Danish language courses once in Denmark. These courses typically last for 3 years.
Immigrating to Denmark for nurses
Immigrating to Denmark for nurses is possible, as Denmark is one of the few countries that offers this opportunity. In most countries, to obtain a work visa, you need to have a job offer. However, an Iranian nurse wishing to work abroad must first have their educational qualifications recognized; therefore, it is not possible for nurses to directly receive a job offer and work visa.
While many countries do not issue visas for recognition of qualifications, Denmark has special provisions for this group. Due to the country’s need for nursing professionals, the visa process for this group has been facilitated. Nurses can obtain a nursing work visa in Denmark by taking a Danish language course and having their qualifications recognized.
After learning Danish and passing the recognition exam, they can begin working in the country.
Conditions for Immigration to Denmark
The conditions for immigration to Denmark and obtaining residency for the methods mentioned above vary, but here we have summarized them in general:
- No criminal record
- No prohibition on entering Denmark
- Completion and submission of the applicant’s general documents
- Payment of fingerprinting fees, administrative procedures, and Denmark visa issuance
- Having a health insurance card
- Acceptance of Danish values and culture
Laws for Permanent Residency and Citizenship in Denmark
To obtain Danish citizenship, you must have lived in Denmark for a specified number of years. Therefore, you must first acquire permanent residency in Denmark and then apply for citizenship and a Danish passport. In most cases, if you have lived in Denmark for 9 consecutive years, you can apply for citizenship.
The required time to acquire citizenship will be shorter if the person is married to a Danish citizen or has lived in Denmark before reaching the legal age and attended school there. If you have a criminal record or unpaid public debts that have passed their due date, you cannot apply for citizenship.
Additionally, you must prove that you can financially support yourself and that you have not received any government assistance in the past year. Denmark usually does not allow dual citizenship unless in special cases such as marriage to a Danish citizen or being born with dual nationality. Therefore, individuals who do not meet these conditions must renounce their previous citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to immigrate to Denmark?
The best way to immigrate to Denmark largely depends on your personal circumstances. However, in general, studying at Danish universities and investing in Denmark are considered some of the best immigration methods to this country.
What are the living conditions in Denmark for Iranians?
The living conditions in Denmark for Iranians are favorable as the country offers security, social welfare, free education, and high-quality healthcare services. However, learning Danish and adapting to the local culture is essential for a smoother life.
After how many years of residency in Denmark can one obtain citizenship and nationality?
In most cases, after 9 years of residency, it is possible to obtain citizenship in Denmark. However, if married to a Danish citizen, the time period required may be shorter.
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