The Kingdom of Denmark is one of the oldest and most stable European monarchies. The state is developing dynamically and provides its citizens with a high standard of living, social security and confidence in the future. Suffice it to say that medicine and secondary education in the country are free, and the level of salaries and pensions is one of the highest in the world. Denmark is considered a promising country for immigration. Many people dream of moving here and staying.
What benefits does a resident of Denmark receive?
Denmark is a full member of the European Union. Obtaining Danish resident status will give you the opportunity to enjoy all the privileges of an EU resident. Having a residence permit or permanent residence permit in Denmark allows its holder to enter any EU or Schengen country without a visa, and obtaining a US or Canadian visa is simplified. To this should be added highly qualified medical care at the European level, which is among the best in the world, generous benefits and good social security in general. Life in Denmark means living with confidence in the future.
Migration, emigration or immigration?
Migration is the process of relocation. This is the movement of the population within the country and beyond its borders. Immigration is moving to a country, if you look at this process through the eyes of its citizens. Emigration is moving from a country abroad.
The above can be explained using an example: a Russian citizen moves to live in Denmark. For a native Russian, he becomes an emigrant. For a Frenchman he is a migrant. And for a Dane - an immigrant.
Denmark is a country of amazing beauty
Who can obtain Danish resident status
A resident of any country in the world can become a resident of Denmark if he meets the requirements of Danish immigration law. And citizens of the Russian Federation are no exception. Denmark is a popular destination for Russian immigration.
Alternative options for moving to Denmark for permanent residence
Registration of permanent residence and citizenship of the countries of the European Union is a long and complex procedure that requires large financial costs (and many Russians cannot afford them). And not everyone is ready to wait 8-10 years before receiving the right to apply for citizenship of the country.
But a certain category of citizens of the Russian Federation also have alternative options for moving to Europe. First of all, this is the registration of Romanian citizenship. This country is not demanding for applicants for its passports, but the entire procedure of becoming a citizen of Romania will also take at least 5 years. However, if a Russian has or had relatives who lived in this country before 1940, he can count on a simplified and expedited procedure for obtaining Romanian citizenship.
What is simplification? First of all, a Russian with such “input data” skips the stages of obtaining a temporary and permanent residence permit. It still applies for a long-term (national) country visa, but the applicant then immediately becomes eligible to apply for Romanian citizenship.
You can often find false information that applicants for Romanian passports do not need to learn the official language of this country. Yes, in-depth knowledge is not required, but a basic level of proficiency in the Romanian language is required. Also, a Russian must visit the country at least 2-3 times (but in comparison with the prospect of continuous residence in the country for several years, this is not a problem).
Documents for Romanian citizenship
If a Russian wants to obtain the right to apply for Romanian citizenship under a simplified scheme, he must provide the following documents to the embassy or migration service:
- Internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
- Foreign passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
- Applicant's birth certificate;
- Birth certificate of both parents;
- Birth certificate of grandparents on either line (if parents were born between 1919 and 1940, this item can be omitted);
- Marriage certificate of grandparents on any of the lines;
- A certificate confirming that the citizenship applicant has no problems with the law or a criminal record;
- If the applicant for citizenship does not have any of the above documents (except for identity cards), he can send a corresponding request to the state archive for their issuance.
In addition to this documentation, Romanian migration agencies may request others. But this is required only in cases where there are doubts about the reliability of the information provided.
How to move to Denmark from Russia
Denmark has its own criteria and programs for immigrants. In general, Danish laws are adapted to European rules. You can obtain a residence permit in the kingdom through the following programs:
- official employment;
- family reunification;
- opening your own business and running it in the kingdom;
- studying at a Danish university;
- investing significant funds in the Danish economy;
- refugee immigration;
- participation in international humanitarian missions.
Purchasing real estate on Danish territory does not provide the right to obtain a residence permit. But having your own apartment or house in the Kingdom of Denmark will be an additional argument when applying for a residence permit. It is not easy for a foreigner to purchase real estate in Denmark. He will need special permission from the Ministry of Justice. The Danes very scrupulously protect their territory, coast and resort areas. Therefore, you can buy real estate only in strictly defined places.
Obtaining a Danish passport with naturalization is possible after ten years
Necessary documents for obtaining a residence permit in Denmark
To obtain a residence permit in Denmark you will need the following list of documents:
- application written in Danish or English. In it you must substantiate your application for a residence permit in a free and convincing manner, indicate the expected period of stay in the country, sources of income, occupation and marital status;
- four current color passport size photographs on a white background;
- documents for the right to own real estate in Denmark or a long-term rental agreement;
- certificate of no criminal record in your home country;
- bank account statement showing the movement of funds on it for the previous three months;
- a certificate from work indicating the salary amount and clarifying the possibility of working in this company on a remote basis;
- for pensioners - a certificate from the pension fund in their home country about the amount of security paid to them;
- health insurance policy;
- a valid international passport and copies of all its pages, as well as a photocopy of the internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
In addition to the basic package, other documents will be required depending on the type of permit requested. All documents must be submitted in Danish or English. If a translation is required, it will be notarized.
The Kingdom of Denmark is a member of the European Union. But the country's currency is the Danish krone (1 Danish krone is equal to 0.13 euros).
Copenhagen is nestled on three islands
How to go to Denmark for work
Denmark today needs both highly qualified specialists, for whom there are special immigration programs, and unskilled labor. Pay in Denmark is one of the best in Europe.
The Scandinavian countries, which include the Kingdom of Denmark, are generally famous for their high incomes. Therefore, for a Russian who was able to find a job in Denmark, payment for one day of work in this country may be equivalent to a month’s salary at home.
It is advisable to start searching for a vacancy in Russia. Fluency in Danish or one of the Scandinavian languages will be a big plus. First, you must open a work visa, on the basis of which a residence permit will be issued. The interview can be done via Skype. If the Danish employer is satisfied with his results, then he should begin issuing an invitation to the Russian specialist. Labor legislation gives priority when filling vacancies to Danish nationals or citizens of EU countries. The company must submit information about the vacancy to the employment office. If after a month not a single citizen of Denmark or another EU country responds to it, then it will be possible to accept a foreigner.
To obtain a work visa and subsequent residence permit, a Danish employer must issue an invitation letter. A Russian must submit this letter and the necessary package of documents to the Danish Embassy in the Russian Federation to obtain a work visa. The period for consideration of the application will be from one week to two months. A serious argument for employees of the Danish diplomatic mission will be the possession of a rare and relevant profession for the Danish economy. Among the in-demand specialties are the following:
- medical specialists. These can be either highly qualified doctors with a narrow profile or junior medical staff;
- programming specialists, the need for which is high in almost all countries of the world;
- researchers in various fields: physics, mathematics, etc.
Health workers in demand in Denmark
The Danish government has developed a special GREEN CARD system, which is designed for highly qualified foreign specialists. To take part, you must pass a test. This needs to be done in Russia. The maximum number of points is one hundred. The following parameters are taken into account:
- age category of the applicant;
- his profession;
- availability and duration of specialized work experience;
- education;
- level of Danish language proficiency.
The program involves foreigners who have successfully passed the GREEN CARD test receiving a three-year residence permit in Denmark. During this time, you are allowed not only to work, but also to look for a suitable vacancy.
Low-skilled workers have the right to expect to receive jobs in the service sector, the fish processing industry, in the territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, where there is a noticeable shortage of labor of all skill levels.
The Danish archipelago consists of 409 islands. And the capital of Denmark - the city of Copenhagen - is spread over three islands. From time immemorial, Danish sailors have been considered one of the best in the world.
Moving to relatives
You can obtain a residence permit in Denmark by entering into an official marriage with a citizen of this country. The following requirements are provided for the future young family:
- the age of those entering into marriage should not exceed twenty-four years;
- the intention to create a strong family must be sincere;
- one of the future spouses must be a Danish citizen or legally reside in its territory;
- living space is required. It can be either your own or rented (at the rate of 20 square meters per person; as the family grows, the area grows proportionally).
Danish immigration authorities are very sensitive to the foreign spouses of their citizens. A fictitious marriage is not just frowned upon. An attempt to move to Denmark in this way is categorically suppressed. To obtain a residence permit, you will need a corresponding conclusion from the immigration authorities about the actual existence of a marriage; without it, a residence permit will not be issued.
Having married a Danish resident, you can move in with him and get a residence permit
You can also move to Denmark to join other close relatives: children and parents, citizens or permanent residents of the country. In addition to the basic package, you will need documentary evidence of relationship, a certificate of no criminal record and no debts to government agencies in Russia.
Pensioners will be able to obtain a residence permit if there is sufficient financial security. There are no separate immigration programs for pensioners in Denmark.
Obtaining citizenship by marriage to a Danish citizen is possible after three years. And when moving to other relatives - after seven years, after a three-year residence permit and a four-year stay with permanent residence status. Immigration of minors takes place on a general basis. Parents must apply for a residence permit for their child jointly. If one of them is missing, the reason should be documented (death, deprivation of parental rights, etc.).
Denmark is one of the Scandinavian countries. But for some reason the native Danes do not consider themselves Scandinavians. Discussions on this topic have been going on for many years.
Obtaining a Danish residence permit while studying
A residence permit is issued to foreign students who decide to study in the kingdom. A long-term student visa is issued in Russia. To do this, you must provide a letter of invitation from the administration of the Danish university and document the possibility and willingness to pay for the first year of study. Confirmation will be an extract from the applicant’s bank account or credit card, a receipt for actual payment of tuition, or a sponsorship commitment from his parents, who will be able to prove their solvency with documents.
Education for foreign students in Denmark is paid. The cost varies significantly depending on the university chosen. Education in the capital is the most expensive. To obtain a student residence permit, you must pass an exam in English and Danish. At the same time, you need to know English at the proper level, and knowledge of Danish is allowed only at the beginning level.
A diploma from a Danish university is valued all over the world and does not require nostrification. In addition, studying in Denmark provides the opportunity for further official employment in the kingdom, which is very often used by foreign young professionals. Danish employers gravitate towards those who received higher education in their country.
Video: how Denmark treats immigrants from Russia and the CIS
Business immigration
The Danish authorities are very loyal to foreign entrepreneurs. There is a clear understanding here that small and medium-sized businesses form the basis of the economy of any developed modern country. At the same time, signs of fictitious enterprises are monitored very carefully. If a company has them, it is checked by the Danish tax authorities and immediately closed.
A residence permit in the kingdom will be available to Russians who own a business in Denmark or are co-owners of it. The “entry threshold” is at least 50 thousand euros. The cost of registering your own business in Denmark will cost from one thousand to 4.5 thousand euros, and additional costs and payments will also be required. Involving law firms in the registration process can significantly increase its cost. Their services will cost, depending on the type of enterprise being registered, from four to six thousand euros. A prerequisite is also the creation of new jobs for native Danes and the successful operation of a registered enterprise.
In Denmark, it is customary to create comfortable and cozy workplaces for employees
The final permission to register a company in Denmark is given by the Directorate, which specializes in foreign business. Before registering, you must undergo an interview with its staff. It is held in Danish or English. If the Directorate makes a positive decision, then the newly minted businessman is issued a residence permit for one year, which is subject to annual renewal for up to three years. Next comes the registration of permanent residence.
A private entrepreneur who has received residence permit status will be able to immediately bring in his family, whose members will also become residents of Denmark.
Obtaining a residence permit in Denmark for refugees
You can obtain a residence permit in Denmark through the international refugee protection program. Every year the kingdom welcomes 500 refugees from all over the world.
In order for the Danish authorities to recognize a foreigner’s right to asylum and issue him the appropriate residence permit, the fact of persecution and oppression in his homeland must be proven. It is necessary to provide irrefutable evidence of gross infringement of his rights and persecution for various reasons: religious, political, professional, national. Recently, in connection with the war in Syria, the residents of this long-suffering country have been given a certain priority.
The main thing for a refugee is to be among the 500 foreigners whom the Kingdom of Denmark is ready to shelter on its soil. If the quota is not filled, asylum can be obtained even if there are insufficient grounds; refugee status can be granted on humanitarian grounds. This especially applies to families with young children and the elderly. But when 500 people have already been accepted, you will have to wait until next year or choose another country.
Refugees can live in Denmark with a residence permit for five years, after which they should apply to the Danish authorities for permanent residence status.
Today, Syrians are a priority when obtaining refugee status in Denmark
Residence permit for participants of international humanitarian missions
Volunteers who are part of various missions are also eligible to receive a residence permit in the kingdom. To do this, they should contact the Danish Immigration Office and provide a letter from the mission leadership. The period for which a residence permit will be issued is equivalent to the duration of the volunteer’s work as part of the mission.
Obtaining a residence permit in Denmark through business investment
There is a lot of information on the Internet about what is possible to obtain a residence permit if you open a local business with an authorized capital of 50,000 euros and hire local employees. Unfortunately, there is no such information on the official portal for foreigners. But for entrepreneurs who want to both invest and obtain a residence permit, there are two possible options.
The first option is to obtain permission as the organizer of the Startup . Original and promising ideas are of interest to everyone, and if your project manages to interest a special commission, then the residence permit is yours.
A detailed plan will be required and the application will take 6 weeks to process. You can apply for free on the program website www.startupdenmark.info, but directly obtaining a residence permit will cost 235 euros.
The family is allowed to come along with the applicant.
But you should understand that this program does not sponsor your idea - it will only allow you to use the Danish infrastructure for work. And here you yourself look for investors, banks, employees, etc.
By the way, you are also obliged to provide yourself and your family with a financial background on which you can live for 1 year. If you come with your wife, then the minimum you need is 263,232 CZK, and if you are also coming with a child, then 306,516 CZK.
The second option , which seems to have created an opinion about business as a way to obtain a residence permit: is to create your own company and hire an employee for it. And if you write out a salary of more than 50,000 euros per year and fall under the Pay Limit criterion, you will receive a residence permit.
Validity period, registration and cost
The Danish immigration authorities issue a residence permit for the first time for one year. This is followed by its extension if the foreigner’s circumstances have not changed. Before obtaining permanent residence status, you must spend three years in Denmark with a residence permit. After ten years, you can expect to receive a passport as a citizen of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The cost of obtaining a residence permit varies, depending on the basis for issuance. The minimum price is equivalent to 260 euros. The extension will cost almost twice as much.
The Danish residence permit is a plastic card of a uniform type for the EU
How to obtain Danish citizenship?
Children born in Denmark from Danish parents are allowed to obtain Danish citizenship. If the parents gave birth outside the country, the child also has the right to obtain Danish citizenship. If foreigners give birth to a child in Denmark, the child is not granted citizenship.
Adopted children also have the right to become citizens.
For adult foreigners, the only way to obtain citizenship is through naturalization. You must be a permanent resident of Denmark and have lived in the country for a specified period of time: refugees, stateless people and others from 8 years, Scandinavian citizens - from 2 years, married to a Danish citizen for 6-8 years.
The application is submitted to the police station at the place of residence or to the consulate/diplomatic mission. You will have to take a citizenship test, in which you must answer 32 out of 40 questions correctly (previously 22 out of 30). You must have at least level 2 knowledge of the language, plus prove your “self-sufficiency” for 4.5 years out of the last 5. Previously, only 2.5 out of 5 were required.
If a person has committed a crime, then quarantine is required before acquiring citizenship - from 3 to 20 years, depending on the severity.
An amendment to allow children of applicants to acquire citizenship together with their parent(s) is due to be considered soon. There is no such possibility yet.
The cost of the declaration is 1100 CZK. Passports are issued twice a year: in April and October.
