Denmark Residence Permit: Photo Requirements and Application Process

About Danish Residence Permits

A Danish residence permit is an official document that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live, work, or study in Denmark for extended periods. The permit type depends on the purpose of stay and the applicant’s circumstances.

What is it used for?

• Legal residence in Denmark for non-EU/EEA citizens
• Work authorization in Denmark
• Access to Danish healthcare and social services
• Travel within the Schengen area
• Family reunification purposes
• Student enrollment in Danish institutions
• Path to permanent residence and citizenship

Types of Danish Residence Permits

Work Permits:

• Pay Limit Scheme: For high-salary positions
• Positive List: For shortage occupations
• Fast-track Scheme: For certified companies
• Green Card: For skilled workers (discontinued for new applications)
• Working Holiday: For young people from specific countries

Study Permits:

• Higher Education: For university and college students
• Folk High School: For folk high school attendance
• Research: For PhD students and researchers

Family Permits:

• Family Reunification: For spouses and children
• Family Formation: For new relationships
• EU/EEA Family Members: For non-EU family of EU citizens

Other Permits:

• Asylum and Protection: For refugees and protected persons
• Au Pair: For cultural exchange programs
• Internship: For trainees and interns

How to Apply for a Danish Residence Permit

General Eligibility:

• Non-EU/EEA citizenship: EU/EEA citizens have different rules
• Clean criminal record: No serious criminal convictions
• Financial requirements: Sufficient funds for stay
• Health insurance: Adequate health coverage
• Specific criteria: Meet requirements for chosen permit type

Required Documents (General):

Basic Documentation:

1. Application Form: Completed online application
2. Passport: Valid passport with at least 3 months validity
3. Passport Photos: 2 identical copies meeting Danish specifications
4. Criminal Record: From home country and countries of residence
5. Health Insurance: Documentation of coverage
6. Financial Documentation: Bank statements, employment contracts

Specific Documentation by Permit Type:

Work Permits:

• Employment contract or job offer
• Educational certificates and diplomas
• Professional qualifications
• Company documentation

Study Permits:

• Letter of admission from Danish institution
• Proof of payment of tuition fees
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Language proficiency certificates

Family Permits:

• Marriage certificate or proof of relationship
• Sponsor’s documentation (income, residence)
• Housing documentation
• Integration requirements proof

Application Process:

Step 1: Online Application

• Create Account: Register on nyidanmark.dk
• Complete Form: Fill out detailed application form
• Upload Documents: Submit required documentation
• Pay Fees: Pay application fees online

Step 2: Biometric Data

• Appointment: Book appointment at Danish mission abroad
• Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photo
• Document Verification: Submit original documents
• Interview: May be required for some applications

Step 3: Processing

• Case Processing: SIRI processes the application
• Additional Information: May request more documents
• Decision: Receive approval or rejection
• Notification: Decision communicated via email/post

Step 4: Permit Collection

• Approval: If approved, collect residence permit card
• Travel: Can travel to Denmark with permit
• Registration: Register with local authorities upon arrival

Processing Times:

• Work permits: 1-4 months depending on scheme
• Study permits: 1-2 months
• Family permits: 4-12 months
• Complex cases: May take longer
• Peak periods: Summer applications may be delayed

Application Fees (2024):

• Work permits: DKK 3,735-6,235 depending on type
• Study permits: DKK 2,470
• Family permits: DKK 5,865-8,100
• Extension fees: Generally lower than initial application
• Biometric fees: Additional fees at missions abroad

Photo Requirements for Danish Residence Permits

Key Technical Specifications

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport format)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Plain white or light grey, uniform
• Quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI), sharp focus, color only
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Composition Requirements

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even lighting without shadows or glare

Danish Immigration Standards

• Background: Plain light background, preferably white
• Glasses: Prescription glasses allowed if no reflections
• Contact Lenses: Colored contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Only for religious or medical reasons, face must be fully visible
• Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Natural Appearance: No digital alterations or heavy makeup

ICAO Compliance

Danish residence permit photos follow international standards:

• Biometric compatibility: Suitable for facial recognition systems
• Security features: Integration with permit security elements
• Digital format: High-quality digital images required
• Standardization: Consistent with international travel documents

Common Photo Rejection Reasons

Technical Issues

• Incorrect dimensions: Not exactly 35×45 mm
• Poor resolution: Pixelated or low-quality images
• Wrong format: Black and white or sepia tones
• File problems: Corrupted or incompatible digital files

Composition Problems

• Face size: Height outside 32-36 mm range
• Positioning: Head not centered or tilted
• Background: Colored, patterned, or uneven background
• Lighting: Shadows, glare, or uneven illumination

Appearance Issues

• Expression: Smiling, frowning, or inappropriate expression
• Eyes: Closed, looking away, or obscured by hair/glasses
• Glasses: Reflections, tinted lenses, or heavy frames
• Hair: Covering eyes or significant portion of face

Quality Problems

• Sharpness: Blurry or out-of-focus images
• Exposure: Over or under-exposed photographs
• Color: Poor color reproduction or saturation
• Age: Photos older than 6 months

Tips for Perfect Residence Permit Photos

Professional Photography

• Specialized photographers: Use those experienced with Danish immigration requirements
• Equipment: Ensure proper lighting and background setup
• Verification: Confirm exact 35×45 mm dimensions
• Multiple copies: Get several copies for applications and renewals

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Camera Setup: High-resolution camera positioned at eye level
2. Lighting: Natural daylight or professional lighting setup
3. Background: Plain white or light grey wall
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Dark colors for contrast with light background

Quality Assurance

• Measure dimensions: Verify exact 35×45 mm size
• Check face height: Ensure 32-36 mm measurement
• Review quality: Sharp focus and proper exposure
• Print quality: Use high-quality photo paper
• Recent photos: Ensure taken within 6 months

Residence Permit Renewal

When to Renew:

• Before expiration: Apply 3-4 months before permit expires
• Continued eligibility: Must still meet original requirements
• Changed circumstances: Report any significant changes
• Permanent residence: May be eligible after certain periods

Renewal Requirements:

• Current permit: Original residence permit card
• New photos: Meeting current specifications
• Updated documentation: Recent financial and employment records
• Integration requirements: May need to demonstrate Danish language skills
• Clean record: No serious criminal convictions

Renewal Process:

1. Online application: Submit renewal through nyidanmark.dk
2. Document upload: Provide updated documentation
3. Biometric update: May need new fingerprints and photo
4. Processing: Wait for decision
5. New permit: Collect updated residence permit card

Path to Permanent Residence

Eligibility Requirements:

• Continuous residence: Usually 4-8 years depending on permit type
• Integration: Danish language and society knowledge
• Employment: Stable employment history
• Clean record: No serious criminal convictions
• Self-sufficiency: Financial independence

Benefits of Permanent Residence:

• No renewal required: Permanent status
• Greater security: Cannot be revoked easily
• Path to citizenship: Eligible to apply for Danish citizenship
• EU long-term resident: May qualify for EU-wide residence rights

Special Circumstances

Family Members:

• Dependent children: Included in family permits
• Spouse permits: Separate applications may be required
• Integration requirements: May apply to family members

Students:

• Work rights: Limited work hours during studies
• Extension: Can extend for continued studies
• Job search: May get permit to search for work after graduation

Refugees and Protected Persons:

• Special procedures: Different application process
• Integration support: Access to integration programs
• Family reunification: Special rules for family reunion

EU/EEA Family Members:

• Different rules: EU law applies
• Registration: May only need registration, not permit
• Rights: Enhanced rights under EU law

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