Immigration to Denmark - features, requirements and recommendations

29.05.2021

Many of our compatriots who dream of moving to live in a European country are increasingly choosing Denmark. Why exactly there? Let's learn about the features of life in this state. And also consider what options exist for immigration to Denmark.

Land of Hamlet and Andersen

Located in Northern Europe today is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. An important role in its prosperity was played by the fact that this country did not participate in World War II. And when all of Europe and the USSR rebuilt the economy and cities after the war, Denmark (like the United States and Switzerland) was able to focus on their own well-being and earn extra money by selling goods and food products abroad.

When planning to immigrate to this kingdom, it is worth considering that it also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland. So if you are offered a highly paid job in the territory of this country, you should first clarify where exactly. Otherwise, you can find yourself on the largest island on the planet, where the climate and standard of living differ significantly from the European part of Denmark.

The official currency here is the crown, the language is Danish. At the same time, 95% of the inhabitants understand English perfectly, and some German, sometimes French. In total, about 5.5 million citizens live in this state. 95% of them are Danes.

Why you should move here

When thinking about immigration to Denmark, it is worth considering the positive and negative aspects of living in it. So, what is good in this country:

Denmark is the first in the world in the ranking of social mobility. In addition, it has one of the highest nominal GDP per capita. The social sphere is also very developed.
The minimum wage per hour is one of the highest in the world - 39 euros. At the same time, the average working day lasts 6.5 hours, and all overtime hours are paid. So with special diligence, you can combine study and work. Or work on two at once.
Free health insurance for citizens of the country. Moreover, it applies to complex operations, as well as childbirth.
Opportunity to have dual citizenship.
Very high level of education. Many reviews note the professionalism of teachers in kindergartens and schools. If necessary, family psychologists provide free consultations. As for universities, they are considered among the best in the world.
Another undoubted plus of immigrating to Denmark is the opportunity to go on maternity leave to care for a baby for both dad and mom. True, it only lasts six months.

disadvantages

When thinking about how to move to Denmark for permanent residence (immigration), it is worth considering the disadvantages of living here. And there are a lot of them:

Although everyone in this country understands English, learning Danish is a must. Without this, it is impossible to immigrate. And although the training courses are free, it will not be easy, as it is one of the most difficult in the world.
High prices. And absolutely everything. Many migrants in their reviews note that everything in Denmark is either very expensive or free. There is no third.
Raw climate. It doesn't suit everyone.
Despite free health insurance, absolutely all medicines are sold only by prescription. Also, in many reviews about immigration to Denmark from Russia or Ukraine, the low qualifications of local therapists are noted. But in order to get to any of the specialized doctors (who are really good), you will definitely have to visit such a specialist.
Paid dentistry. This industry is not included in the package of medical services provided by insurance. In many reviews about immigration to Denmark, it is advised to go to your home country for dental treatment. Ultimately, given the road and the hotel, it will cost less. The same goes for cosmetic surgery or contact lenses.

Stages of obtaining Danish citizenship

How to emigrate from Russia or Ukraine and acquire citizenship of a new country? To do this, you have to go through the following steps. By the way, they are identical for most European countries. The process of full-fledged immigration to Denmark takes about 10 years.

It consists of the following steps:

Obtaining a long-term visa category D. It gives the opportunity to work and study in this country.
Simultaneously with it, you need to apply for a residence permit. Upon receipt, a plastic card is issued with all the data about its owner.
After 6-7 years of residence in Denmark on the basis of a residence permit, you can apply to the immigration service for the provision of permanent residence.
After 3 years you can apply for citizenship.

Grounds for immigration

Before you pack your bags in anticipation of moving to Andersen's country, you should clearly define the reason on the basis of which you will get here. There are such options:

Ask for asylum.
Get a job in this country.
Conclude a marriage alliance with a citizen of this state. You can also move to your soulmate, who already has a permanent or temporary residence permit.
Immigration to Denmark is also possible on a student visa.
Open your business here or invest in existing companies.
Au Pair.

Refugee

This method is absolutely impossible for citizens of the Russian Federation. However, it is theoretically applicable for people from the Lugansk or Donetsk regions of Ukraine. It is worth noting that, despite all the friendliness, the Danish authorities are not particularly eager to host immigrants. More often they send them to neighboring Sweden or Norway.

The procedure for dealing with any refugee case is as follows:

In Copenhagen, a written application for asylum is submitted to the Special Immigration Unit of the Central Police Department.
The officer conducts a survey and finds out all the nuances, including the method of penetration into the territory of Denmark.
If the applicant decides to stay in the country, he receives a special card, with which he enters the refugee settlement in Sandholm. Living conditions here are more than good: housing, food, free medical care and even benefits.
Depending on the category in the future, the migrant receives a residence permit and provides himself with housing and work.

Opportunities for professional immigration to Denmark

It is not easy for a foreigner to find a good well-paid job in this country. And if he has only a Russian or Ukrainian diploma in reserve, then it is hardly worth counting on participation in the Green Card program. However, when it comes to working specialties, then everything is much simpler.

This country is happy to accept electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, etc. If you do not have a diploma in one of these specialties, you can get a job as a laborer. As a rule, they are hired for seasonal work in harvesting and caring for animals on farms, less often as service personnel in hotels.

As for more intelligent professions, doctors (especially dentists) and nurses, as well as specialists in the field of IT technologies, have good chances to immigrate to Denmark from Russia and Ukraine. However, to obtain such a position, you need not only a European diploma above a bachelor's degree, but also work experience. Like the Americans, the Danes have a points system. It takes into account age, education, work experience and other nuances. Getting a good job or applying for a Green Card, it will be necessary to pass such testing.

There is one more nuance that should be known to everyone who considers work as an option for immigration to Denmark from Russia or Ukraine. Before employing a foreigner, a Danish employer must prove that a local specialist is not capable of performing this work. And although in some cases this is only a formality, it can still be a reason for refusal.

What is needed to emigrate from Russia to Denmark, and how to get a residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship, if the basis is employment in this country? The first step is to find the job itself. This can be done through intermediaries, who at the same time will take care of all the problems with paperwork. However, they will take a decent fee for their services: about 5 thousand euros if the client is under 29, and about 8 if more. This is provided that he has a diploma and work experience. For comparison, with the independent execution of all formalities (excluding housing, medical insurance, etc.), the costs will be about 3 thousand euros.

You can search for a job yourself through the Internet. Modern technology allows you to conduct interviews, as well as take tests online. You can also come to Denmark on a tourist visa (for Ukrainians with a biometric passport since 2017, it is not needed, only a passport is useful) and look for work directly on the spot. This method is especially good if relatives or friends live in the country, where you can stay and not pay for accommodation.

The next step is to apply for a work visa. All papers are submitted in person. They must be translated into English, and copies certified by a notary. What is included in the required package of documents? The list is as follows:

A document certifying the reason for staying in Denmark. In this case, this is a letter of invitation from the employer. It indicates the address and details of the company, the future position and other guarantees.
Certified copy of diploma. It confirms that you are capable of doing the job for which you are hired.
An extract from a bank account on the availability of the amount necessary for living on it.
Medical insurance from 30 thousand euros.
Passport (its validity must be at least 3 months longer than the period of validity of the residence permit and visa) and certified copies of all its pages.
Filled in 2 copies of a specialized questionnaire. For each reason for immigrating to Denmark, it is different. It is filled in English and signed personally. One color photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm is pasted into each of the questionnaires. Plus, one more is handed over along with the papers.

Also, when submitting documents, they pay a mandatory fee. When paying for it, they issue a certificate that should be attached to the documents. Application forms, as well as the result of the interview, can be found on the specialized website of the Danish Immigration Service. You can also view the response to the request there. It usually takes 4-8 weeks to process an issue.

Immediately after getting a job, you should apply for a residence permit. In this case, everything will be a little easier - you will only need to provide a copy of your passport, an employment contract and fill out 2 copies of the questionnaire + 3 color photos, like last time. Consideration of this application may take up to 2 months, so do not hesitate.

After 6-7 years of residence in Denmark, a new package of documents for permanent residence is submitted. Their composition is similar, except that the profile is different. If by that time the family moved in with the applicant, their documents will also have to be added. If everything is in order, then after 3 years you can try to get a passport.

Marriage or family reunion

Marriage to a Danish citizen or residence permit holder is one of the legal grounds for moving here. However, in this case, the age of both must be from 24 years. One of the conditions for the immigration of the second half is that the Danish spouse has his own / rented housing at the rate of 20 sq. m per person. And besides, the willingness to financially provide for the newcomer. According to the latest laws, it is necessary to open a bank account in her / his name in the amount of almost 55 thousand Danish crowns. This is the so-called "security deposit".

Having moved to this country in this way, over time it will be possible to issue your own residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship. The package of documents for all this is still the same, only the basis for entry is different. In addition, you will have to pass an exam in knowledge of the Danish language.

If one of the spouses, a child or a parent has received a residence permit in Denmark, he can apply for the relocation of his relatives on the basis of the family reunification program. Terms and conditions are the same. We will have to provide all visitors with housing and livelihoods before they themselves can officially find employment. Do not forget about health insurance and the Danish language exam.

Studies

Getting a higher education in this country is not cheap, but it's worth it. Thanks to the Bologna process, it is possible to enter Danish universities with Russian or Ukrainian certificates or diplomas. The cost of education is 6-16 thousand euros per year. Although for some these amounts seem exorbitant, compared with other European states, they are very modest. In the same Ireland, a year of study costs 10-20 thousand. At the same time, Danish diplomas are valued much higher.

Most local universities have English-language programs. However, if you are acquiring a master's / postgraduate degree, then it is better to start learning Danish, since such courses are free. With outstanding merit, you can apply for grants or scholarships. In some cases, they can cover not only the cost of education, but also accommodation in the country. A student visa (D) allows you to work 20 hours a week during the academic semester and 40 hours during the holidays.

For admission, you must provide a standard package of documents:

Motivation letter.
Certificate / diploma and its certified translated copies.
The result of the TOEFL test, confirming the level of English proficiency.
If there is a grant or other source of funding, supporting documents are attached to the application.

After enrollment, the university begins the procedure for obtaining a residence permit, however, the student himself must continue and complete it. For registration, the same package of documents is submitted as for employment. However, as a basis, they provide an invitation from the university.

Business

In addition to the above options for immigrating to Denmark and working in this country, you can also move here as an employer. Legislation encourages foreigners to invest in the country's economy. To obtain a residence permit on this basis, you need to invest at least 50 thousand euros. The best option is to become a co-owner of the company. Moreover, it is important that it function and make a profit and pay all necessary taxes. The best option is to create jobs for Danish citizens. The residence permit obtained in this way is further extended to permanent residence, and then to citizenship according to the same principle as in other cases.

Before deciding on such an adventure, you should study the market well and make sure that the planned business is worthwhile. In addition, for all the years of work, the tax and credit history of the enterprise must be crystal clear. Otherwise, the immigration service may refuse to grant citizenship.

Au Pair cultural exchange program

Finally, there is one more option to consider. It can hardly be considered one of the full-fledged ways to immigrate to Denmark from Russia or Ukraine. However, it is well suited as an introductory trip to this country, which, in fact, it is.

The Au Pair program gives foreign women aged 18-28 the opportunity to come to Denmark and live with a local family as an au pair or babysitter. This is not considered a full-time job, as the guest performs the role of housekeeper only 3-5 hours a day, 6 days a week. The rest of the time she can go about her business.

The host family not only provides a room and three meals a day, but also pays for pocket expenses (380 euros), as well as Danish language courses and round trip transportation. In addition, the guest receives a five-week paid vacation and a free return ticket upon completion of the contract. Duration of stay in Denmark for Au Pair - from 6 months to 2 years. At the same time, the girl should not be married / divorced, have her own children.

The visa provided under this program is not a work visa. Plus, it's targeted. That is, on it you can enter the country only to the inviting family, because the documents will indicate exactly its address. In the event of termination of the contract by the host party, the guest will have to leave Denmark.

Theoretically, it is possible to use an Au Pair as one of the options on how to immigrate to Denmark. During the stay, you can marry a citizen or holder of permanent residence. However, for this it is necessary that both he and the guest were not younger than 24 years old. Also, during your stay in the country under this program, you can try to find an employer who will employ the girl after graduation. Or go to university. In this case, you will have to separately issue a work or student visa.