Well, sort of.
Marrying Robert has given me the gift of permanent residency in Denmark, and it’s transferrable to other countries! I’ve got a golden ticket to knock around Europe for the rest of my life :-)
My initial Denmark immigration visa had an expiration date and was tied to a specific job, so if I’d changed jobs, I’d have to reapply. If I’d quit or lost my job, I’d have 3 months to find another one deemed ‘acceptable’ by the government (e.g. lucrative enough to line their coffers at an acceptable rate), or else I’d have to leave the country. Each time my Denmark Immigration visa came up for renewal, they could’ve chosen not to renew it and set an arbitrary date for me to leave. As a Danish property owner, this caused me much anguish; as a highest rate tax payer, it made me angry. Denmark immigration visa
After five years, I could’ve applied for permanent residency on my own, but the flaming hoops I’d have had to jump through were more than I was willing to take on. That path to permanent residency would’ve tied me to Denmark, and I’ve been honest over the years that Denmark and I are not a match made in heaven. So I’d been leaving my future to fate.
Denmark Immigration Visa: Bringing a Foreign Non-EU Spouse to Denmark
I’m grateful every day that I found my English soulmate in a sea of Danes. Marrying a Dane would’ve been more trouble than it was worth.
I’ve met a lot of expats over the years and among them are some who came to Denmark for work, married a Dane, had kids, and are still on a work visa because it’s easier than trying to get a family visa! Is that crazy or what? For such an enlightened country, you’d think that having your spouse with you would be a basic human right, but apparently not if you dare to marry outside the Danish tribe.
Should a Dane decide to import a spouse, their living accommodation and lease must meet certain criteria, and they must put up a deposit of around $10,000, lest they hit dire straits and decide to cash in on Denmark’s much lauded social safety net. Banks actually offer guarantees to couples who don’t have a spare $10K hanging around, and after financing everyone else’s safety net, who does?
The spouse must pass their first language test within 6 months of entering the country… ya know, because adjusting to married life and a new country, while trying to find a job with the government breathing down your neck is so easy.
There’s also an integration contract the spouse must sign, swearing that among other things they understand that terrorism is wrong, that it’s not ok to beat their spouse (or be beaten), and that girls have as much right as boys to go to school… alrighty, then!
Whether you’re married to a Dane or came here to work and want to stay, the Denmark immigration visa requirements are exactly the same.
A few years ago, I was trying to discuss Danish immigration policy with a date. When I told him I’d have 3 months to leave Denmark if I lost my job, he said, “we’d get married at once.”
This was hilarious for two reasons: 1) It wouldn’t change a thing about my immigration situation. 2) It was our second date.
He didn’t get a third date.
Permanent Residency in Denmark by Marrying an EU Citizen
Compared to the bollocks I mentioned above, getting my permanent residence permit was a magic carpet ride. When dealing with EU citizens, Denmark has to play by EU rules :-)
Since I’d already lived in Denmark on a work visa for five years when we applied, I was immediately eligible for permanent residency.
EU applications for a Denmark immigration visa are processed by the State Administration, which is a lot nicer and friendlier than the Immigration Service. We showed up without an appointment, handed in some forms, a copy of our marriage certificate, and my current visa; a few months later, my permanent residence card came in the mail.
There was no security deposit, no language requirement, no integration contract, and no application form asking questions like:
- How did you meet your spouse?
- If you and your spouse met on the internet, when did you meet for the first time in person?
- Did you decide for yourselves that you should marry? If not, who decided?
- When was the decision made?
- Did you plan your own wedding? If no, who planned your wedding?
- Were you both present at the ceremony?
- Which language do you speak together?
Like I said… a magic carpet ride :-)
What does permanent residency change?
Everything and nothing.
For the first time in five years, I feel settled. Denmark is just a temporary stop for us, but knowing that when I leave, it will be on my terms is incredibly liberating.
My sister is my only tie to the States and having been gone for five years and a bit and only going back once, I’m not sure I’d want to repatriate. I think five years away is enough to alter my thinking and lifestyle enough that I wouldn’t fit in. The weird thing about being a longterm expat is that I feel like I don’t belong to either place. Most days, I just don’t feel at home and I wonder if I ever will again.
In a few years, we’ll emigrate to England, and that’s pretty much the one place I can’t transfer my permanent residency to. Figures, right? But England’s immigration requirements seem to be of the ‘throw some money at it’ variety, so I’m not too worried. But the clock will restart, and I’ll be on a temporary visa for the first five years, then I’ll apply for “indefinite leave to remain” and if all goes according to plan, I’ll become a British citizen, and then maybe, I’ll finally feel at home.
But for now, I don’t have to worry about “what if” because no matter what happens, I can stay here in Europe with my husband.
Denmark, you are stuck with me!
Amanda says
Well congrats on your marriage! I know that the most important element of it is dedicating your life to being with the person who you love most in the world, but there are tons of other great aspects, too, like your permanent visa. Have fun globetrotting!
Wasabi says
I know what you say is true. It reflects what many have experienced, and puts the difficult emotional experiences into a simple story that hopefully others will follow.
Now that you have permanent residency in DK, would you have the ability to become a Danish citizen first, before moving to the UK? Would that make your move there more permanent or stable?
Good luck.
Sage says
Unfortunately, crossborder relationships aren’t as romantic as they sound.
Denmark just started allowing dual citizenship, but the newly elected government is anti-immigration, so that could change any day now. That said, it’s not worth the hassle, and I wouldn’t want Danish citizenship.
chanelle says
Congratulations on your permanent residency! I’ve had friends that have been stressed with the process of either becoming a citizen, risk being deported because their marriage to a resident dissolved and those looking for new employment to receive another work visa. What an ordeal! It must be a huge sense of relief!
KoKoa Magazine (@KoKoaMagazine) says
Congrats to you. What will be the first thing that you do as a new resident? I would love to visit out of country one day I hope to get that chance to explore other parts of the world.
Sage says
Thanks : -)
I’ve been living here for over 5 years so this doesn’t actually change anything in my day to day life, but it does open up my options quite a bit. More on that soon…
Ourfamilyworld says
Congratulations on getting married and finally getting your permanent residency. I knew this wasn’t easy as I know of a friend who have through this process and unlike you, she went through all those steps you have mentioned. I’m glad that it was easier for you.
Sage says
Your poor friend! That takes a type of patience and endurance that I just don’t have. If I’d married a Dane, we’d be living in the States.
Jen says
Actually, you can apply in the UK under EU rules & the Surinder Singh route. You just have to show that you & Robert have “transferred the centre of your life to Denmark” & that he was exercising treaty rights there which you should have no problem doing with the fact that you have permanent residency there & he owns property, etc. LOT easier (and cheaper) than the UK hoops.
Sage says
Jen, thank you for this! In all of our research about bringing a non-EU spouse to the UK from within Europe, the Surinder Singh route never came up. I’m guessing they don’t advertise it, but once we knew what to search for, we found tons of info! You just saved us thousands of Pounds and months of headaches : -)
Being here for almost 20 years, having 2 kids, owning property, and speaking fluent Danish should prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he’s transferred the centre of his life to Denmark. We kept saying, there’s got to be a UK version of the ‘Malmo Solution.’ We’re so relieved that there’s an easier route into the UK, and can’t thank you enough for this info!
Yona Williams says
Reading about the rules and regulations that Denmark has in place for work visas and permanent residency is really interesting. I never stopped to think that some places have a language requirement, and that you have up to 3 months to find a ‘suitable’ job replacement if you are laid off or fired or…whatever might happen on the job. That must be incredibly stressful. Glad you got your magic carpet ride!
Nicci says
Those rules sound difficult, but I can see why the country is so picky. They have a large social safety net, and the fewer people they’re supporting, the less of a burden on the government. It’s funny sometimes how people in America think we should be more like our European counterparts, but their immigration policy sounds even more strict. I’m glad your struggle is (somewhat) over, and I hope you feel at home with your hubby soon.
Sage says
I can understand why they don’t want to let anyone and everyone in, but my understanding wanes when they start discriminating against their own citizens. And after five years of paying top tax and being a contributing member of Danish society, I still can’t access the safety net because I’m foreign. Surely I’ve paid in enough (a few hundred thousand dollars) to have at least pro-rated access. Denmark presents itself as a socially progressive country, but in some ways, it’s way behind the times.
Having lived in both places, I prefer the American ‘pay for what you use’ model though I think the tax system needs an overhaul. I don’t think the US can be more like Europe simply because of its size and structure. I think Americans romanticize Europe, I know I did, but the reality is a lot different from the fantasy. My standard of living is much lower here than it was in the States, it took a lot of getting used to, and in reality, most Americans don’t want to live like Europeans.
Tami @ This Mom's Delight says
How interesting. While I’ll never travel to Denmark or be concerned about marriage or residency there, I have found this very informative and enlightening. It’s intriguing to learn how other parts of the world work.
Joanne T Ferguson says
Big congrats and glad you finally reached your immigration destination! it is interesting as most people would not have a clue how difficult it is in some countries to migrate and then process through, what at sometimes can be, the never ending wait game! Congrats again to you and your hubby!
Amanda Zeisset says
Congrats! It must be such a relief to finally have permanent residency. This post is super useful for people in the same situation. I’m not with a Dane but a Spaniard, we plan to live a while in Europe so I’m researching the best way to go about it. Thanks for all the detailed information and links!
Sage says
You’re welcome : -) Good luck on your journey to Europe. It’s not easy, but it is worth it!
Jaime Nicole says
Congrats on your marriage and congrats on obtaining your permanent residency as well! I know a little bit about the US process, and there are some aspects that sound similar. I know it can be quite a hassle no matter where you are, so kudos to you for getting through it – can’t believe you’ll have to go through it again in England! What a bummer!
Melissa says
Congratulations on your marriage and obtaining permanent residency. It sounds almost like the movie Green Card ;-) haha. The paperwork trail can be daunting that is for sure. I am happy that you have found love in Denmark though. They do say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I have to agree.
Sage says
These past five years have shown me strength I never knew I had : -)
Kathy says
Congrats to you on getting your permanent residency as well as your marriage! My husband and I are both U.S. citizens. In fact we have never even been outside of the U.S. sadly. I’d love to travel out to Denmark sometime. I think it would be an amazing experience.
Sage says
If you’re coming all the way to Europe, go to Italy instead ; -)
laurenpaintsflorida says
Congratulations! What a huge step for you! I can’t even imagine the process of becoming a citizen but I know from a few friends that went through the US citizenship process that it’s not an easy experience or test to pass.
Sage says
It’s daunting to say the least, which is why I’m not bothering with dual citizenship until I get to England. Now dual British – American citizenship… that’s a hassle I’m willing to endure : -)
Reginia Cordell says
Being an expat myself, I understand the journey of being a resident. Good thing in the UAE, it’s a fairly easy and straight forward process since it’s attached to employment. Getting through the EU system is tough I hear. Congratulations to you.
Sage says
Thanks : -) I guess to some degree it is here, too, but there are tons of rules about job classifications, minimum salary requirements, etc.
I’m often amazed that I’ve managed to get three different visas, and permanent residency without having to use a lawyer. May this streak of luck continue in England!
Abundant Journeys says
Well, I am super jealous! How fabulous for you living life with your beau in Denmark. Congrats by the way. That is awesome you get to tramps around Europe endlessly. Can I come with you? Just kidding.
Sage says
Ha! It’s a pretty cool life… we’re off to somewhere new just about every other month : -)
Dina says
I loved reading your story. Love wins! I have a friend from South Africa trying to reach immigration status here. It’s been a nightmare 10+ year long process. No end in sight. It’s ridiculous really!!
ODDree ANYwhere says
Congrats! I bet it is nice to finally feel like one of them. Having a piece of paper must help with the worry of never knowing if you are staying.
Eduardo says
Congrats! One question, if you don’t mind, can you transfer your Danish permanent residence to other EU countries? I was surprised you said you could not do that when moving to UK.
Sage says
It is not transferable between countries.