Immigration to Denmark - features, requirements and recommendations

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

The Land of Hamlet and Andersen

The Kingdom of Denmark, located in Northern Europe, is today one of the wealthiest states in the world. An important role in its prosperity was played by the fact that this country did not participate in the Second World War. And when the whole of Europe and the USSR rebuilt the economy and cities after the war, Denmark (like the United States and Switzerland) was able to concentrate on its own welfare and earn extra money by selling goods and food products abroad.

If you are planning to immigrate to this kingdom, it is worth considering that it also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland. So if they offer a well-paid job in the territory of this country, it is worthwhile to clarify where exactly. Otherwise, you can find yourself on the largest island of the planet, where the climate and standard of living are significantly different from the European part of Denmark.

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

Why it is worth moving here

Reflecting on immigration to Denmark, it is worth considering the positive and negative aspects of life 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.
• The ability to have dual citizenship.
• Very high level of education. Many reviews note the professionalism of teachers in kindergartens and schools. If necessary, family psychologists consult for free. As for universities, they are considered one of the best in the world.
• Another undoubted advantage of immigration to Denmark is the opportunity to go on maternity leave to care for the baby for both father and mother. True, it lasts only six months.

disadvantages

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

• Although everyone understands English in this country, you will have to learn Danish. Without this, immigrating is unrealistic. And although the training courses are free, it will not be easy, since it is one of the most difficult in the world.
• High prices. And absolutely for everything. Many migrants in their reviews note that in Denmark everything is either very expensive or free. There is no third.
• The damp climate. It does not suit everyone.
• Despite the free health insurance, absolutely all medicines are sold only by prescription. Also, many reviews of immigration to Denmark from Russia or Ukraine indicate a low qualification of local therapists. 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. Many reviews of immigration to Denmark are advised to go to have their teeth treated at home. Ultimately, taking into account the road and the hotel, it will be cheaper. The same goes for cosmetic surgery or lenses.

Stages of obtaining Danish citizenship

How to emigrate from Russia or Ukraine and acquire citizenship of a new country? To do this, 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:

1. Obtaining a long-term visa of category D. It gives the opportunity to work and study in this country.
2. At the same time, you need to apply for a residence permit. Upon receipt, a plastic card is issued with all the information about its owner.
3. After 6-7 years of living in Denmark, on the basis of a residence permit, you can contact the immigration service for permanent residence.
4. 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 decide on the reason on which you will get here. There are such options:

• Ask for shelter.
• Get a job in this country.
• Enter into a marriage 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 with a student visa.
• Open your own company here or invest in existing companies.
• Au Pair.

Refuge

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

The procedure for considering the case of any refugee is as follows:

1. In Copenhagen, a written application for asylum is submitted to the Special Immigrant Division of the Central Police Department.
2. The officer conducts a survey and finds out all the nuances, among which is the way of penetration into the territory of Denmark.
3. If the applicant is decided to be left in the country, he receives a special card, with the help of which he enters the refugee settlement in Sandholm. Living conditions here are more than good: housing, food, free medical care and even benefits.
4. 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

Finding a good well-paid job in this country is not easy for a foreigner. And if he only has a Russian or Ukrainian diploma in stock, 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.

In this country, they are happy to receive electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, etc. If you do not have a diploma in one of these specialties, you can get a handyman. As a rule, they are taken for seasonal work on harvesting and caring for animals on farms, less often - as attendants 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 of immigrating to Denmark from Russia and Ukraine. However, to obtain such a position, you need not only a European diploma above the bachelor's, but also work experience. Like the Americans, the Danes have a point system. It takes into account age, education, work experience and other nuances. When settling for a good job or applying for a Green Card, it will be necessary to undergo such testing.

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

What is needed in order to emigrate to Russia from Denmark, and how to obtain 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 reward for their services: about 5 thousand euros if the client is less than 29, and about 8 if more. This is provided that he has a diploma and work experience. For comparison, with self-registration of all formalities (excluding housing, medical insurance, etc.), the costs will be about 3 thousand euros.

You can search for a job on your own via 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 get 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:

• Proof of stay in Denmark. In this case, this is an invitation letter from the employer. It indicates the address and details of the company, future position and other guarantees.
• A certified copy of the diploma. It confirms that you are able to carry out the work for which you are hired.
• Bank statement of the presence on it of the necessary amount for living.
• Medical insurance from 30 thousand euros.
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months longer than the validity of a residence permit and visas) and certified copies of all its pages.
• A specialized questionnaire completed in 2 copies. For every reason for immigrating to Denmark, it is different. It is filled in English and signed in person. One color photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm is pasted into each questionnaire. Plus one more is handed over with the papers.

Also, when submitting documents pay the compulsory consular fee. When it is paid, a certificate is issued, which 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. There you can see the response to the request. It usually takes 4-8 weeks to resolve the issue.

Immediately after the device to work, 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, a labor contract and fill out 2 copies of the application form + 3 color photos, as last time. Consideration of this application may take up to 2 months, so do not hesitate.

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

Marriage or family reunion

The marriage with a citizen of Denmark or the holder of a residence permit is one of the legal grounds for moving here. However, in this case, the age of both should be from 24 years. One of the conditions for the immigration of the second half is the presence of the Danish spouse own / rented housing in the calculation of 20 square meters. m per 1 person. And besides, the willingness to financially provide 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 kroner. This is the so-called "security deposit".

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

If one of the spouses, the child or the parent received a residence permit in Denmark, he can apply for the relocation of his relatives on the basis of the family reunification program. Conditions and documents are similar. It will be necessary to provide all visitors with housing and livelihoods before they themselves can officially find a job. Do not forget about health insurance and an examination for knowledge of the Danish language.

Study

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

Most local universities have English-language programs. However, if you acquire a master's / postgraduate degree, it is better to start studying Danish, since such courses are free. With outstanding service, you can apply for grants or scholarships. In some cases, they can cover not only the cost of training, but also residence in the country. Student visa (D) provides an opportunity to earn extra 20 hours a week during the academic semester and 40 during the holidays.

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

• Motivation letter.
• Certificate / diploma and its certified translated copies.
• TOEFL test result confirming English proficiency.
• If there is a grant or other source of funding, supporting documents are enclosed with 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 immigration to Denmark and work in this country, you can move here as an employer. Legislation encourages foreign investment in the economy. In order 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 functions and makes a profit and pays all necessary taxes. The best option is to create jobs for Danish citizens. The residence permit obtained in this way is subsequently extended to permanent residence, and then 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 business you are planning is worthwhile. In addition, for all the years of work, the tax and credit history of the enterprise should be crystal clear. Otherwise, the immigration service may refuse to grant citizenship.

Au Pair Cultural Exchange Program

In conclusion, it is worth considering another option. It can hardly be considered one of the full-fledged ways of immigrating to Denmark from Russia or Ukraine. However, it is not bad for a study trip to this country, which, in fact, is.

The Au Pair program provides foreigners aged 18-28 with the opportunity to come to Denmark and settle in a local family as an au pair or nanny. This is not considered a full-time job, since the guest plays the role of a 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 pocket expenses (380 euros), as well as Danish language courses and round trip. In addition, the guest receives a five-week paid vacation and a free return ticket upon completion of the contract. The length of stay in Denmark for an Au Pair is from 6 months to 2 years. In this case, the girl should not be married / divorced, have their own children.

The visa provided for this program is not work. In addition, she is targeted. That is, through it you can enter the country only into the inviting family, because it will be indicated in the documents exactly its address. In the event of a breach of contract by the host, the guest will have to leave Denmark.

Theoretically, it is possible to use an Au Pair as one of the options for how to immigrate to Denmark. During your stay you can marry a citizen or possessor of permanent residence. However, for this it is necessary that he and the guest should not be 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 her graduation. Or go to college. In this case, you will have to separately issue a work or student visa.