Retired Employee of an International Organisation

You would like to apply for a residence permit after retiring from a position in Denmark with international organisation or the like.

Special rules for residency apply if you as a foreigner held a position in Denmark with an international organisation, EU institution or the like. In order to qualify, you need to have a residence permit under the terms of Aliens Act section 47 (1). That is granted by the Danish Foreign Ministry.

You are over 60 years old and have lived in Denmark for more than 12 years.

You need to be over 60 years old. In addition, you need to have reached the pensionable age established by the organisation you work for. Read more below.

You need to have retired after having reached the pensionable age established by the organisation you work for.

You can submit your application 6 months prior to turning 60.

Once you retire, you may only perform work that is unpaid and voluntary.

You must have held a legal, uninterrupted residence in Denmark for the past 12 years. During this entire period, you need to have held a residence permit issued under the terms of Aliens Act section 47 (1).

During your residence, you need to have formed an attachment to Denmark beyond your employment.

You need to have DKK 61,709.34 (2026 level) set aside to repay your municipality should it pay you social benefits.

You need to have passed Prøve i Dansk 1 or another Danish test of an equivalent or higher level.

Your application can normally only be submitted in Denmark, if you hold a residence permit issued by the Danish Foreign Ministry under the terms of Aliens Act section 47 (1). For this reason, you normally need to apply before your current residence permit expires.

You cannot be granted an exemption from the requirement about 12 years legal stay.

You cannot be granted an exemption from the requirement about attachment to Denmark.

You cannot be granted an exemption from the requirement about posting collateral.

You cannot be granted an exemption from the requirement about passing a Danish test.

If your application is approved, you will be granted a temporary residence permit, valid for up to two years. If you still meet the requirements for residency, your residence permit can be extended.

When you hold a residence permit as a retired employee of an international organisation, you can qualify for a permanent residence permit after five years, if you meet certain requirements.

If you are granted residence permit as a retired employee of an international organisation, you may not work.

your spouse/partner as well as any children under the age of 18 living with you at home can also apply for residency.

If you or any accompanying family members receive public financial benefits during the period of your residence permit, your residence permit may be revoked.