If you’ve been tangled up in visa paperwork or endlessly printing and scanning documents, Denmark just made your life a lot easier. In 2025, Denmark rolled out brand-new online application forms for EU residence permits, letting applicants ditch the paperwork mountain and move towards a digital breeze. But how exactly does this new process work, who can use it, and what benefits does it bring? Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
Overview of Denmark’s EU Residence Permit
Denmark’s EU residence permit allows citizens of the EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland (and their families) to live and work in Denmark with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. It’s a key part of the free movement rights guaranteed by the EU, letting people move within member countries for work, family reunification, or long-term settlement.
Historically, applying for these permits meant a pile of paperwork, sworn declarations, and face-to-face appointments. The Danish Immigration Service (SIRI) is now changing that narrative to better fit the digital age and the mobile lifestyle most of us lead.
Introduction of New Online Application Forms
Enter the four new online forms — OD1A, OD1B, OD1C, and OD1D. They cover the main application types for EU residence permits:
- OD1A is for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens or posted service providers coming to Denmark.
- OD1B serves family members of those citizens.
- OD1C targets those applying for permanent EU residence.
- OD1D is for applicants wanting to change the grounds of their EU residence.
These forms are designed for easy use on mobile phones and tablets; no more scrambling for your laptop or a printer. The digital setup reflects Denmark’s push toward making immigration smoother, faster, and more user-friendly.
Who Can Use the New Digital Forms?
If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen applying for residence or for your family member, these forms are for you. The new digital system is primarily for those who want to submit their applications online, manage them through personal profiles, and get status updates without trekking to an office.
Also Read: Why Did Denmark Ban Work Permits and Family Visas for Some Students?
Importantly, while OD1A and OD1B applicants still need to sign their applications in person at SIRI offices, OD1C and OD1D allow digital signatures via Denmark’s secure MitID system. This means permanent residence applicants and those changing their residence grounds can complete the whole process from their couch.
However, if you prefer the old-school way or face any technical issues, physical paper applications remain accepted. So no worries — you’re not forced into the digital deep end if you’re not ready.
Key Changes in the Application Process
One major change is the removal of the sworn declaration requirement, a step that used to complicate and slow down the process. Now, signing your application digitally or in person replaces this, cutting down on the red tape.
Applicants can also log into their personal SIRI profiles to monitor the progress of their application, upload additional documents if requested, or update information as needed. This transparency and control over your case is a game-changer compared to the old “wait and hope” approach.
The form’s mobile-friendly design means you can apply while on the go, whether you’re commuting or lounging at a café — no more being chained to a desktop.
How to Submit Your Application Online
To get started, you visit the official Danish Immigration Service website and select the appropriate form for your situation. Fill in the details carefully, attach required documents digitally, and either sign in person at a SIRI office (for OD1A and OD1B) or use MitID for a fully digital signature (for OD1C and OD1D).
Once submitted, you receive a confirmation and access to your profile to track your case. If further documents or clarifications are needed, you’ll be notified through this portal, so no more lost emails or missed phone calls.
Remember, although the system encourages digital submission for speed and convenience, you can still drop off or send a physical application if you prefer.
Benefits of Applying Digitally vs. Physically
Applying digitally brings clear advantages: faster processing times, the ability to track your application status in real time, and less chance of losing documents in transit. Plus, the mobile optimization means you can complete the process anywhere, anytime — goodbye to office hours and long queues.
Digital signatures via MitID add a layer of security and convenience, eliminating the need for in-person visits for some applicants. It’s a perfect fit for the digital-first generation and anyone juggling busy lives.
That said, Denmark isn’t forcing everyone to go digital. Physical applications still have a place, which is good news if you’re not tech-savvy or prefer a face-to-face interaction.
Where to Find More Information and Support
For all the nitty-gritty details, application guides, and help, the official Danish Immigration Service (SIRI) website is your go-to. They provide step-by-step instructions, FAQs, and contact options if you hit a snag.
If you’re unsure which form to use or what documents you need, their online resources are comprehensive. And if you prefer personal help, local immigration centers and legal advisors specializing in Danish immigration can guide you through the process.
Denmark’s shift to digital EU residence permit applications is a welcome upgrade for anyone navigating the visa maze. It’s quicker, more transparent, and fits neatly into the busy, on-the-go lifestyles we lead today. Whether you’re applying for your first residence permit or upgrading to permanent status, these new online forms are making it easier than ever to live and work in Denmark.
So yes, you can apply online now — and honestly, you probably should.
