Permit rejected — what to do next
A permit rejection is devastating — but it is not necessarily the end. Depending on why your application was rejected, you may be able to appeal, fix the issue and reapply, or apply under a different permit type. This guide explains the appeal process, common rejection reasons, and practical steps to move forward.
First steps after a rejection
- Read the rejection letter carefully. SIRI explains why your application was rejected. The reason determines your options. Common language includes “does not meet the salary requirement,” “insufficient documentation,” or “conditions for the permit type are not fulfilled.”
- Note the appeal deadline. Most SIRI decisions can be appealed within 8 weeks of the decision date. This deadline is strict — miss it and you lose the right to appeal.
- Do not panic — assess your options. A rejection can sometimes be resolved by providing missing documentation, applying under a different permit type, or appealing on the merits.
- Contact your employer immediately. If the permit is work-related, your employer needs to know. They may be able to help with the appeal or a new application.
Common rejection reasons — and what to do about each
| Rejection reason | What it means | Best course of action |
|---|---|---|
| Salary below threshold | Pay Limit: your salary (including pension, benefits) does not reach the minimum DKK threshold | Negotiate a higher salary with employer and reapply, or apply under Positive List if the role qualifies |
| Role not on Positive List | Your specific job title does not match the current Positive List categories | Check if the role can be reclassified; apply under Pay Limit if salary qualifies; or appeal with documentation showing the role matches a listed category |
| Incomplete documentation | SIRI did not receive all required documents | Reapply with complete documentation. This is the easiest rejection to fix. |
| Housing requirement (family) | Apartment too small or lease too short for family reunification | Secure suitable housing and reapply. SIRI specifies the required size. |
| Income requirement (family) | Sponsor’s income below the threshold for family reunification | Increase income documentation, include all valid sources, and reapply |
| Security / background check | Issues flagged during background screening | Seek legal advice immediately. Appeal may be the only option. |
The appeal process (klage)
You can appeal most SIRI decisions to the Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet). The appeal must be filed within 8 weeks of the decision. Key points:
- File the appeal through SIRI. Send your appeal letter to SIRI, who forwards it to Udlændingenævnet. SIRI may reconsider and reverse their decision before it reaches the board.
- Include new evidence. If you have additional documentation that addresses the rejection reason (updated salary confirmation, missing documents, reclassified job title), include it with the appeal.
- Processing time: Appeals typically take 3–8 months to be decided. During this time, your status depends on whether you are in or outside Denmark (see below).
- The appeal board’s decision is final. If the board upholds the rejection, the only remaining option is to apply through a different permit type or to the courts (rarely practical).
When SIRI receives your appeal, they review the file again. If your appeal includes new documentation that resolves the issue, SIRI can reverse the rejection themselves within 2–4 weeks — without the months-long wait for Udlændingenævnet. This is the best-case scenario, so make your appeal as strong as possible with complete documentation.
Reapplying — a fresh application
You can submit a new application at any time — there is no waiting period after a rejection. A new application is often faster and more practical than an appeal, especially if the rejection was due to fixable issues like salary, documentation, or permit type selection.
- Fix the specific issue that caused the rejection
- Consider a different permit type if the original route is not viable
- Use SIRI-certified employer fast-track if available
- Double-check every document against the application checklist
Can you stay in Denmark while appealing?
This depends on your current status:
- You are already in Denmark with a valid permit (e.g. renewal rejected): You can stay while the appeal is pending if your previous permit has not yet expired. Once it expires, SIRI determines whether you have an automatic right to stay during the appeal.
- You applied from abroad: You remain abroad during the appeal. You cannot enter Denmark until a positive decision is issued.
- You are on a tourist visa: Your tourist visa status is separate. You cannot work or rely on the appeal as grounds to stay beyond your visa terms.
Getting legal help
- Immigration lawyers: Firms like Fragomen, Kromann Reumert, Njord, and Bech-Bruun have dedicated immigration teams. For appeals, legal representation significantly improves outcomes.
- Free legal advice: Retshjælpen (legal aid) offers free initial consultations. Refugees Welcome and other NGOs provide support for specific cases.
- Your employer’s relocation team: Many employers work with immigration consultancies. They may cover legal costs for appeals related to work permits.
- Your union: If you are already in Denmark and a union member, some unions provide immigration legal support.
Many successful Danish residents had their first permit application rejected. The most common path: fix the documentation issue, reapply under the correct scheme, and get approved on the second attempt. A rejection is a setback, not an ending. Get professional advice, understand the reason, and come back stronger.