Denmark... The Bane of LDR

[TheGoldfish]

So, my SO lives in Denmark. We haven't exactly been together that long, but we're currently trying to plan out how we're going to close the distance. I switched to an online degree, so I can finish my school from anywhere in the world. I'm trying to move to Denmark to close the distance a bit. I don't want to renounce my US citizenship. I'm trying to get some kind of residence visa, temporary, for 3-5 years. I'm asking if anyone currently knows how I can get to Denmark? Their immigration laws are some of the strictest in the world, many considering a violation of human rights. I can't get in on a work visa until I get my degree.

Does anyone have any immigration advice on how I can stay there (legally) for one year, until I can apply for a work permit?

As a note, we haven't been together that long: Almost two months now. We're both crazy for each other. We talked about the relationship going so fast. It was a shock to both of us, but we felt like it was going at the right pace. Both of us are extremely comfortable with one another. (Sad tonight, however. He's been with his friend from home for two days now, and I miss him.) Anyhow, we've already talked about the possibility of getting married, and we want to! We'd like to wait a little bit, however, just to test the waters, but we're not opposed to it; However, I've done some research and heard that regardless of whether or not you're married, you (probably) still won't get into Denmark. The difference is, I'm just looking for extended stay: 3-5 years; Not to become a citizen.

Additionally, my back-up plan was to move to England, and then see each other on weekends, maybe surprise weekly visits. I haven't done all the research yet. But any input would be appreciated. If anyone has any advice for getting to Denmark, or advice in general, I would very much appreciate it!

[Riyko]

I've looked and it says the only way you can stay in Denmark for an extended period of time is to apply for a residence permit otherwise you can only stay there for 90 days every 6 months. Everything else requires you to have the residence permit before you can apply.

Also i'd say take the relationship slowly, you haven't been together that long and are still in the honeymoon phase, anything can happen but enjoy the relationship with how it's going.

[differentcountries]

if the rules are the same in Denmark as in Norway, you must have a job, a student visa (could you apply to some school in Danemark? or get into exchange programs of some kind?) or get married. Ordinary tourist visa only makes you stay for uptil 90 days.

again if the rules are the same as in N, it can be a problem if your beloved earn to little to support you (according to their sceme, not in a practical way).

You are a young couple. Do look into your options.

If me and my SO should be able to see each other for more than 3 weeks of summer he would have to come to my country as a student, that is an option we are contemplating - but for 1 year ahead. Travel is a little less expensive for us, too, but anyway these things must often be applied for long time in advance. Time will force you to take it a bit slow which is good, but hang in there to find all the right options.

[OperaDiva]

Well, I think you can find info on anything online if you look. I would second differentcountries - try to get into a summer school or an exchange programme. If you are very serious about it you can even apply to do a Bachelors programme there, I am pretty sure they have some in English. This way you can meet in person and decide how to take things from there. Good luck!

[Tooki]

I don't see it being any easier to move to the UK either -> Yes you can stay for 6 months without a visa but you'll need to show proof that you can sustain yourself for those 6 months.

Considering how young your relationship is, you can only really stay for 90 days in Denmark.

[Ejoriah]

I understand wanting to plan ahead and all, but honestly, you've been dating for 2 months. It would be a lot safer for you to wait until after you've met and see that you are compatible in person before you make any life-changing plans. 90 days is plenty for that.

[mllebamako]

I think, considering how new your relationship is and that you haven't met in person, that you should look into going over to Denmark for a few months with a study program or something. That way, you have something to focus on and do everyday while testing out the waters with your SO. In your 3 months there, I'm sure you'll meet plenty of foreigners who can advise you better on how they stayed in Denmark legally. So then, if you do decide to stay there or to maybe go back to the USA and then apply for some sort of visa there, you'll have a better idea of the process/how to do it.

[jana89]

My SO is from Denmark as well I´m sorry I can´t help you with legal issues, I´m from Europe and do not have to deal with big problems as it comes to moving. However, I´m in this relationship for more than two years, so I think I can give you advice concerning any kind of issue the LDR can be connected with. Wish you and everyone else strong will, patience and closing the distance asap Btw., we have met while I was studying in DK for one year and we moved together after just three months, so don´t worry and go with your heart

[Lucky]

My husband and I only emailed for a few months before meeting in person, we knew we were right for each other but never made any long term plans before meeting because chemistry is very important and it just doesn't happen sometimes! also if you make too many plans the pressure might be too much even if things seemed right. We did not marry on the first visit, but we did move in together on the second while we planned our wedding. The distance after meeting in person confirmed our feelings for each other.

I think if it was possible to go as a student it would probably be great for you guys, given you have the flexibility to travel you will get to really know him and not just the vacation version of himself. Don't do all the work though, a relationship takes two, what is he willing to do for you? has he helped you to even look info online?

Moving to another country where it might be easier to visit also sounds great, it's still distance, but if things went sour you will at least not be stuck around him or felt like you have wasted your time and effort, you would have plenty of chance to make your very own friends and such.

[Zapookie]

Considering you two haven't even met yet, I would focus on planning your first visit. I know it's lovely to dream about moving over to be with him, but you need to be realistic. It's a very big change for a person to make. Can you not go over and visit for maybe a month?