Temporary Protection - Denmark | DIP EUAA
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Denmark is not bound by the Temporary Protection Directive. A similar national Act on Temporary Residence Permits for Persons Displaced from Ukraine (Special Act) has been in force since 17 March 2022.
The Special Act ensures a temporary residence basis in Denmark for categories of persons who have been displaced from Ukraine due to Russia's invasion. The pertinent provisions of this Special Act have a retroactive effect, applying since 1 February 2022. Since the latest extension residence permits under the special act are valid until 17 March 2027. The Act also applies for displaced persons from Ukraine who apply for temporary residence permit in Faroe Islands.
Main legislative acts
Law on temporary residence permits for persons displaced from Ukraine Law on temporary residence permits for persons displaced from Ukraine LAW no. 324 af 16/03/2022, Lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine Lov nr 324 of 16/03/2022
Aliens Act (Consolidated) LBK no. 1009 of 02/09/2024 | Bekendtgørelse af udlændingeloven LBK nr 1009 af 02/09/2024
Bekendtgørelse af lov om integration af udlændinge i Danmark (integrationsloven) (LBK no. 1146 of 22/06/2020) | Executive Order on the Integration of Foreigners in Denmark (Integration Act no. 1146 of 22/06/2020) and subsequent amendments.
Implementing acts
03/05/2022: Act amending the Law on Temporary Residence Permits for Persons Displaced from Ukraine, the Act on Individual Housing Allowance, the Act on Child Benefit and Advance Payment of Child Support and the Integration Act, LOV nr 546 , Lov om ændring af lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine, lov om individuel boligstøtte, lov om børnetilskud og forskudsvis udbetaling af børnebidrag og integrationsloven
- 24/05/2022: Act amending the Day Care Act, the Primary School Act and various other acts (Special care and education opportunities for displaced children and young people from Ukraine) Law No 693 of 24/05/2022, Lov om ændring af dagtilbudsloven, lov om folkeskolen og forskellige andre love (Særlige pasnings- og undervisningsmuligheder til fordrevne børn og unge fra Ukraine) LOV nr 693 af 24/05/2022
14/06/2022: Act amending the Act on social pensions, Act on the highest, middle, increased ordinary and ordinary early retirement pensions, etc., Act on unemployment insurance, etc. and Act on temporary residence permit for persons displaced from Ukraine, LOV nr 831 , Lov om ændring af lov om social pension, lov om højeste, mellemste, forhøjet almindelig og almindelig førtidspension m.v., lov om arbejdsløshedsforsikring m.v. og lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine
13/06/2023: Act amending the Act on Social Services, the Act on Legal Security and Administration in the Social Area and various other Acts, LOV nr 753, Lov om ændring af lov om social service, lov om retssikkerhed og administration på det sociale område og forskellige andre love
12/12/2023: Act on Amendments to the Aliens Act, Act on Temporary Residence Permits for Persons Displaced from Ukraine, and the Return Act, LOV nr 1575, Lov om ændring af udlændingeloven, lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine, og hjemrejseloven
19/03/2024: Lov om ændring af lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine, og lov om Udbetaling Danmark, Act amending the Law on Temporary Residence Permits for Persons Displaced from Ukraine and the Act on Payments Denmark, Amendment. Lov. no. 266
30/11/2024: Lov om ændring af lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine, Act amending the Law on Temporary Residence Permits for Persons Displaced from Ukraine (Extension of residence permit), Amendment. Lov. nr 1309
10/09/2025: Bekendtgørelse om forlængelse af opholdsgrundlag efter lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine, BEK nr 1095 af 10/09/2025, Executive Order on Extension of Basis of Residence under the Temporary Residence Permit Act for Persons Displaced from Ukraine BEK nr 1095 af 10/09/2025
| Area | Competent national authority | Assistance to the competent authority (if applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Screening at the external border (if relevant) | Danish Police | Politiet (at airports, borders and seaports) | |
| Biometric data (if relevant) | Danish Immigration Service | Udlændingestyrelsen | |
| Granting temporary protection | Danish Immigration Service | Udlændingestyrelsen | |
| Issuing the residence permit | Danish Immigration Service | Udlændingestyrelsen | |
| Providing accommodation | Danish Immigration Service | Udlændingestyrelsen | Municipalities Red Cross (Asylum Centre) |
| Medical care | Ministry of Health | Sundhedsministeriet | |
| Social welfare | Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing | Social- og Boligministeriet | Civil Society Organisations UNICEF Save the Children Red Cross Danish Refugee Council Danish disability organisation |
According to Section 1 of the Special Act, residence permit for displaced persons from Ukraine is granted to a person who meets any of the following criteria:
- Is a Ukrainian citizen who has left Ukraine on 1 February 2022 or later, while residing in Ukraine on 1 February 2022 or later.
- Was a recognised refugee on 24 February in Ukraine and who has left Ukraine on 1 February 2022 or later.
- Is a Ukrainian citizen or on 24 February 2022 was recognized as a refugee in Ukraine and has resided in or has had another residence permit in Denmark on 24 February 2022.
Temporary residence permits under the Section 2 of the Special Act could be granted to close family members of a displaced person who has been granted a residence permit under Section 1. National legislation specifies the following categories as eligible for residence permit under Section 2.
- A foreigner (18 or older) who is married to or has been in a long-term cohabiting relationship with another foreigner (also 18 or older) who has a residence permit holder under Section 1
- An unmarried child under 18 of a residence permit holder under Section 1 or section 2 (1)(2)
- A close family member who lived with and depended on a person with the residence permit under Section 1 before leaving Ukraine.
A foreigner who lives with someone they have a protected family life with, even if they are not married, as long as the other person has a residence permit under Section 1.
Residence permits under points 1, 3, and 4 may only be granted if the family life and dependency relationship already existed on 24 February 2022.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Commission implementing decision Denmark has concluded a bilateral visa-facilitation agreement with Ukraine in June 2024.
According to the pertinent updated provisions of the agreements, displaced persons from Ukraine, may enter Denmark and have the right reside in the country for a period not exceeding 90 days in any period of 180 days.
The time during which the foreigner has resided in Denmark or another Schengen country within the 180 days shall be deducted from the said 90 days of residence. In case of procedural stay e.g. if a person has submitted an application for a residence permit in Denmark on a valid visa stay or as a visa-free person and has been allowed to stay in Denmark while the application is being considered this must be included in the 90 days. This means that if the person has stayed in Denmark for 90 days or more on a procedural stay and the application for a residence permit is refused the person needs to leave Denmark and the Schengen-countries and wait 90 days before s/he can re-enter into Denmark as a visa-free or on a visa.
The persons concerned must:
- Be holders of a valid biometric passport (issued after 12 January 2015) or other form of a valid travel document which has been issued within the last 10 years and must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
- Can provide justification and relevant documentation for their stay in Denmark (ie refugee status in Ukraine).
- Have not been reported as unwanted in the Schengen Information System.
- Have not been deported or have an entry ban.
- Have not been included in the UN or EU sanctions list.
Similar provisions apply to family members who apply for temporary residence permit under the Special Act except for children who are younger than 6 years of age. Persons concerned who do not hold a biometric passport may apply for visa at a Danish representation before arrival in Denmark.
The Danish Police provides border control in airports and seaports. On land, the border control is on a sample basis. The Police performs a screening of the above-mentioned criteria. No registration is taking place at this point other than stamps in the passport.
Health screening is not performed when entering the country but when the person concerned has applied to the Danish Immigration Service under the Special Act for Ukraine.
The Danish Immigration Service is responsible to inform applicants for temporary protection in a language they understand.
In practice, the Danish Immigration Service maintains a centralised webpage for displaced persons from Ukraine with frequently asked questions and information on procedures, rights and obligations for applicants of temporary residence permit under the Special Act. The page is regularly updated with additional Information available in Danish, English and Ukrainian.
The Danish Immigration Service also publishes data on applicants for temporary residence permit under the Special Act, which are updated every week and a Frequently asked questions page providing guidance and information for municipalities and social partners on topics related to reception and accommodation of applicants and beneficiaries.
Dedicated helplines/hotlines have been established by the Danish Immigration Service, the Ministry of Health, the Danish Centre Against Human Trafficking and Danish Refugee Council (DRC).
The Red Cross provides information on initiatives implemented for humanitarian aid in the asylum centres Information is available in English, Danish and Ukrainian.
Procedural stay: An application for temporary residence permit under the Special Act for Ukraine can be submitted when entering Denmark. Applicants will receive a certificate of application for a residence permit under the Special Act, which specifies that they can legally reside in Denmark while their case is being processed. The legal stay will expire if the applicant does not record biometric data within 4 weeks from the date the application has been submitted.
| Registration | Pre-registration: Applicants for temporary residence permit under the Special Act can fill an online application which is submitted to the Danish Immigration Service. Application is also available to download at the website of the Immigration Service. When the application is submitted the applicant must book an appointment with the Citizens Service of the Immigration Service (Borgerservice) to have biometric data recorded.
Documentation for the digital application:
Biometric data: The deadline for having biometric features recorded is 4 weeks from the date an application is submitted to the Danish Immigration Service. To record biometric data, persons concerned shall book an appointment online with the Citizens Service of the Immigration Service. Documentation to record biometric data: Receipt of the digital application submitted to the Danish Immigration Service or Print out application dully filed. Passports of children, who must be personally present in the appointment for identity check. Children under the age of 18 who are living with the custody holder in Denmark do not normally need a residence card. The custody holder can on behalf of the child, however, request to be issued a residence card. The children must then also have their biometric features recorded. It can be useful for children to have a residence card when re-entering Denmark after traveling abroad. If the children have a residence card, they do not need to apply for a re-entry permit (TBT) in connection with trips abroad. Applicants who need accommodation during the processing of the application: Applicants who need accommodation during the processing of their applications, will have to apply in Reception Center Sandholm. Applications in Reception Center Sandholm are exclusively for applicants that are seeking accommodation while their case is being processed. In Reception Center Sandholm biometric data is recorded on the same day that the application is issued. |
|---|---|
| Residence permit | The Danish Immigration Service has set a target for the average maximum processing time of 35 days in 90 percent of the cases. Some cases may be decided with priority while other cases may take longer. The Danish Immigration Service may require more than 35 days to decide on a case due to the need for additional information. In such instances, the Danish Immigration Service will contact the applicant by telephone or in writing.
The applicant is notified about the decision as soon as a decision is taken by the Danish Immigration Service by a secure digital mailbox or by regular post to the legal address provided by the applicant.
Upon positive decision the person is granted a residence permit for the purpose of temporary residence in Denmark that is valid until 17 March 2026. Renewal/Extension: Residence permits for eligible beneficiaries under the Special Act are automatically renewed by the Danish Immigration Service. The Minister for Immigration and Integration may decide that residence permits are to be extended one year at a time, and may establish the procedures for this |
| Legal aid | Information currently not available |
| Appeal | Legislative reference: Chapter 6 (Section 28) of the [Lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine (LOV nr 324 af 16/03/2022) | Law on temporary residence permits for persons displaced from Ukraine] Decisions by the Danish Immigration Service are subject to appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board. If the application is refused the applicant will receive a letter by the Danish Immigration Service with the decision and information about the appeal process. An appeal must be filed within 8 weeks from the date of notification of the decision. An appeal after this deadline will normally not be processed. If the appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board is lodged within 7 days after the applicant receives the decision, the applicant has the right to remain in Denmark while the appeal is processed. If an applicant appeals later than 7 days, the Immigration Appeals Board will decide whether the applicant can stay in Denmark during the processing of the appeal. An appeal can normally only have suspensive effect under very special circumstances. |
| Exclusion | The grounds for exclusion from temporary residence permit for displaced persons from Ukraine are laid down in Chapter 1, Sections 6-9 of the Lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine (LOV nr 324 af 16/03/2022) | Law on temporary residence permits for persons displaced from Ukraine |
| Termination/Withdrawal | The grounds for expiry, revocation or withdrawal of temporary residence permit are laid down in Chapter 2, Sections 10-12 and Lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine (LOV nr 324 af 16/03/2022) | Law on temporary residence permits for persons displaced from Ukraine. Applicants can declare withdrawal of the application if s/he does no longer want the case to be processed by the Danish Immigration Service. In this case the applicant shall fill in and submit the declaration of withdrawal to the Danish Immigration Service. The request for withdrawal is submitted through an online form with subject ‘Displaced from Ukraine’ so the application for residence permit is annulled and the applicant will not receive a decision. |
Applicants for temporary residence permit under the Special Act can be accommodated at reception and accommodation centres in the auspices of the Danish Immigration Service. However, reception and accommodation in the auspices of the Danish Immigration Service is not mandatory for applicants for temporary residence permit under the Special Act. The accommodation of beneficiaries of residence permit under the Special Act is organised by the the local municipal councils.
Legislative references:
Chapter 8, Section 30 of the Lov om midlertidig opholdstilladelse til personer, der er fordrevet fra Ukraine (LOV nr 324 af 16/03/2022) | Law on temporary residence permits for persons displaced from Ukraine]
Section 4(1) and 4(2) of the | Bekendtgørelse af lov om integration af udlændinge i Danmark (integrationsloven) (LBK no. 1146 of 22/06/2020 amended by LAW no. 686 of 11/06/2024) | Executive Order on the Integration of Foreigners in Denmark (Integration Act)
Pursuant to the provisions of the national legislation Section 4 (1) of the Integration Act, beneficiaries of residence permit under the special act are assigned by the for temporary residence permit Immigration Service to live in a specific municipality. The municipality takes the responsibility to support the beneficiary with 15 working days. The beneficiary is assigned to live in a specific legal address and enjoys the benefits such as cultural orientation, vocational training, education, medical care and access to the labour market.
Initial reception: The initial reception and accommodation for displaced persons from Ukraine is organised at the Reception Centre Sandholm. Then the applicant is registered etc., the applicant will be transferred to an accommodation centre. The initial reception and accommodation is not mandatory. The applicant can also reside privately, with family or friends,.
Capacity: Information currently not available
Types of facilities: Controlled entry exit centre
Accommodation:
When a person is granted, a residence permits under the Special Act, the Danish Immigration Service will determine the municipality in which s/he will reside. This designated municipality becomes responsible for the beneficiary’s integration, including housing arrangements, employment initiatives, and the administration of allowances. While the Danish Immigration Service makes the final decision, considers the applicant’s preferences about the municipality to be placed, which must be indicated on the application form. However, not all requests can be accommodated due to a pre-established distribution of individuals covered by the Special Act across all relevant municipalities. This ensures that all municipalities participate equally in welcoming displaced persons from Ukraine.
In certain circumstances, requests to live in a specific municipality may still be met. These include having close family members (a spouse or minor children) already residing there, receiving a formal job offer in the area (with documentation and the condition that the daily commute does not exceed two hours), or in the presence of other extraordinary circumstances.
According to information available by the Danish Immigration Service, previous private accommodation in a municipality or the presence of extended family members there does not guarantee placement in that municipality. Similarly, even traveling to Denmark with relatives does not ensure that individuals will reside in the same area. However, if an individual already holds a different type of residence permit in Denmark, the Immigration Service does not determine their place of residence.
Provision for means to obtain housing:
There is not any financial support scheme to obtain private accommodation.
Other types of accommodation:
Other specific types of accommodation are not specified in the national legislation or in the public buildings act.
| Rights | Description |
|---|---|
| Access to the labour market | A person who is granted temporary protection has the right to work under the same conditions as beneficiaries of international protection/nationals. Beneficiaries of residence permit under the Special Act for displaced persons from Ukraine are covered by the same rules as refugees under the Integration Act. They are admitted in an integration programme offered by the municipality which includes employment services, job seeking and training in Danish language. In Denmark, after being granted protection, displaced persons from Ukraine have the same rights and obligation to participate in integration programmes as other protection holders. |
| Access to medical care | Ukrainians who have applied for and are awaiting a temporary residence permit in Denmark, under the Special Act, are entitled to the same level of necessary health services and continued hospital treatment, regardless of where they are accommodated. Ukrainians who have been granted a temporary residence permit under the special act are entitled to all benefits under the Health Act if they are registered in the Central Register of Persons and have been issued a yellow health card. More information is available by Ministry of Health and Housing |
| Social welfare assistance and means of subsistence | Denmark provides displaced persons from Ukraine with the same financial rights as other protection holders. The financial rights for protection holders are means-tested. However, Denmark generally provides all immigrants who have not lived in Denmark the last 7 out of 8 years with financial benefits at about 35-50% lower levels than regular social benefits. In Denmark, displaced persons from Ukraine were covered by the same rules as for other protection statuses, implying a means-tested integration benefit in Denmark. |
| Education | Beneficiaries of residence permit under the Special Act for protection of displaced persons from Ukraine have access to education, vocational education and integrational education (IGU). More information is available on the frequently asked questions page of the Ministry of Children and Education. Students who are beneficiaries of residence permit and were enrolled in higher education or are holders of a university degree can apply for admission to academic programmes and recognition of qualifications and access higher education under the special programme provided by the Minister of Higher Education and Science. Vocational training and other educational opportunities. In Denmark, the general educational and training opportunities are available to all job seekers are also available to persons enjoying temporary residence permit under the Special Act. |
| Family reunification | Close family members to beneficiaries who have obtained residence permit under the Special Act, have the right to apply for family reunification. It is a requirement that the family life existed on 24 February 2022. |
| Other | Freedom of movement: Ukrainians who have been granted a temporary residence permit under the Special Act are allowed to travel abroad for a specific period. Travel abroad also provides for so-called worthy purposes such as: to perform Ukrainian military service, perform relief work, or other humanitarian work, as an affiliate of a member of a humanitarian organisation or for reasons to help family or other relatives out of Ukraine. The above provisions are applicable for as long as the beneficiary has a valid residence card to re-enter Denmark after a stay abroad or re-entry permit. |
The group of minors, who are not accompanied by a custody holder, consists of both unaccompanied minors and minors who arrives in Denmark with other people or adult family members living in Denmark. In general asylum practice it would be assessed if they could be the principal caregiver for the minor.
In general, the Danish Immigration Service does not make an assessment regarding a potential principal caregiver in connection to applications under the Special Act, when the applicant is a minor arriving in Denmark without a custody holder. It is only in a few cases that such assessments regarding a potential principal caregiver have been made.
The Danish Immigration Service instead requests the Agency of Family Law in Denmark to appoint personal representatives to all minors, who are not accompanied by a custody holder who is also applying for a residence permit under the Special Act.
The personal representative supports the minor, is responsible for guiding the minor, and is able to decide on matters that a custody holder usually would. In that way the best interest of the child is taken into account, also in relation to the assessment of whether a child should be allocated to the same municipality as any family members arriving in Denmark with the child or family members already living in Denmark.
Applications are examined under the same terms as adults under the Section 1 of the Special Act, regardless of the applicant’s age.
Applications for children submitted within the scope of family reunification under Section 2 of the Special Act follow the same registration process which is applicable for the adult applicants. In such case an adult shall apply for residence permit on behalf of a minor, including an infant, regardless of whether the child is accompanied by a custodial parent. Documentation to be provided in the application for children is the same as the adults including the child’s passport for identification during the recording of biometric data.
Vulnerable children or unaccompanied children are accommodated in special facilities. Children in an asylum centre are also entitled to language classes and other recreational activities.
For children who are beneficiaries of temporary residence permit under the Special Act, orientation, language classes and enrolment to primary and secondary education is coordinated by the local municipalities. The municipalities may assign specific providers including civil society organisations to provide those services.
Reporting service of Police for potential victims of war crime
The police have made available a service for displaced persons from Ukraine for reporting experiences as potential victims of war crimes or witness of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity’ is used as a collective designation for serious crimes such as homicide, torture, intentional attacks on civilians during an armed conflict, the forced relocation of populations, systematic assaults on specific population groups etc. More information is available at the police’s website.
Human trafficking
The Danish Centre against Human Trafficking have made a flyer that warns against human trafficking and guides the applicant on how to get help if they are a victim of human trafficking. See the flyer from The Danish Centre against Human Trafficking
The Centre against Human Trafficking is working on two initiatives to mitigate the risk of perpetrators taking advantage of vulnerable situations and the risks of human trafficking. The initiatives target mainly women and children, including unaccompanied minors. To this end, the centre published a guide to detect signs of human trafficking for competent authorities, the police, municipalities and civil society organisations, such as the Red Cross and the Danish Refugee Council. An information campaign targeting displaced persons from Ukraine aims to raise awareness of the risk of exploitation, provide information about how people in risk can get help and support from the relevant competent authorities and the civil society organisations, and dedicated contact lines have been established to report suspicious cases.
The Danish Centre against Human Trafficking also published dedicated leaflet for displaced persons from Ukraine, to raise awareness on signs of exploitation and human trafficking, including useful information and advise on how to identity and report if a person experiences exploitation. A dedicated hotline and operates every day. More information is available in English, Danish and Ukrainian leaflet on the website of the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking.
Information is currently not available
Legal basis: Aliens Consolidation Act LBK nr. 1009 (02/09/2024), Section 7
According to information available by the Danish Immigration Service, from 1 December 2024 displaced persons from Ukraine who have applied for asylum and who have or will be able to obtain a residence permit under the Special Act will not have their asylum case processed. This means that an asylum case normally will be put on hold if the applicant is in process to obtain a residence permit under the Special Act. The processing of the asylum case will only be completed when the person concerned is not deemed that is entitled to a residence permit under the Special Act or another decision is made in this regard. In this case the Danish Immigration Service informs the applicant whose asylum case is suspended.