The Law no. 756 of 20/06/2025 introduces relevant amendments under the Aliens Consolidated Act and the Integration Act.
The main changes include alignment with the EU Regulations (ETIA, EES, API) to better manage external borders. Additionally the legislative amendments include strengthening of controls for renewal of residence permits, additional provisions for protection of victims of domestic violence and family reunification.
Key legislative amendments can be summarised as follows:
- Denmark will implement the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), ETIAS, interoperability frameworks, and the Advance Passenger Information (API) Regulation to improve external border management, security checks, and information-sharing.
- Protection of victims of domestic violence: New provisions introduced to allow retention of residence permits for victims of domestic violence, making it harder to lose status due to separation from a spouse or sponsor in abusive situations. The amendment also covers cases of third country nationals legally residing in Denmark.
- Codification of EU family reunification case law : The Act now explicitly covers cases under Article 20 TFEU, ensuring that Danish citizens' close family members benefit from EU free movement protections even in purely national situations.
- Stricter rules on family cohabitation: Residence permits for family reunification will be conditional concerning persons living together in a shared household. Non-compliance can lead to revocation unless certain family ties remain.
- Stricter rules for extension or revocation of residence permits: The amendments stipulate that a residence permit must be withdrawn or extension will be refused if the holder relies on social assistance for 5+ years after issuance (with certain exceptions to protect international obligations).