If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take on the responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
Persons covered by temporary protection
- Ukrainian citizens or persons granted asylum in Ukraine, who permanently resided in Ukraine and left after February 24
- Ukrainians or people granted asylum in Ukraine who already had the status of permanent residence in Denmark
Family members of recipients of temporary protection, whose family relationships existed until February 24, 2024. These include: spouses or long-term partners; unmarried, minor children; family members who lived in the same household and were dependent on the recipient; other persons, whose family relations were not taken into account above, at the discretion of the authorities.
Remember: if the applicant has the citizenship of a state other than Ukraine, or if the applicant received protection in another state, the application will be rejected.
Also, if the applicant has committed a serious crime in another country which, under Danish law, would lead to deportation from Denmark, or if the applicant poses a threat to national security or order , then the applicant will be denied temporary protection status.
Denmark: immigration information
What documents do I need for entry?
You must take your biometric passport with you.
How can I enter if I do not have a biometric passport?
The immigration service will advise you to apply for a Laissez-passer (emergency passport) at one of the accommodation centers. An emergency passport is valid for 5 days and allows you and the Immigration Department time to contact the Ukrainian Embassy in Denmark so that they can issue a new passport. The Immigration Service will offer accommodation for the duration of the application process.
How long can I stay here?
If you meet the above requirements, you will be able to stay until March 17, 2024, with the possibility of extending for one year only (to stay longer, you will need to apply for receiving asylum or a residence permit on other grounds).
Are there any Covid requirements and if so, what are they?
No requirements.
Where can I register for temporary protection?
The registration service will process your application. You can apply for temporary protection, for example, to the police or a community service center.
The Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen) and the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration process residence applications. The application form for living in Denmark is available online at the New to Denmark website (https://blanket.nyidanmark.dk/xform/formularer/sl1b.form.aspx). To apply for residency, you must be in Denmark and fill out and submit the SL1 form. This can be done online or manually. If you submit your application online, it will automatically be sent to the Danish Immigration Service. To submit biometric information under this link it is necessary to make an appointment at the Population Service Center. To apply on behalf of another person (who may not be in Denmark), you must use the form SL2. You can submit this application to a Danish diplomatic mission (embassy), where you will also have to present your biometric data.
How long to wait to get temporary protection status?
In general, the process lasts about 120 days. However, the Immigration Service expects that, given the current situation, it will last significantly less than usual.
What rights do I have while waiting for temporary protection?
You have the right to be in the country while your application is being processed. However, if you have not been fingerprinted and your profile picture taken within 4 weeks of applying, you will lose this right. You will be notified. If you do not choose to remain outside the accommodation system, you will be offered accommodation by the Immigration Service for the duration of the application process.
What documents are required to obtain temporary protection?
You must report all information as requested by the Immigration Service. They may, at their sole discretion, ask for any information they deem necessary.
What document(s) will I receive after being granted temporary protection?
If you receive temporary protection status, you will be issued a permanent residence card. In the process of considering the application, you will be given an “asylum seeker’s card” or “accommodation card”. You will also be provided with the registration number of the entry in the Central Register of Individuals (CPR number), which will allow you to access most social services.
Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection? How long do I have to stay to be eligible?
Before you can apply for citizenship, you must first qualify for permanent residence (after 8 years of legal residence or 4 years of legal residence and meeting certain additional conditions). You can then apply for citizenship after 9 years of total legal residence. You must also fulfill some other conditions, such as passing a language and citizenship test.
Can I move freely around the country and the European Union with temporary protection status?
In general, you can move around the country freely. However, you are covered by the residence-accommodation rules, which means that you can be granted residence in any part of Denmark. However, the Immigration Service considers circumstances such as family and employment.
Once you have been granted temporary protection status in Denmark, three months after receiving it you will be able to travel visa-free to other Schengen countries. This means that you cannot travel freely to EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area (eg Ireland).
Can I apply for asylum with temporary protection status?
Yes, but we don’t recommend it. Granting asylum does not give better rights and is a more complicated process. Also, you cannot return to your country of origin if you have refugee status.
How to apply for asylum?
You just need to ask for asylum from the police, the Immigration Service or the People’s Service Centre. Immigration will process your case.
If I have family members outside Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification? If so, in what way?
This issue is not regulated by the law on granting temporary protection. You must apply under standard immigration law. There are different rules for different family members.
Spouses, common-law spouses and minor children:applications for family reunification cannot be submitted earlier, than two months before 2 years should pass after receiving the temporary protection status. After that, the review process begins, which usually lasts 7 months.
Other family members:other family members can only be reunited with you if , if the refusal to reunify would lead to a violation of international conventions applicable in Denmark. Thus, less significant family members, in particular, parents, an adult child, etc., are unlikely to be eligible for family reunification.
Denmark: employment information
Do I need to apply for a permit to be able to work? If so, how to do it?
Once you receive temporary protection status, you will be allowed to work. No additional applications are required. You will not be able to work during the application process.
Am I entitled to unemployment benefits? How and where can I apply?
To receive unemployment benefits, you must have a permanent address. You should also look for a job. You can apply for assistance at the public service center here.
If you are receiving unemployment benefits, you will be invited to the Job Center every week for a conversation / interview with a job counselor in order to get you a job.
Job vacancies for Ukrainian refugees in Denmark can be found here.
On this sites emigrants from Ukraine can find information about work at Denmark.
Are there programs for the recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications? How and where can I apply?
Yes. See below information on specialized education. There is a program called IGU (integration-education) that gives immigrants skills to work in the Danish labor market. The program combines practical experience and training. You can apply at the Community Service Center here.
There have been no reports yet about special programs for the recognition of professional qualifications. There are professions with special requirements. The full list of requirements for each profession can be found here.
Which government and non-government bodies can I turn to for more information on employment?
Public Service Center, Immigration Service and website “New in Denmark” here .
You can also contact the Danish Red Cross here
The Ministry of Employment (Beskæftigelsministeriet) is responsible for employment and runs a website with a guide to employment for Ukrainian refugees. Business owners who would like to offer jobs to refugees from Ukraine can contact Københavns Erhvervshus (Trading House in Copenhagen) directly.
Denmark: housing information
Can I access public/public housing?
If during the application process you cannot find your own place to live (eg with family), the Immigration Service will provide you with accommodation.
When you are granted temporary protection status, the state (municipality) will provide you with a place to live. Initially, the accommodation may be temporary due to capacity issues.
How and where can I apply for public housing?
According to the requirements, the municipality must assign you a place of residence – no application is required.
If I live with friends or family for a long time, what documents do I need to fill out to legalize this? How can I get proof of residence?
You must register the address of your permanent residence at the Public Service Center in the municipality with your registration number of the entry in the Central Register of Individuals (CPR number), which will be provided to you by the Immigration Service.
If I personally want to rent real estate, what documents do I need?
Nothing extra. You will need to register your permanent address at the Citizen Service Center in the municipality with your registration number in the Central
register of natural persons (CPR number), which will be provided to you by the Immigration Service.
Which state and non-state bodies can I turn to for more information about housing?
Public Service Center here, Immigration Service (nyidanmark .dk).
You can also contact theDanish Red Cross here
Lastivka(Ukrainian Association in Denmark) here
If you receive a residence permit under the Special Act, the Immigration Service will decide in which municipality you must live. You have the option to indicate in your application where you want to live. If you already have another residence permit in Denmark, the Immigration Service will not decide where you should live.
Denmark: information on education
How do I enroll my children (or myself) in an educational institution?
You should contact the municipality or the Public Service Center. The municipality will provide your child with a place in an educational institution near your place of residence. Children must attend school at the age of 6-15.
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go for help to enroll them in a special school?
You should contact the municipality or the Public Service Center here
Do universities introduce admission schemes for Ukrainians or people who are forced to leave Ukraine? If so, can you give examples?
University education in Denmark is free for all citizens and all persons with temporary protection status in Denmark, but no special schemes have been announced for Ukrainians. You can apply for admission to the university at the beginning of the new semester by contacting it directly.
It is also possible to get an SU (Scheme of Grants) if you are studying for higher education courses. The amount varies depending on whether you live with your parents or not (6,397 kroner per month). You can applyhere. To get an SU you need a permanent residential address, a CPR number and be enrolled in a training course.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I contact for more information about education?
Public Service Center (municipality) here, and the Ministry of Children and Education here
Denmark: information on child care
How to enroll young children in daycare?
You should contact the municipality or Cen
public service center here.
Yes, child benefit is available.
Amounts vary significantly depending on personal circumstances, detailed description can be considered here.
There are two types of benefits: Child Benefit is available to everyone, and Child Benefit is only available to single parents. Please find out more information here.
Are there any benefits for pregnant andbreastfeeding women?
Yes, you can get maternity leave paid for by the municipality. The municipality also has special programs for women in labor. The municipality will provide you with more information and place you in a group of families who have recently had children and families who are expecting a child.
Amounts vary significantly depending on personal circumstances and are detailed here.
Which government and non-government agencies can I turn to for more information about the needs of young children?
Public Service Center (municipality) here and the Ministry of Children and Education here.
Denmark: medical information
Can I use the public health care system?
Yes – full access. When you are granted a residence permit in Denmark, you will receive a health insurance card from the municipality and will be assigned a doctor. You must use your health insurance card when you go to the doctor, emergency room, or hospital. The health insurance card contains your doctor’s contact details and your civil registration number, which is a unique identification number.
General Practitioner:
- Everyone who lives in Denmark is assigned a doctor who can be contacted in case of illness. Your own doctor can find out what’s wrong with you and treat you for the most common ailments.
- Before visiting a doctor, you should always make an appointment. This also applies if you develop an acute illness during your doctor’s working hours. Your doctor’s phone number is listed on your health insurance card.
During the application process, you do not have access to all public health care services. However, everyone living in Denmark has access to emergency / acute care.
Do I need to register to get health insurance, and if so, how?
No, if you apply for temporary protection, you will receive a CPR number which gives you access to the health care system.
What does the public health care system cover?
The health care system covers most services, including general practitioner services, hospital, specialist doctors, surgery, emergency care, partially paid physiotherapy, etc.
Dental care is not included.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to public health insurance? If so, are there any schemes available to low-income people?
Private insurance is available but not very common. Less than 50% of Danes have private health insurance through the public health care system. The leading private health care scheme is an insurance called Danmark, which costs 380 kroner per quarter. The insurance covers services such as dental treatment, glasses and physiotherapy.
Which government and non-government bodies can I turn to for more information about access to health care?
Ministry of Health here or Community Service Center here
Denmark: mental health information
Can I get free mental health support services through the public health system?
Yes.
Is there any additional administrative process to access mental health support services?
You need a certificate from your general practitioner for treatment in specialized clinics.
Which government and non-government agencies can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, especially trauma?
If you meet the criteria for a public subsidy, you need to choose a psychologist with a “provider number” that demonstrates that they are part of the Danish public health care scheme, respectively to the Association of Psychotherapists in Denmark (Dansk Psykoterapeutforening).
You can search for psychologists with provider numbers usingpsykologeridanmark.dk, to find a psychologist in your area, see the waiting time, methods and specializations. Unfortunately, the website is not available in English. There is also often a waiting period if you are looking for a psychologist who is part of a state scheme.
Check sundhed.dk to consider further options.
Danish Red Cross here, Ministry of Health here, your general practitioner, Offerårdgivningen (counseling for victims) here.
You can also get updated information from the website of the Danish government about what to do after arriving in Denmark. Site in Ukrainian here.
Denmark: access to legal aid and human rights information
If I have a legal question and need to hire a lawyer, do I qualify for legal aid? How to find a lawyer?
It depends on the specific situation of your case. If you need to pursue a case in a civil court, you can get legal aid (the government will cover the costs) if you have a low income. Foreigners (refugees) as well as Danish citizens can be treated as low-income people. If you are prosecuted in a criminal case, the state will cover the legal costs. However, if you are convicted, you will be billed for your attorney’s fees.
There are various legal aid organizations in the country, mostly located in big cities, for example Copenhagen Legal Aid or Aarhus Legal Aid.
If you need a lawyer, you can search for all lawyers in Denmark on this websites, where you can find a lawyer who fits your specific needs (such as criminal law or family law).
Does the country have an ombudsman who deals with the observance of human rights? What is the best way to contact the Ombudsman?
No, there is no Human Rights Ombudsman in Denmark. If you have a question about human rights, you will need to contact a lawyer or an NGO such as Human Rights Watch.
You need to contact your local police. You can find police officers at accommodation centers where you can contact them. Otherwise, you can contact the police through their website here
You can tell the health authorities that you need help. This can usually be done during a conversation with your personal doctor.
Denmark: bank account and tax information
What documents do I need to open a bank account?
The bank must verify your identity. Therefore, you need to present your health insurance card, which contains your registration number of the entry in the Central Register of Individuals(CPR number), required to open a bank account. Some banks will also ask for your passport.
When will I be taxed in the country and what do I need to do to pay taxes?
You are taxed in Denmark when you live in Denmark. There is no set rule as to the number of days you must be in Denmark before you become taxed. You will be taxed after an overall assessment of your situation. However, if you have been in Denmark for 3 consecutive months or 180 days in the previous year, you will be subject to tax. However, you may be subject to taxation even after a shorter period of stay – this is a cumulative development of the situation. You will most likely be subject to tax if you buy or rent a residence in Denmark.
If you have a job, you need a tax card to pay the correct amount of taxes. You can issue your tax card here. You must report the expected income from your new job.
If you work abroad while in Denmark, you are generally taxed in Denmark. In this case, you also need to issue a tax card.
When you move to Denmark, you must also inform the tax authorities about your property abroad and income from abroad (eg real estate, pension, securities, etc.). Passive foreign income is also subject to taxation in Denmark.
You must also open a Nemkonto, to receive payments from state Nemkontois an account to which the state will transfer payments. You can open your Nemkonto, using a Danish or Ukrainian bank account here.
After opening a Nemkonto and issuing a tax card, taxes must be paid automatically and correctly.
Denmark: other services
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?
Unaccompanied minors will be placed in the municipality and social services will immediately start taking care of them. You should inform the first authorities you come into contact with (police, border patrol) that you are unaccompanied and they will assist you.
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
Public Service Center here. Contact your local municipality or public service centers. Many of them have a branch of the Danish Organizations of People with Disabilities (DPOD) or other support services for people with disabilities. (link) (link)
You can get more information from your local municipality Organizations of people with disabilities and Danish Disability Council .
There are other different social benefits available in Denmark depending on your situation. You can ask at the municipality (Centre of Population Services) whether you meet the criteria for other social benefits.
You can get housing benefit if you rent a flat or house. The amount depends on your situation (first of all, on your income, the number of children in the household and parameters) and the apartment. You can apply here.
Can you please list 3-4 public organizations that conduct language classes and other integration programs for Ukrainians?
Basically, language courses are provided by the government. You can ask your local community service center where you can register for a language course in your area.
Swallow is a Ukrainian organization in Denmark for Ukrainians.
Red Cross is a large organization that helps Ukraine and refugees arriving from Ukraine to Denmark.
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (humanitarian aid from the National Church) is a large organization that provides assistance in Ukraine and refugees in Denmark.
