Denmark has enacted legislative changes that significantly alter the rules for granting temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens. As of June 25, Ukrainian men of conscription age will no longer be able to automatically obtain a residence permit in the kingdom through the simplified procedure.
Who will be affected by the restrictions
The new regulations, proposed by the Minister of Immigration and Integration Morten Bødskov, concern men aged 23 to 60 — those subject to mobilization in Ukraine. Now, to obtain a residence permit under the Special Act on Temporary Residence Permits, it is necessary to provide documentary proof of exemption from military service.
Young Ukrainians under the age of 23 will be able to obtain a permit, but its validity will be age-limited. After reaching the age of 23, the document cannot be extended without confirmation of exemption status.
How the new rules will be applied
The changes will take effect for all applications submitted from June 25, 2026. If a decision on a case was made before this date, it will be reviewed under the current legislation.
The Danish Immigration Service will conduct an assessment of already issued residence permits. In particular, the agency will consider the issue of annulling documents issued to those who submitted an application from June 25 but received permission before the new rules came into force. All affected individuals will be notified personally.
Ukrainians who submitted an application before June 25, 2026, are not subject to the new restrictions. They will not need to prove exemption from military service when extending their documents.
Regional context
Denmark is not the only EU country tightening conditions for Ukrainian men of conscription age. In June, Sweden also announced its intention to restrict temporary protection for this category of citizens.
There is no unified position on this issue within the European Union. The idea is supported by Germany, Sweden, and Poland, while a number of other countries oppose such restrictions.