Denmark to tighten special protection for Ukrainians fleeing war

Denmark is set to tighten its special protection scheme for Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s war, two sources familiar with the plans told Euractiv. 

From mid-May, Denmark will stop granting residence permits under the scheme to certain Ukrainians, including those subject to military mobilisation in Ukraine. Existing permits will not be affected.

Shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Denmark introduced a special law granting Ukrainians temporary residence with immediate access to work, housing, healthcare, education, and integration support—without requiring the standard asylum process. Around 65,000 Ukrainians have received residence permits through this law, according to Danish authorities.

Those excluded from the revised scheme will still have the option to apply for residence under Denmark’s regular immigration or asylum procedures.

At the EU level, member states activated the Temporary Protection Directive following the invasion, giving displaced Ukrainians access to protection across the bloc. By December 2025, around 47,000 people were covered by the directive, which is set to expire in March 2026.

Denmark does not participate in EU justice and home affairs rules due to its opt-out, meaning its decisions on Ukrainian protection are handled nationally.

By Sabina Mammadli