Denmark moves to deny residency to Ukrainian men eligible for military service

Danish lawmakers are poised to vote on legislation that could significantly restrict residency for Ukrainian men of military age currently living in Denmark. The proposed bill, expected to pass with broad parliamentary support, aims to prevent the country's residency rules from being exploited as a means to avoid mobilization for Ukraine's defense.

"It is not intended that our residency rules be used to avoid mobilization for the Ukrainian defense. It undermines the Ukrainians' war effort," stated Minister for Immigration and Integration Morten Bødskov during the bill's initial reading. He added, "Therefore, we must ensure that our legislation supports Ukrainians in continuing their fight for freedom."

The current special law for Ukrainians, enacted in March 2022 following Russia's invasion, has generally granted residency to Ukrainian citizens regardless of age or mobilization status without requiring a full asylum process. However, the new legislation targets applications submitted after June 25, 2026, and renewals for those already residing in Denmark. As of May 1, approximately 9,300 men in the specified age group held or had held residency permits under the special law and were registered as living in Denmark, though the exact number subject to mobilization is unknown.

This move aligns Denmark with a new European Union directive, effective July 30, which requires applicants for temporary protection to demonstrate they have fulfilled their military obligations in Ukraine. While Denmark is not bound by EU rules due to its opt-out, the government is proposing to follow the new European line. Only the Red-Green Alliance opposed the change during the initial parliamentary debate.

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It is not intended that our residency rules be used to avoid mobilization for the Ukrainian defense. It undermines the Ukrainians' war effort. Therefore, we must ensure that our legislation supports Ukrainians in continuing their fight for freedom.