Denmark Tightens Residence Rules for Ukrainian Men

The Danish government has tightened the rules for obtaining a residence permit under a special Ukrainian law passed after Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Under the new rules, Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60 who are subject to mobilization and have not been exempted from military service will no longer be able to obtain temporary residence in Denmark.

The aim is to prevent Ukrainians from using Danish residence rules to avoid mobilization into the Ukrainian military. The measure will not affect residence permits that have already been granted.

Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bødskov said Denmark stood firmly with Ukraine, but would not allow its residence rules to undermine Ukraine’s war effort or weaken its ability to defend itself against Russian attacks.

Copenhagen said it would continue to monitor the situation of displaced Ukrainians and did not rule out further changes. According to official figures, about 47,600 displaced people from Ukraine who had received residence permits under the special law were living in Denmark at the start of May 2026.

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