Denmark extends the special act for Ukrainians until 17 March 2027

Denmark has extended the special act for persons displaced from Ukraine (in Danish — Ukraine-særlov, officially the 'Act on temporary residence permits for persons displaced from Ukraine'). Permits issued under this act can now be extended until 17 March 2027. This was announced by the Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen) on 9 October 2025.

What exactly has changed

Previously, permits under the special act were valid until 17 March 2026. Now the cut-off date has been pushed back by exactly a year — to 17 March 2027. The Danish government decided to extend the act on 13 June 2025 — the same day EU countries reached political agreement to extend the Temporary Protection Directive until 4 March 2027; the EU Council formally adopted this extension on 15 July 2025. Denmark set its own national date — 17 March 2027 (this is slightly later than the EU date of 4 March 2027).

The extension is automatic

The most important thing for you: you do not need to submit an application yourself. The Immigration Service reviews each case itself. According to the official announcement:

• if you still meet the conditions of your current permit, it will be extended automatically;
• there is no need to resubmit biometrics;
• the new permit (card) will be sent by post;
• you will be notified of the decision in your case — usually through digital mail (Digital Post).

What if my case is not processed in time?

The Immigration Service plans to complete most cases by 17 March 2026. But if your case is not processed by this date, you still remain in Denmark with the same rights you had until now (including the right to work and health insurance), until a decision on the extension is made. In other words, there will be no gap in your status.

Who this concerns

The extension concerns everyone who holds a valid permit under the Ukraine Special Act and continues to meet its conditions. According to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, as of June 2025, Denmark had issued about 55,000 such permits since March 2022; roughly a quarter of holders had already left by then, and about 38,000 people with status under the special act remained in the country (this number later changed).

Important: new rules for NEW applicants

Separately, we draw your attention: on 26 February 2026 the Danish government announced its intention to change the rules for granting permits for certain categories of persons displaced from Ukraine (in particular, depending on the region of origin and the mobilisation rules in Ukraine). The bill is planned to be introduced in April 2026. According to the government, these changes do not concern those who already hold a residence permit — that is, they do not affect the automatic extension of existing permits until 17 March 2027. If you are planning a new entry or applying for status for the first time, follow the final text of the law on the official portals.

What you should do right now

• Make sure your digital mail (Digital Post) works and that you check it regularly — that is where the notification will arrive.
• Check that your address in the register (folkeregister) is up to date so that the new card reaches you by post.
• Make sure you continue to meet the conditions of your permit.
• For questions, you can contact the Immigration Service by phone at +45 35 36 66 00.