- Denmark’s immigration authority has announced a key condition for foreigners who wish to travel abroad while their permanent residence applications are still being processed
- The Danish government warned that existing residence cards may be blocked if permanent residence is granted while the applicant is outside the country
- Foreigners caught abroad without a re-entry permit when a decision is made could face serious complications returning to Denmark
Denmark has announced a travel restriction affecting foreigners currently awaiting a decision on their permanent residence applications in the country.
According to information published on the official Danish immigration portal, applicants who leave Denmark while their cases are still under review must obtain a re-entry permit before travelling. Without one, they risk being unable to return to Denmark if a decision is reached while they are outside the country’s borders.
Source: UGC
Why Denmark require a re-entry permit
The requirement stems from what happens to an applicant’s existing residence card when a decision is granted. If permanent residence is approved, authorities will block the current residence card and issue a new one in its place. This means that anyone abroad at that moment could find themselves holding an invalid document with no legal basis to re-enter Denmark.
The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, known as SIRI, administers residence permit cases in Denmark. The re-entry permit effectively serves as a safeguard, allowing applicants to travel without forfeiting their right to return while their paperwork is finalised.
Denmark Immigration said:
“If you leave Denmark while your case is being processed, please note that you must have a re-entry permit in order to re-enter Denmark if you are abroad when we make a decision.”
Denmark: What to know before travelling
The guidance makes clear that the responsibility lies with the applicant to secure a re-entry permit before departing. Anyone who leaves without one risks a positive decision being issued during their absence, leaving them stranded abroad with a blocked card and no automatic right to re-enter.
For foreign nationals residing in Denmark on pending permanent residence applications, particularly those from African countries navigating the broader japa wave, understanding this condition is essential before booking any international travel. The rule applies regardless of the destination or length of the trip abroad.
Read also
Denmark announces employment rules foreigners must meet to qualify for permanent residence
Denmark: Exemptions to residence permit expiration
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Denmark’s immigration authority confirmed that six categories of foreign residents are exempt from rules that can lead to a temporary residence permit expiring.
The exemptions cover workers and students on specific schemes, including Fast-track, Researcher, and others.
Source: Legit.ng