New Danish Residence Permit Rules Target Ukrainian Men of Military Age
Denmark has updated its residence permit regulations for Ukrainian men eligible for military service under the Special Act on Ukraine. The move aims to prevent individuals from using the country to evade conscription. Effective immediately, men aged 23 to 60 who are not exempt from military duty cannot obtain a Danish residence permit. However, permits already granted will remain valid and will not be revoked.
These measures are designed to stop Ukrainians from exploiting Denmark as a means to avoid mobilization. For context, Ukraine requires citizens who have turned 25 to serve in the military. The Special Act on Ukraine was passed by a majority in the Danish parliament in 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion, and provides temporary protection to those forced to flee their homeland.
Status of Ukrainian Refugees in Denmark
As of May 2026, over 47,600 Ukrainian refugees have received residence permits under this law and are living in Denmark. In February 2026, the Danish government proposed legislative changes affecting newly arriving Ukrainians, including:
- ending shelter for residents from 14 regions of Ukraine;
- introducing initial restrictions for men of conscription age.
These steps signal a shift in Denmark's approach to protecting Ukrainian refugees, aligning with Ukraine's defense needs.
In April 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the return of Ukrainians of military age from abroad. They agreed that special agencies from both countries should handle cases of those who left Ukraine in violation of its laws. Currently, about 1.2 million Ukrainians live in Germany, with numbers rising, mainly driven by young men under 22.
Danish Immigration Minister Morten Bødskov stated: 'Denmark stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in its fight for freedom. That is why we are now amending the Special Act, as our residency rules are not meant to be used to evade mobilization for Ukraine's defense. This undermines Ukraine's war effort and weakens its ability to defend against Russian attacks.'
In summary, Denmark's new regulations reflect its commitment to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. The legislative changes show Denmark's effort to manage the refugee situation, particularly to prevent potential cases of draft evasion. This also highlights the close cooperation between Ukraine and Denmark on security and defense matters.
These recent changes in Denmark's immigration policy reflect a broader trend among European nations in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. For instance, Denmark's position as the first EU country to impose stricter protections for Ukrainian men showcases a significant shift in how countries are balancing humanitarian support with national security concerns.