Immigration Minister Morten Bodskov said the change is meant to prevent Denmark’s residence rules from being used to evade mobilization in Ukraine.
“Denmark stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in their fight for freedom,” the message quoted Bodskov.
“That is why we are now amending the Ukrainian Special Act, because our residence rules are not intended to be used to avoid mobilization for the Ukrainian defense. This helps to undermine the Ukrainian war effort and weakens Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian attacks.”
Key provisions in the bill would:
- Allow men ages 23 to 60 to receive residence in Denmark only
if they provide official Ukrainian documents showing exemption from or a
deferral of military service.
- Limit temporary protection for people younger than 23 to the period before they turn 23; permits would not be extended after that without proof of exemption from mobilization.
If approved in parliament, the new rules would apply to applications filed on or after June 25, 2026. The measures would not affect about 47,600 Ukrainians who filed applications before that date and already have legal status in Denmark; they may remain and renew their papers under the existing rules.
The move comes as several European countries consider
excluding conscription-age men who left Ukraine from expanded temporary
protection.