Asylum and Humanitarian Protection
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Denmark processes asylum claims through the Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen). The country has significantly tightened its asylum policies in recent years.
There are three forms of protection: Convention refugee status (§ 7(1) — persecution under the Geneva Convention), protection status (§ 7(2) — risk of death penalty, torture, or degrading treatment), and temporary protection status (§ 7(3) — generalized violence in the home country). Convention status grants a residence permit for 2 years (renewable), while protection and temporary protection status grant 1-year permits (renewable).
The asylum procedure begins at the Sandholm reception centre near Copenhagen or at the Danish border. After registration, applicants undergo a screening interview and then a substantive interview. The Dublin III Regulation applies — Denmark may transfer applicants to the first EU country they entered.
During the process, asylum seekers receive accommodation in reception centres, a cash allowance (approximately DKK 2,000–3,000/month depending on circumstances), and healthcare. Asylum seekers can apply for a work permit after 6 months if their case is still pending.
Rejected applicants can appeal to the Refugee Appeals Board (Flygtningenævnet). The appeal must be filed within 14 days. Legal aid is provided free of charge for the appeal process.
When does it apply?
- You are fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
- You face a real risk of torture, death penalty, or inhumane treatment in your home country.
- You are fleeing generalized armed conflict and cannot safely return.
- You are in Denmark or at the Danish border and wish to apply for asylum.
What to Do If You Have Arrived in Denmark and Need to Apply for Asylum
- Report to the police or go directly to the Sandholm reception centre to register your asylum claim — do this immediately upon arrival.
- Cooperate fully with the interviews — provide detailed, consistent accounts of the persecution you faced. You have the right to an interpreter.
- Contact the Danish Refugee Council (Dansk Flygtningehjælp) — they provide free legal advice and support to asylum seekers.
- Apply for a work permit after 6 months if your case is still pending — this helps you integrate and become self-sufficient.
- If rejected, appeal to the Refugee Appeals Board within 14 days — you will be assigned a lawyer free of charge.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not miss the 14-day appeal deadline — once it passes, you have very limited options.
- Do not provide false information — inconsistencies in your account will undermine your credibility and lead to rejection.
- Do not destroy your identity documents — this creates suspicion and can negatively affect your case.
- Do not leave the reception centre without permission — this may affect your benefits and case processing.
Common Questions
When does it apply — asylum and humanitarian protection?
You are fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.You face a real risk of torture, death penalty, or inhumane treatment in your home country.You are fleeing generalized armed conflict and cannot safely return.You are in Denmark or at the Danish border and wish to apply for asylum.
What should I do if I am in Denmark and want to apply for asylum or humanitarian protection?
Report to the police or go directly to the Sandholm reception centre to register your asylum claim — do this immediately upon arrival.Cooperate fully with the interviews — provide detailed, consistent accounts of the persecution you faced. You have the right to an interpreter.Contact the Danish Refugee Council (Dansk Flygtningehjælp) — they provide free legal advice and support to asylum seekers.Apply for a work permit after 6 months if your case is still pending — this helps you integrate and become self-sufficient.If rejected, appeal to the Refugee Appeals Board within 14 days — you will be...
What should you NOT do — asylum and humanitarian protection?
Do not miss the 14-day appeal deadline — once it passes, you have very limited options.Do not provide false information — inconsistencies in your account will undermine your credibility and lead to rejection.Do not destroy your identity documents — this creates suspicion and can negatively affect your case.Do not leave the reception centre without permission — this may affect your benefits and case processing.
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