Expulsion and Removal in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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?
Foreign nationals can be expelled from Denmark under certain conditions:
- Criminal expulsion: The courts can expel a foreign national convicted of a serious criminal offence — the more serious the crime, the greater the likelihood of expulsion. Even persons with permanent residence can be expelled for very serious crime.
- Administrative removal: If your residence permit expires or is revoked, or your asylum application is rejected.
- Proportionality assessment: The court must weigh the seriousness of the crime against your ties to Denmark — length of residence, family, children, health and ties to the country of origin.
- Entry ban: Expulsion is typically accompanied by a ban on re-entering Denmark for a specific period or for life.
- Non-refoulement: You cannot be removed to a country where you risk torture, the death penalty or persecution — this is an absolute rule under international law.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign national who has been convicted of a criminal offence, and the court is considering expulsion.
- Your residence permit has been revoked, or your asylum application has been rejected.
What to do if you are facing expulsion or removal from Denmark
- Get a lawyer immediately — you have the right to legal assistance in all expulsion cases.
- Present documentation of your ties to Denmark — family relations, employment history, integration and children in Danish schools.
- If you fear persecution in your home country, raise non-refoulement arguments — your lawyer can handle this.
- If you are expelled, you can appeal the decision within the applicable deadlines.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't ignore a removal decision — failure to cooperate can lead to detention and a longer entry ban.
- Don't leave Denmark voluntarily before the appeal options are exhausted, if you believe the decision is wrong — departure can be interpreted as acceptance.
- Don't breach an entry ban — returning to Denmark under a ban is a criminal offence.
About Immigration Law & Right of Residence in Denmark
If you live in Denmark on a visa, your rights rest on Udlændingeloven (the Aliens Act), administered by Udlændingestyrelsen (the Danish Immigration Service). Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA need a residence and work permit for stays over 90 days — the main routes are the Pay Limit Scheme (beløbsordningen), the Positive List (positivlisten) and Start-up Denmark. Asylum applications go through a two-track process with the option to appeal to Flygtningenævnet (the Refugee Appeals Board). Family reunification is subject to strict requirements on income, housing and attachment. Citizenship, governed by Indfødsretsloven (the Nationality Act), requires naturalisation by an act passed by the Folketing (Parliament).
Common Questions
Can I be expelled from Denmark after a criminal conviction?
Yes. Under §§ 22-32 of the Aliens Act, the courts can expel a foreign national convicted of a serious crime. Even persons with permanent residence can be expelled for very serious crime. The court must make a proportionality assessment, weighing the crime against your ties to Denmark — length of residence, family, children, health and ties to the country of origin.
Can I be removed to a country where I risk torture?
No. The non-refoulement rule is absolute — you cannot be removed to a country where you risk torture, the death penalty or persecution. It is guaranteed by international law and by Article 8 of the Convention on Human Rights (the right to private and family life). Raise non-refoulement arguments through your lawyer; legal assistance is guaranteed in all expulsion cases.
What is a Danish entry ban?
An entry ban for a specific period or for life, typically imposed together with an expulsion decision. Breaching the ban by returning to Denmark during the period is a criminal offence. Don't ignore a removal decision — failure to cooperate can lead to detention and a longer entry ban. Don't leave Denmark voluntarily before the appeal options are exhausted.
What is the expulsion and removal right in Denmark?
Foreign nationals can be expelled from Denmark under certain conditions:Criminal expulsion: The courts can expel a foreign national convicted of a serious criminal offence — the more serious the crime, the greater the likelihood of expulsion. Even persons with permanent residence can be expelled for very serious crime.Administrative removal: If your residence permit expires or is revoked, or your asylum application is rejected.Proportionality assessment: The court must weigh the seriousness of the crime against your ties to Denmark — length of residence, family, children, health and ties to...
When does it apply — expulsion and removal?
You are a foreign national who has been convicted of a criminal offence, and the court is considering expulsion.Your residence permit has been revoked, or your asylum application has been rejected.
What do I do if a Danish court is considering expelling me from the country after a criminal conviction?
Get a lawyer immediately — you have the right to legal assistance in all expulsion cases.Present documentation of your ties to Denmark — family relations, employment history, integration and children in Danish schools.If you fear persecution in your home country, raise non-refoulement arguments — your lawyer can handle this.If you are expelled, you can appeal the decision within the applicable deadlines.
What should you NOT do — expulsion and removal?
Don't ignore a removal decision — failure to cooperate can lead to detention and a longer entry ban.Don't leave Denmark voluntarily before the appeal options are exhausted, if you believe the decision is wrong — departure can be interpreted as acceptance.Don't breach an entry ban — returning to Denmark under a ban is a criminal offence.