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Biometric residence cards to be introduced

Starting on 20 May, all third-country citizens (non-EU/EEA, Nordic or Swiss citizens) over 18 applying for residence must have their biometric features recorded when submitting their applications. These features must also be recorded when seeking an extension.

A residence card serves as proof that you hold residency.

Biometric features

When you submit your application for residence at a Danish embassy or consulate, a police station or the Immigration Service/Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment, a passport-type picture will be taken, and you will be fingerprinted. You will also be required to provide a signature.

If you submit your application on-line, your biometric traits will need to be recorded before an appointed deadline. When appearing to have your biometric traits recorded, you will be required to bring a printout of the confirmation that your application was submitted on-line. The Immigration Service/Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment will not start processing your application until we have received your biometric traits.

If the application is submitted at the embassy or consulate of a country authorised to process Danish immigration applications, the application must include passport photos. If you are granted residence, you will be required to have your biometric traits recorded by a certain date after entering Denmark.

Third-country citizens under 18

Individuals under 18 who live with a parent or other legal guardian are not required to hold proof of residence permit.

A residence card will be issued if applied for. If an application indicates that the child requests a residence card, his/her biometric features will need to be recorded when the application is submitted. Children under 6 never have their fingerprint recorded.

Pictures required

If you refuse to have your picture taken or your fingerprints recorded, your application will be refused.

Transition period

Third-country citizens who have applied for residence prior to 20 May 2012, and who receive their residence card after 20 May 2012 will be instructed to obtain a biometric residence card within a specified period of time.

Prior to 20 May, application forms will be altered to reflect these changes.