Private accommodation
Normally, asylum seekers must stay at an accommodation centre while their application for asylum is being processed. In certain cases, however, the Immigration Service will grant applicants permission to stay outside the centre.
This is of particular relevance to asylum seekers who have family or friends living in Denmark with whom they would like to stay during the application process.
There are two types of private accommodation: funded and unfunded.
Funded means that the asylum seeker can still receive cash allowances while staying outside an accommodation centre. The Immigration Service will also cover the cost of transport to and from meetings with immigration authorities as well as necessary health treatment.
Unfunded means that the Immigration Service only covers the cost of transport to and from meetings with immigration authorities and necessary health treatment.
Permission for funded private accommodation can be granted if:
The asylum seeker's application for asylum is being processed by the immigration authorities, and
There are compelling health-related or psycho-social reasons which warrant private accommodation.
Examples of compelling health-related reasons include:
Asylum seekers who have diabetes or who are in dialysis treatment.
Asylum seekers with serious heart problems.
Asylum seekers who suffer from cancer.
Examples of compelling psycho-social reasons include:
Elderly asylum seekers who would have problems taking care of themselves at an accommodation centre.
Unaccompanied children who wish to stay with relatives in Denmark to whom the relevant municipality has granted temporary or permanent guardianship.
Permission for unfunded private accommodation is generally given to asylum seekers whose application is being processed by the immigration authorities.
Centre personnel can help asylum seekers apply for private accommodation.