Published 20-07-2021
Third-country citizens with a right to stay according to the EU Residence Order must have their biometric features recorded in order to be issued with a residence card
From 2 August 2021 and onwards, residence cards issued to third-country citizens with a right to stay according to the EU Rules must contain biometric features (digital facial image and fingerprints).
The requirement for biometric features in residence cards is stipulated in EU regulation 2019/1157 and will afford the applicant better opportunities to travel in the EU without being met with visa requirements.
Valid residence cards issued before 2 August 2021 will continue to be valid and do not need to be replaced with a residence card with biometric features at this point.
Biometric features will be recorded in connection with the submission of your application.
If you submitted an application before 2 August 2021, and receive a positive decision after 2 August 2021, you must have your biometric features recorded before you can be issued with a residence card. If this is the case, you must book an appointment at one of SIRI’s branch offices.
Adult third-country citizens
All adult third-country citizens applying for the right of residence under EU law must have their biometric features recorded for their residence card.
Individuals for whom it is physically impossible to submit fingerprints are exempt from the requirement to submit fingerprints.
Minor third-country citizens
A child under the age of 18, who is to live with their custody holder in Denmark, is not normally required to hold a residence card. A child can, however, request to be issued a residence card. If the child requests a residence card, the child’s biometric features must be recorded in connection with the application being submitted.
A child who is not living with the custody holder in Denmark, but instead is to live with a foster parent or close relative, is required to hold a residence card and thus have their biometric features recorded.
If a child younger than 6 years is to be granted a residence card, only the facial image will be recorded as a biometric feature. Fingerprints and signature are omitted automatically.
