Published 19-06-2023 - Last updated: 20-06-2023
Replacing residence cards for third-country family members to EU citizens with permanent residence.
You may need to have your residence card replaced, if you are a third-country citizen (i.e. a citizen in a country outside of the EU/EEA and Switzerland) with permanent residence in Denmark as a family member to an EU citizen. This is due to new safety requirements for residence cards. This means that some residence cards will no longer be valid in either 2023 or 2026.
If you do not have a valid residence card, you will not lose your right to residence in Denmark. However, you may experience problems if you need to identify yourself in Denmark and upon entry into Denmark.
Below, you can read more about which residence cards need to be replaced.
Residence cards issued before 1998
As of 3 August 2023, residence cards issued before 1998 to third-country family members to EU citizens, where the family member has the right to permanent residence, will no longer be valid. This applies, even if there is no date of expiry on the residence card.
Residence cards issued between 1998 and 2011
As of 3 August 2026, residence cards issued between 1998 and 2011 to third-country family members to EU citizens, where the family member has the right to permanent residence, will no longer be valid. This applies, even if there is no date of expiry on the residence card.
Residence cards issued from 3 August 2016 to 3 August 2021
As of 3 August 2026, residence cards issued from 3 August 2016 to 3 August 2021 to third-country family members to EU citizens, where the family member has the right to permanent residence, will no longer be valid. This applies, even if there is no date of expiry on the residence card.
If you belong to one of the groups mentioned above, and if you are currently residing in Denmark, you must apply for a new residence card.
Read more about how to apply for a new residence card at SIRI
Please note that you do not need to pay a fee for an application for a new residence card as a family member to an EU citizen.
If you become aware of the fact that your residence card is no longer valid while residing abroad, you must apply for a re-entry permit at the local Danish embassy of the country you are residing in.
