Published 26-02-2026
Are you a third-country national with permanent residence as a family member of an EU citizen? You may need to replace your residence card
Certain third-country nationals may need to replace their residence cards, as some cards will no longer be valid in 2026 due to new security requirements for residence documents.
How do you know whether your residence card must be replaced?
Your residence card must be replaced if you reside in Denmark on the basis of all three of the following conditions:
- You are a third-country national (a national of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland).
- You have permanent residence in Denmark.
- You obtained permanent residence as a family member of an EU citizen.
At the same time, your residence card must have been issued in one of the following periods:
- Between 1998 and 2011.
- From 3 August 2016 to 3 August 2021.
You can see the date of issue on your residence card.
When does your residence card expire?
The residence cards covered will expire on 3 August 2026. This applies even if the card does not show an expiry date, or if the expiry date shown is later than 3 August 2026.
What happens if you do not replace your residence card?
You will not lose your residence rights in Denmark, but you may experience difficulties proving your identity – both in Denmark and when entering Denmark.
What should you do?
Depending on where you are located, you must take one of the following actions:
- If you are in Denmark: you must apply for a new residence card with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). There is no fee for an application for a new residence card.
Read about how to apply for a residence card with SIRI
- If you are abroad: you must apply for a re-entry permit at the nearest Danish diplomatic mission.
Read about how to apply for a re-entry permit
