Updated on 9/21/2026.
Individuals awaiting the outcome of applications for permanent residence permits, family reunification, citizenship, or preparing to have fingerprints and photos taken, should be aware of two new pieces of information from the Danish immigration authorities.
The changes concern two different authorities. Applicants should check their confirmation letter to see if their case is being processed by SIRI or Udlændingestyrelsen.
1. Processing of certain cases put on hold due to an error in the Criminal Register
The Danish Immigration Service – the Danish immigration authority – announces that it is temporarily unable to finalize certain cases due to a discovered error in the Criminal Register, the Danish police’s criminal record.
The suspension applies to cases where information about previous convictions or criminal behavior in Denmark may affect the decision.
Which cases may be affected?
- Applications for permanent residence permits in Denmark.
- Certain family reunification cases processed by the Danish Immigration Service.
- Certain applications for Danish citizenship processed by the Ministry of Immigration and Integration.
Not all cases within the above categories are automatically put on hold. Whether processing is affected depends on whether data from the criminal register is relevant to the specific case. The authorities have not yet announced when these cases will be processed again.
Are cases processed by SIRI put on hold?
According to the official announcement, this error currently does not lead to the suspension of cases under SIRI’s jurisdiction. Many cases concerning work, studies, accompanying family members, and residence under EU rules continue to be processed according to current procedures.
What should applicants awaiting a case do?
- Do not withdraw or resubmit the application unless instructed to do so by the responsible authority.
- Continue to renew your current residence permit before the deadline.
- Keep an eye on Digital Post and fully respond to all requests for additional documentation.
- Contact the relevant authority if the delay acutely affects work, travel, or family circumstances.
An inquiry can help determine if the case belongs to the suspended group, but it does not mean that the case will necessarily be prioritized.
Official sources:
- The Danish Immigration Service – Suspension of certain cases due to an error in the Criminal Register
- Ministry of Immigration and Integration – Consequences for citizenship cases
2. SIRI temporarily extends the deadline for biometric data collection to 4 weeks
Due to increased demand for appointments, SIRI announces that the deadline for having fingerprints and photos taken after submitting an application is temporarily extended:
- Previous deadline: 2 weeks from the application date.
- Current temporary deadline: 4 weeks from the application date.
This rule applies to individuals who have submitted an application to SIRI and have been requested to provide biometric data. This group may include applicants for work and study residence permits or residence permits as accompanying family members.
SIRI still recommends applicants to book appointments as early as possible and to cancel appointments if they no longer need them, to make room for others. SIRI has not yet announced an end date for this temporary extension.
Official source: SIRI – The deadline for biometrics is temporarily extended to 4 weeks.
Important to distinguish between the deadlines of the two authorities
| Processing authority | Currently published deadline for biometrics |
|---|---|
| SIRI | 4 weeks from the application date |
| Danish Immigration Service | 6 weeks for cases under this authority’s jurisdiction |
SIRI cannot collect biometrics or issue re-entry permits on behalf of the Danish Immigration Service. Therefore, applicants must read the confirmation letter carefully and book an appointment with the correct authority.
General information about biometrics: New to Denmark – Biometric features.
Summary
- Certain cases concerning permanent residence permits, family reunification, and citizenship are put on hold due to an error in the criminal register.
- Not all cases within the above categories are affected.
- Cases processed by SIRI are currently not put on hold due to this error.
- The deadline for biometrics for SIRI cases is temporarily extended from 2 to 4 weeks.
- Cases processed by the Danish Immigration Service have a separate deadline, currently published as 6 weeks.
- Applicants should still book appointments for biometrics as early as possible.
Note: This article provides a summary of information from official sources and does not replace legal advice. In specific cases, applicants should contact the authority processing their case directly.