What Ukrainians need to know about temporary protection in Denmark: conditions and challenges

Since 2022, many Ukrainians have chosen Denmark as a temporary or permanent refuge. Despite a strict integration system, the country offers access to housing, healthcare, education and employment. Find out what rights refugees have in Denmark, how to find a job, obtain housing and medical care, and what remains the main barrier to full integration

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In Denmark, as of March 2025, there were over 53,000 officially registered Ukrainians. Most of them chose cities such as Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense as their refuge. Despite the large influx of Ukrainians, Denmark continues to accept citizens who are forced to flee the war. With reference to rfi, we will tell you what conditions Denmark offers to refugees, how the registration process works, and what difficulties some of them face.

Are you planning to emigrate to Denmark? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Applying for temporary protection in Denmark

Upon arrival in the country and distribution to a municipality, Ukrainians sign an integration contract and are required to learn Danish — they attend language courses 2-3 times a week free of charge. Accommodation depends on the municipality — some are provided with apartments, while others live in dormitories for a long time.

Ukrainians are under temporary protection and are entitled to housing (dormitories or apartments), free education and medical care, and language courses.

Refugees also receive social benefits, which are treated as a kind of salary — people must look for work or undergo practical training. This encourages rapid integration into the labour market.

Work in Denmark for refugees

As of February 2025, more than 56-60% of Ukrainians aged 18-66 are already working.

Local employment centres help with job searches, and most start with unskilled jobs, but there are also examples of retraining. Language training for medical professionals allows some Ukrainian women to work in the care system.

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Healthcare for Ukrainians in Denmark

Ukrainians in Denmark have free access to the entire healthcare system, except for dental care for adults.

Basic medical services are free for adults. However, if medication is required, it is usually purchased at the patient's own expense. At the same time, if the total cost of the purchased medication exceeds a certain amount, subsequent medications are partially or fully reimbursed by the state. In addition, if a person officially resides in Denmark and has a low income, they can apply for financial assistance from the municipality.

However, in any case, we recommend that you take out medical insurance to cover your expenses in case of health emergencies.

Education for Ukrainians

Compulsory school education is in force in Denmark, so Ukrainian children are also required to attend school. This must be an official educational institution. Ukrainian Saturday or Sunday schools do not count as primary education.

Newly arrived children are first placed in integration classes, where they learn the language and basic subjects. When their Danish language skills are sufficient, they are transferred to regular schools. Education is free. Only after-school care may be subject to a fee. However, low-income families can receive a discount or full compensation from the municipality. The amount of the fee also depends on the age and number of children in the family.

What challenges do Ukrainians face in Denmark?

According to the refugees themselves, Denmark is not an easy country to integrate into, primarily because of the language. Another challenge is social integration with the Danes.

‘Danes are open, but at the same time they don't let you into their inner circle easily. It can be difficult to build real friendships,’ say the refugees.

Ukrainians also face difficulties due to the climate, which is cold, rainy and with little sunshine.

In addition, Denmark's transport infrastructure is well developed in large cities, but connections between smaller towns are limited.

Remember! The standard of living in Denmark is much higher than in most southern European countries. Find out more about the cost of housing, utilities, food and entertainment in the country.

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