The Danish government has officially confirmed that foreigners holding a Green Card in the country are not entitled to a range of social welfare benefits, with the authorities publishing a specific list of five provisions that are off-limits. The restriction applies not only to the primary Green Card holder but also to their family members residing in Denmark, according to information released on the official Danish government website.
Five Benefits Barred for Green Card Holders
The official list of benefits that Green Card holders and their families cannot receive includes cash benefits, self-sufficiency and return benefit, transition benefit, rehabilitation benefits, and any other benefits under the terms of the Active Social Policy Act. The final point is particularly broad, as it effectively excludes any benefit that falls under that legislative framework, not just those explicitly named.
This means that even if a Green Card holder faces financial hardship or other circumstances that would ordinarily qualify a Danish resident for support, they are not eligible for these social welfare safety nets. The Danish authorities have made clear that the exclusion is absolute under national law.
Official Statement from the Danish Government
The Danish government's position is spelled out clearly in its official documentation. The website states: "You and your family are not allowed to receive cash benefits, self-sufficiency and return benefit as well as transition benefit, rehabilitation benefits or any other benefits under the terms of the Active Social Policy Act."
The breadth of the restriction is notable, as the final clause closes the door on any benefit that falls under the Act, regardless of whether it is explicitly listed. For foreigners who have relocated to Denmark on a Green Card, this means that the social welfare provisions available to Danish citizens and other residents may not be accessible to them, irrespective of their personal circumstances while living in the country.
Impact on Green Card Holders
This restriction is part of Denmark's broader immigration and social policy framework. It underscores the conditional nature of the Green Card scheme, which grants residency rights but does not extend to full access to the country's welfare system. Green Card holders are expected to be self-sufficient and are not entitled to these benefits during their stay.
In a related development, Legit.ng recently reported that Denmark has permanently barred foreigners who have received a prison sentence of more than six months from obtaining a permanent residence permit. That restriction applies regardless of how long the individual has lived in Denmark or whether they meet other permanent residency requirements. Together, these measures reflect Denmark's tightening of immigration and welfare policies for non-citizens.
