Year-ends are usually intense, but the final weeks of 2020 were extra stressful for Brits living in Denmark.
Photograph: iStock
Text: Cecília Tümler
Following the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, Brits that call EU countries home had to keep an eye on paperwork to ensure they're safe and sound to stay in their selected EU country. But even with the documents in place and the new year beginning, the situation still feels quite uncertain to some UK citizens in Scandi countries.
"I'm not sure yet as to how Brexit has affected me. I think perhaps once the Corona crisis is over, we will find out more because right now there's no travel, or visitors etc.", says Elizabeth Holm Milne, who moved from Scotland 26 years ago. Hoping to help clarify the new context a bit more, British Ambassador to Denmark Emma Hopkins went live on Facebook on 15th January, reassuring the right to live, work and study to everyone registered in Denmark before the 31st December 2020. Nevertheless, in 2021 there are still actions to be taken around residency.
"I'm not sure yet as to how Brexit has affected me. I think perhaps once the Corona crisis is over, we will find out more because right now there's no travel, or visitors etc.", says Elizabeth Holm Milne, who moved from Scotland 26 years ago.
So, what are the actions to be taken during 2021?
According to the ambassador, UK nationals will have to apply for a new residency document. "Both temporary and permanent residents will be able to apply until 31st December 2021", explains Hopkins. This document will be issued at SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration), responsible for further questions.
Here is your checklist to follow this year:
UK nationals who work in Denmark, but live in another EU country - such as Sweden or Germany will need to apply for a new document that confirms their rights as "cross-border" or "frontier workers" in Denmark;
By now all Brits in Denmark should have received an invitation to apply during 2021 for their new residency permits. It's vital to follow SIRI's recommendation on applying according to your birth year; this is to make sure the system is not overwhelmed with applications;
Convert your driver's license from British to Danish;
Make sure you have your Danish yellow CPR card, to have access to healthcare;
Make sure you have your Danish issued blue EHIC card, when travelling outside of Denmark, to keep access to local healthcare in other EU countries;
Make sure your British passport is up to date and not about to expire;
Remember to have your current Danish residency document with you when entering and exiting Denmark;
Remember to follow the British Embassy in Denmark online, not to miss any deadlines or new rules.
Important contacts:
British Embassy in Copenhagen: www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-copenhagen
Or check out the Brexit section of the (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) page:
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