Civil registration process changes after appointment system is taken down

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Authorities have changed civil registration procedures for foreign nationals in the greater Copenhagen area.

What does the change mean? Effective immediately, foreign nationals in and around Copenhagen can complete civil registration through a walk-in service at the International House. An online booking system was recently taken down after it had experienced technical problems, and appointments that were made through it have been canceled.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. Danish authorities have shut down the online system until further notice.
• Visas/permits affected: Civil registration.
• Who is affected: Assignees and dependent family members completing civil registration in the greater Copenhagen area.
• Next steps: Registration must be completed in person at the International House, Gyldenløvesgade 11, 1600 Copenhagen V. Normal business hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Additional information can be found on this website.

Background: The online system was recently introduced and was plagued by technical problems and inefficiencies. Danish authorities decided to revert to the civil registration process that was in place before the appointment system was launched, and foreign nationals can now complete the registration by walking into the International House without first booking an appointment.

The International House has also said that legalized documents, such as marriage certificates, will no longer be required in cases where the documents have already been approved, e.g., when a work and residence permit has already been granted by the Danish Immigration Authority.

BAL Analysis: The change away from the online appointment system will likely lead to longer wait times, as appointments can no longer be booked online. The decision to waive legalization requirements for supporting documents, however, will ease registration processes and will help save some time when completing civil registration.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Denmark. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.