In Danish immigration law, you encounter three main authorities that are often confused: the Immigration Service, SIRI, and the Immigration Appeals Board. The distinction is critical for where your case should be filed — and which rules apply.
The Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen)
The Immigration Service is the central Danish immigration authority under the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. It handles:
- Asylum cases — refugee protection under § 7 of the Aliens Act.
- Family reunification — spouses, children, parents.
- Permanent residence permit.
- Visa cases in coordination with embassies.
- Humanitarian residence permits.
SIRI
SIRI (Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) is also under the Ministry but has a different portfolio:
- Work permits — Pay Limit Scheme, Positive List, Fast-Track, etc.
- Study permits for higher education.
- EU residence rights for EU citizens and family members.
- Accompanying family of workers and students.
- Researcher and trainee stays.
The Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet)
The Immigration Appeals Board is an independent appellate body, not a first-instance authority. It handles:
- Appeals against Immigration Service and SIRI decisions.
- Appeals after the original authority has performed reconsideration.
- Asylum appeals go to the Refugee Appeals Board, not the Immigration Appeals Board.
Which authority should you contact?
| Case type | Authority |
|---|---|
| Family reunification (ordinary) | Immigration Service |
| Family reunification (EU rules) | SIRI |
| Work permit | SIRI |
| Study permit | SIRI |
| Permanent residence | Immigration Service |
| Asylum | Immigration Service |
| Visa (Schengen) | Immigration Service via embassy |
| Appeal against decision | Immigration Appeals Board (or Refugee Appeals Board for asylum) |
| Citizenship | Ministry of Immigration and Integration |
What if you send the case to the wrong authority?
Incorrect filing delays processing, but the case will typically be forwarded internally. It is good practice to file correctly from the start — to avoid weeks or months of delay.
If in doubt, contact us — we route your case to the right place.
Need help with your case?
We have more than 10 years of experience in Danish immigration law and have won more than 150 appeal cases at the Immigration Appeals Board. Get a non-binding first assessment of your case — we respond within 24 hours.
