Copenhagen is running low on space to house refugees from Ukraine, leading city officials to urge changes to Denmark’s special law for displaced Ukrainians.
Copenhagen Faces Housing Shortage for Ukrainian Refugees
København’s Employment and Integration Mayor, Jens-Kristian Lütken of the Liberal Party, warns that the Danish capital is close to running out of housing options for Ukrainian refugees. About 50 new Ukrainians arrive in the city each week, putting increasing pressure on the municipality’s already stretched resources.
He believes the issue stems from the type of refugees currently arriving. The majority, he says, are young Ukrainian men between 18 and 22 who were allowed to leave their country after Ukraine lifted the travel ban for this age group in August. Meanwhile, fewer refugees are coming directly from the most war-torn areas of Ukraine.
According to Lütken, this imbalance creates both moral and practical challenges. The city must house everyone entitled under Denmark’s immigration and refugee laws, but finding accommodation for so many newcomers is proving costly. Copenhagen currently spends around a quarter of a billion kroner each year on temporary housing, often renting hotels at high prices.
Living conditions are tight, leading to growing tension among residents. “It’s simply too many people in too little space,” said Lütken in an interview with DR. He argues that it would make more sense to focus support on those who need it most, and possibly adjust how refugees are distributed nationwide.
Calls for Change to Denmark’s Special Law for Ukrainians
The so-called “special law” grants temporary residence and financial support to Ukrainians fleeing war. Lütken now wants the government to revise that law so it applies only to refugees from parts of Ukraine directly affected by fighting. He points out that current policies may unintentionally attract groups who can manage on their own, while those most in peril remain behind.
The special law is up for renewal in March, and the mayor is pushing for changes before that date. He also warns that if nothing is done, Copenhagen will soon have no available housing for new arrivals.
Lütken maintains that Denmark’s greatest contribution to Ukraine lies in providing military and economic aid, not in hosting large numbers of refugees. He suggests that the best way to help is to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to rebuild. As part of this, he proposes giving financial incentives to Ukrainians already in Denmark who choose to return home voluntarily.
Government Recognizes Municipal Strain but No Law Change Yet
Denmark’s Minister for Immigration and Integration, Rasmus Stoklund, confirms that the government is aware of the problems cities face in accommodating Ukrainian refugees. In November, ministry officials met with representatives from Copenhagen and other municipalities to discuss the strain on local capacity.
He acknowledges the effort municipalities have made and notes that the government has given them broad flexibility in handling refugee reception. However, Stoklund also emphasizes that Denmark fully supports Ukraine in its resistance against Russia’s invasion and that this commitment remains firm.
Still, there are no immediate plans to amend the special law. According to updated figures, 61 percent of Ukrainians aged 18 to 66 under the law were employed across Denmark in September 2025. In Copenhagen, that number was notably lower at 50 percent, suggesting slower integration into the labor market compared to other municipalities.
By late October, about 41,000 Ukrainians were living in Denmark under the special law, more than 4,400 of them within Copenhagen’s city limits. With both housing space and budgets tightening, the debate over how to manage incoming refugees is set to continue in the months ahead.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: How to Immigrate to Denmark
The Danish Dream: Immigration and Labour Law in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Ukrainske flygtninge presser København – borgmester vil have sat en prop i
