Protocol Services Support - Denmark

The GSSC Protocol Services team in Copenhagen supports UNDP internationally and locally recruited UNDP Denmark based International and General Service staff members, Personnel Service Agreement holders, United Nations Volunteers, interns and their eligible family members.

The protocol services provided cover the full assignment life‑cycle of eligible personnel and dependents, from onboarding, through key life events during the assignment in Denmark, to offboarding.

Onboarding Services

At the start of the assignment, support includes:

  • Processing of entry D‑visa applications
  • Registration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (MFA) and assistance in obtaining Residence Permits and ID Cards
  • Guidance on initial arrival formalities, including appointment scheduling and documentation requirements
  • Advice on administrative procedures related to temporary Denmark specific CPR numbers, as applicable, etc.

In‑Assignment / Life‑Event Services

During the assignment, assistance is provided for a range of administrative and logistical needs, such as:

  • Advice on duty‑free import of personal household effects
  • Support for the import or local purchase of motor vehicles exempt from customs and excise duties
  • Guidance on tax matters related to locally purchased goods and services
  • Updates or amendments related to changes in personal or family circumstances (e.g. family members joining or leaving Denmark)
  • General liaison with MFA authorities on protocol‑related questions, etc.

Offboarding Services

  • At the end of the assignment, services may include:
  • Guidance on departure formalities
  • Support with cancellation or return of MFA ID cards
  • Advice related to export of personal effects or vehicles
  • Clarification of any remaining administrative obligations prior to departure

Check the Protocol Services FAQ page for more details and watch the video below: 

 

  

 

Facilitation of entry D-visa to Denmark

In accordance with the One UN Host Agreement between UNDP Denmark and the Danish MFA, all internationally recruited non-EU UNDP personnel, United Nations Volunteers and interns and any eligible accompanying dependent family members are required to obtain D-visa from a Danish Embassy prior to their arrival in Denmark. 
The D-visa processing takes up to two months. Therefore, it is highly recommended to initiate the application process as soon as possible.

For EU citizens: If you already hold a valid EU citizenship or valid residence permit, no visa is required.
For non-EU citizens: Note that you may not travel to Denmark prior to having obtained a D visa.
Insurance requirements while on assignment in Denmark

In line with Danish host country requirements, all UNDP personnel assigned to Denmark must maintain adequate medical insurance coverage for the full duration of their assignment, including eligible accompanying dependents, where applicable.
 

Registration with the MFA

In accordance with the One UN Host Agreement, all UNDP personnel and their eligible accompanying dependent family members are required to be registered with the Protocol Department of the Danish MFA upon arrival in Denmark.  The registration takes 1-2 days, and simultaneously personnel are issued the Danish residence permit/ID cards and Administrative CPR numbers.
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Import of personal belongings

Personal belongings can be cleared only after the staff member is issued a residence permit card. If personal belongings have been shipped before arrival in Copenhagen, it is highly recommended to inform the GSSC Protocol Services team as soon as possible.   

Import/Purchase of a motor vehicle free of customs and excise duties

Internationally recruited staff members are entitled to import or purchase one motor vehicle free of taxes and customs duty. Please communicate with the GSSC Protocol Services team before shipping your motor vehicle to Denmark.
It is very important not to make any commitment for the import/purchase of a motor vehicle until MFA issues an approval for your request. 
Please familiarize yourself with guidelines of import/purchase of motor vehicles as different rules might apply to you.

De-registration

At the end of assignment in Denmark upon Separation or Reassignment, the residence permits/identity cards must be returned to the GSSC Protocol Services team to be forwarded to the Protocol Department.  
Before departure, an exit visa will be issued by the Protocol Department in the staff members' national passport/UNLP.

General information

We strongly recommend you to consult The Guide for diplomats in Denmark, which is issued by the Protocol Department of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is a diplomatic guide that provides useful information about the conditions, privileges and immunities for the personnel of foreign missions and international organizations in Denmark. It also contains information about other rules, regulations, procedures etc., of relevance for their conduct of business in Denmark.

Also refer to the Protocol Services FAQ ​for more detailed guidance and information. Additional MoFA services related questions can be emailed to gssc.mofa.cph@undp.org. 

For more general information about UN City Copenhagen please visit the UN City website.