Same criteria, but special guidelines
Children under 18 who arrive to Denmark without parents or a guardian and apply for asylum are called “unaccompanied minor asylum seekers”. Principally, they must meet the same criteria as other asylum seekers to have their application tried in Denmark and obtain asylum. However, there are specific guidelines for this particular group. Applications from unaccompanied minors must be tried faster, and the children are accommodated in special asylum centres with specially trained staff.

Personal representative and legal assistance
An unaccompanied minor is appointed a personal representative who will safeguard the child’s interests and assist the child during the trying of the asylum case, for instance by being present during the asylum interview. If an unaccompanied minor’s application is processed through the manifestly unfounded procedure, the child will automatically receive free legal assistance from a lawyer.

The chance of a residence permit
If an unaccompanied minor receives a rejection to his or her application for asylum, it is assessed whether the child will find itself in a de facto emergency situation upon return to the country of origin. If that is the case, a residence permit will be granted according to the Danish Aliens Act § 9c, 3(ii).