As of January 1, 2012 Denmark has introduced new biometric passports, which means they will contain digital photos, fingerprints and signatures. The decision to include fingerprints was made at central level in the EU and is a way to fight against terrorism, human trafficking, illegal immigration and other trans-border crime.
Biometric passports have an invisible electronic chip sealed into the side of them with the details of the passport holder, a digital photo and fingerprints. This is an added security measure, which is aimed at preventing forgery and unlawful use of passports. Although these new passport rules are in effect, passports issued prior to Jan. 1, 2012 will not need to be renewed until they expire. Incidentally, all passports issued after August 1st, 2006 are considered biometric (but without the fingerprints).
However, it will not be as easy to get these biometric passports as it was in the past, especially if you are a Dane living abroad. The reason being is that it requires installation of special equipment to take the photos, fingerprints and signature. Therefore, not many Danish foreign representations abroad offer this service anymore. In Spain you will have to go to the Royal Danish Embassy in Madrid. Their address is Serrano 26, 7th fl. 28001 Madrid. Tel.: 914 318 445, E-mail madamb@um.dk and website www.spanien.um.dk. The fee is 125 Euro or 944 Dkr. Danish consulates can only extend the validity of a passport and issue emergency passports. The nearest Danish Consulate is located in Málaga on Calle Córdoba 6, 404. Tel: 952 211 797.
As a Danish citizen, you also have the option of applying for or renewing a passport at the Civil Service Centre (Borgerservice) in any municipality in Denmark, even if you are not a resident there. Remember to tell them if you are residing in Spain. To see a list of municipalities go to www.kommune.dk.
You will have to get passport photos taken at a certified photo shop that has had the special biometric passport photo equipment installed. It is imperative that the photos comply with the new rules. The Civil Service Centre is in charge of taking your fingerprints and signature so you have to meet up in person. Children under 12 years old will not have to submit fingerprints but will still have to show up in person.
It might be easier to get your passport renewed while you are in Denmark visiting rather than travelling to Madrid. It is also less expensive. If you are between 18 and 64-years-old the price is 625 Dkr. If you are 65+ the price is 375 Dkr. Passports for children ages 0-11 is 115 Dkr and for ages 12-17 the price is 140 Dkr. By the way, since October 1, 2004 infants and children must have their own passport.
It usually takes 10 to 14 days to get a new passport. For an extra charge the municipality can expedite it faster. If you have to return to Spain before you can receive your passport, make arrangements with them to send it by courier (to be on the safe side) to your address in Spain. You don’t want it getting lost in the mail.