Under this model, the country allows the victim to retain or apply for an independent immigration status when the relationship ends because of domestic violence. Each country has specific legal requirements and evaluates the victim’s vulnerability.

Examples: Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, among others.

Below, we explain what protections generally exist in each country, who may qualify, and what is usually required.

Important Notice: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services immediately.

Europa e EEE: o princípio é o mesmo, mas as regras mudam por país

Across many European countries, the general principle is to:

• allow the victim to keep their immigration status;
• or grant an independent residence permit

when the relationship ends because of domestic violence, particularly in family reunification cases.
In addition, European Union directives provide certain protections in specific situations. However, the practical outcome depends greatly on each country’s immigration laws and on the individual’s type of residence permit.
Below is an overview by country.

Germany

In Germany, when a residence permit was granted through family reunification (marriage or civil partnership), it may be possible to obtain an independent residence permit after separation or divorce.
German immigration law also provides exceptions for cases involving hardship, including situations of domestic violence.
The general principle is that a person’s right to remain in Germany should not remain permanently tied to the marriage. Victims of domestic violence may qualify for exceptions to the usual minimum residence requirements.
Authorities generally consider:

• evidence of violence or threats (documents, police reports, medical records, witness statements);
• whether the relationship was genuine;
  
• the victim’s level of risk and vulnerability.

Italy

A Italy provides a specific Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) for victims of domestic violence. Depending on the circumstances and legal requirements, this protection may also be available to individuals with vulnerable immigration status.
In practice, applicants usually need:

• recognition as a victim of domestic violence;
  referral by public authorities or specialized support services;
• documentation demonstrating the existence of violence and risk.

United Kingdom (UK)

The United Kingdom has one of the clearest immigration pathways for victims whose immigration status depended on their spouse or partner.
Two important protections are available:

Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC)

This concession allows eligible victims to obtain temporary immigration permission and access to public support and benefits while preparing an application for permanent status.

Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse

This immigration route allows eligible victims to apply for settlement or another form of lawful immigration status after a relationship ends because of domestic abuse, provided the applicable legal requirements are met.

Norway

Norway offers a specific immigration pathway known as the Residence Permit for Victims of Abuse.
If a woman entered Norway through family immigration and suffered abuse by her spouse or partner, she may apply for an independent residence permit.

Denmark

Denmark is known for having stricter family reunification rules. Nevertheless, Danish immigration law provides legal grounds to evaluate whether a residence permit may be maintained in situations involving domestic violence and vulnerability.
These cases generally require specialized legal guidance and are assessed individually. Legal aid organizations and government guidance in Denmark address this issue and reference the relevant provisions of the Danish Aliens Act.

In Denmark, careful legal analysis and local legal assistance may be essential to prevent the loss of immigration status when residence depends on the relationship with the abusive partner.

Netherlands (Holand)

The Netherlands, through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), provides an official immigration pathway for victims of domestic violence or honour-based violence whose relationship has ended because of abuse and who require immigration protection.
Depending on the circumstances, eligible individuals may apply for an independent residence permit.

 Sweden

The Swedish Migration Agency recognizes that, in certain circumstances, a residence permit may be extended even after a relationship has ended.
This may apply when a woman or her child has been the victim of domestic violence and the end of the relationship is directly connected to that abuse.
Each application is evaluated individually, taking into account:

• the credibility of the applicant’s account;
• evidence supporting the allegations of abuse;
• whether the relationship was genuine and serious. 

Belgium

Belgium recognizes, in specific situations, the possibility of retaining residence rights following divorce or separation where domestic violence has occurred.
These protections are particularly relevant in cases involving European Union residence rights and the implementation of EU directives.
The outcome depends largely on:

• the type of residence permit held (EU or non-EU);
• the legal basis of the residence;
  the timing of the separation or divorce.
  

Protection through retained residence rights may be available in certain situations, but eligibility depends heavily on the individual’s immigration status and the specific facts of the case.

What Is Usually Required?

Although immigration laws differ from country to country, most systems require some combination of the following:

• A detailed and consistent personal statement describing the abuse.
• Supporting evidence, such as text messages, emails, photographs of injuries, medical records, police reports, or statements from witnesses.
• Proof that the relationship was genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
• Evidence of risk or vulnerability, including documentation from social services, domestic violence shelters, psychologists, counselors, protective orders, or similar sources.
  

The Common Goal

Despite the differences among countries, these immigration protections generally seek to:
✅ Allow victims to leave abusive relationships safely.
✅ Prevent victims from immediately falling into undocumented or unlawful immigration status.
✅ Provide an opportunity to obtain lawful immigration status independently from the abuser.