Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
This privacy policy explains how the Immigration and Integration Office (the "Immigration Office") processes personal data in connection with its tasks as a public authority. We process your personal data in accordance with the Faroese Data Protection Act (dátuverndarlógin).
What is personal data?
Personal data is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable living individual. Different pieces of information, which collected together can lead to the identification of a particular person, also constitute personal data. Typical examples of personal data are name, address, and e-mail.
2. Data Controller
The Immigration Office is the data controller for the processing of personal data in cases handled by the Office.
3. Purpose of Processing
We process personal data for the following purposes:
- Processing applications for work permits and residence permits
- Transferring information to Danish immigration authorities for case processing matters
- Providing guidance to individuals regarding immigration matters
- Referring individuals to relevant authorities
- Coordinating integration-related measures and services in accordance with the Faroese Integration Act
- Sharing necessary information with municipalities and relevant public bodies to facilitate integration measures, language courses, social orientation, and services for children and families
- Processing requests for access to documents and data subject rights
- Processing personal data in connection with job applications
4. Legal Basis
The Immigration Office processes personal data primarily on the following legal bases:
- Article 8(2)(3) of the Data Protection Act, as the processing is necessary for the performance of tasks carried out in the exercise of official authority
- Article 8(2)(5) of the Data Protection Act, where processing is necessary to comply with legal obligations, including disclosure of information to other authorities
Where processing takes place in connection with integration measures, personal data may be shared with municipalities, integration coordinators, Gigni, schools, and other relevant public authorities where necessary to fulfil statutory obligations in accordance with Article 8 of the Integration Act.
Where the processing involves sensitive personal data, the processing is carried out in accordance with Article 12(1) of the Data Protection Act, where this is necessary for the performance of the Immigration Office’s statutory tasks or based on explicit consent where required by law.
Where relevant, processing may be based on consent.
5. Categories of Personal Data
We process:
- Identification data (name, date of birth, nationality, gender)
- Contact details (address, email address, phone number)
- Case-related information
- Information received from other authorities
- Employment and financial information where relevant to permit applications
- Information relating to integration measures and communication with municipalities or other public bodies
- In some cases, sensitive personal data
Sensitive personal data may include:
- Health-related information
- Criminal records
- Information regarding ethnic origin or nationality where relevant under applicable law
- Information relating to social circumstances where necessary for integration-related support or statutory case processing
6. Sources of Data
We collect data:
- From you
- From other public authorities
- From municipalities and integration-related authorities
- From companies or individuals where relevant
7. Recipients of Data
Your data may be disclosed to:
- Danish immigration authorities
- Faroese public authorities
- Municipalities and integration coordinators in accordance with the Faroese Integration Act
- Gigni, schools, day-care institutions, and other relevant public bodies where necessary to support integration measures concerning children and families
- Other authorities where necessary to fulfil legal obligations
- Archival institutions in accordance with archival legislation
Only necessary personal data is shared. Sensitive personal data is only disclosed where permitted by law or based on explicit consent where required.
In certain situations, the Immigration Office may notify municipalities and Gigni when families with children relocate to the Faroe Islands in order to facilitate access to integration measures, language development, educational support, and health-related services in accordance with Article 8(2) of the Integration Act.
8. Storage and Retention
We store your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil our obligations as a public authority and in accordance with applicable legislation.
Data is registered in electronic case management systems and handled in accordance with archival legislation. Data may be transferred to archives and assessed for deletion based on legal obligations, administrative necessity, and archival requirements.
9. Your Rights
Under the Data Protection Act, you have:
- Right to information
- Right of access
- Right to rectification
- Right to erasure
- Right to restriction of processing
- Right to object
- Rights related to automated decision-making
Some rights may be limited where the processing is necessary for the exercise of official authority or to comply with legal obligations.
More information is available from the Faroese Data Protection Authority at:
10. Complaints
You may lodge a complaint with the Faroese Data Protection Authority if you believe your personal data is processed unlawfully.
11. Data Protection Officer
The Immigration Office is covered by a joint Data Protection Officer under Vinnustovnurin. The Data Protection Officer can inform you about the rules regarding personal data. The Data Protection Officer can also give advice on your rights in relation to processing of personal data at the Immigration Office.
Email: dpo@vs.fo
Telephone: +298 356020
Updated on 22 June, 2026