Greenland increases maximum prison sentence to 16 years

18 December 2025

Based on a press release from the Government of Greenland.

Greenland has moved to strengthen its response to serious crime after the Danish Parliament approved an increase in the maximum prison sentence under Greenlandic law. According to a press release from Naalakkersuisut, courts will now be able to impose sentences of up to 16 years, up from the previous limit of 10.

The change follows requests from both the Government of Greenland and the Parliament of Greenland and is intended to align sentencing more closely with public expectations of justice, said Minister for Justice Affairs Naaja H. Nathanielsen.

The legislative amendment was approved by the Inatsisartut in October 2025 and formally adopted by the Danish Parliament. It will enter into force on 1 January 2026.

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