Citizenship in Denmark

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 29, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

If you’ve lived in Denmark for at least nine years and have a permanent residence, you can apply for Danish citizenship, known locally as dansk indfødsret. So, after nine years, you can become a Dane. This article will guide you through the process, including the requirements and steps to take to become a Danish citizen. Whether you're seeking to solidify your status or understand the benefits of citizenship, we've got you covered.

What are the benefits of Danish citizenship?

There are plenty of temporary permits available for expats who want to work in Denmark. These permits come with numerous rights, like working in the country, but if you’ve been living in Denmark for a while and are aiming for or already have permanent residency, you can take the next step and enjoy the full benefits of citizenship.

Obtaining Danish citizenship comes with some great benefits. You'll have the right to live and work in Denmark, vote in elections, access social benefits, and own property. It also comes with a few responsibilities, like potential military service. Internationally, Danish citizenship offers the protection of Danish diplomatic services if you face issues abroad. Plus, you can travel freely in and out of Denmark, but you knew that.

Of course, one of the best benefits of being a Dane and having a Danish passport is that you can work anywhere in Europe. Ask digital nomads flocking to Portugal about it (although they might be keeping their Danish krone jobs and working remotely, but they could land a Portuguese, Spanish or Austrian job if they wanted to). With a Danish passport, you can even move back from Portugal to Denmark.

Denmark is one of the select EU countries that allow dual citizenship, so you may be able to keep your original nationality. Your children born after you gain citizenship will automatically become citizens too, while your previous children can apply with you. And with a Danish passport, you can travel to 88% of the world either visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival, which makes it one of the most powerful passports around.

Does Denmark allow dual citizenship?

In 2015, a new Nationality Act allowing multiple nationalities came into effect. This means foreign citizens applying for Danish citizenship no longer need to give up their previous nationality, All the same, your home country may require you to renounce your original citizenship to acquire a new one.

What are the ways to get Danish citizenship?

The Danish citizenship process is notoriously one of the most difficult in the EU. There are only two paths available: naturalization and descent.

By naturalisation

Danish citizenship by naturalisation is the process through which non-Danish citizens can become Danish citizens after meeting specific requirements set by the government. It’s the best pathway for expats to gain Danish citizenship. The first step is to secure a job in Denmark and obtain a temporary work permit. After living and working in Denmark for a certain period, you can apply for permanent residency, and eventually, citizenship through naturalisation. This process allows you to fully integrate into Danish society and enjoy all the rights and benefits that come with being a Danish citizen.

By descent

Danish citizenship by birth is granted automatically to children born to at least one Danish parent. This rule applies regardless of where the child is born and whether the parents are married.

When can you apply for Danish citizenship?

To become a Danish citizen, you'll need to meet several requirements. When you apply, make sure all conditions are fulfilled, as the Ministry won’t hold applications to allow time for meeting these requirements. If there’s a condition you believe doesn’t apply to you, mention it in your application and provide any necessary documentation to prove your status.

• Declaration of Allegiance and Loyalty: You must pledge allegiance and loyalty to Denmark, agreeing to follow Danish law, including the Constitution, and to respect Denmark's fundamental values and democracy.
• Permanent residence: you must live in Denmark and be registered in the Central Personal Register (CPR). Generally, you must have had an unlimited residence permit for 2 years, or 1 year if you are a refugee.
• Stay: You must have lived in Denmark for 9 uninterrupted years, although there are some exceptions.
• Clean criminal record: Certain crimes can get your application rejected, but minor fines under DKK 3,000 usually don’t cause issues.
• No public debt: Don't owe the government too many kroner.
• Self-sufficiency: You must not have received certain public benefits in the last 2 years, and only for a total of 4 months in the past 5 years.
• Employment: You need at least 3 years and 6 months of full-time work or equivalent self-employment in the last 4 years, and you must be employed when your citizenship bill is presented.
• Danish skills: You must pass the Danish 3 exam or equivalent.
• Citizenship test: You’ll need to pass the 'Indfødsretsprøven af ​​2021' to prove your knowledge of Danish society, culture, and history.

Securing a job in Denmark right off the bat is one of the best ways to fulfil the stringent requirements for Danish citizenship. By maintaining stable employment, you can prove self-sufficiency, which is key to avoiding public debt or reliance on public benefits—both sources of loss of eligibility for citizenship. The way the Danes see it, employment at a Danish company helps immerse yourself in the culture and traditions with your colleagues, and you’d be working your ways towards your integration into Danish society.

What documents are required?

When applying, make sure to include the following documents:

• A photocopy of your valid passport.
• A photocopy of your permanent residence permit.
• Proof of Danish language proficiency (test or exam certificate).
• Proof of passing the citizenship test.
• A copy of any fines for traffic offences or convictions for crimes under Chapter 25 of the Penal Code.
• Medical documentation if you’re seeking an exemption from language or other requirements.
• Proof of custody if including your child/children in the application.
• Documentation that your child/children have legal residence in Denmark if included in the application.
• Receipt for the DKK 4,000 application fee.

You can find the list in the application (only in Danish).

How to apply for Danish citizenship?

Citizenship bills are typically presented twice a year, in April and October. For most applicants, you’ll have to apply online. If you use a paper application and aren't part of the specified groups that have to apply by mail, it will be rejected.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Complete and submit your online application.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. After paying, remember to sign your application using MitID.

You’ll get an immediate email confirmation once your application is submitted. The Ministry of Immigration and Integration will also send you a confirmation with your case number and an estimated processing time.

If you meet all the requirements, your application will be included in a naturalisation bill for approval by the Danish Parliament. On average, processing takes about 14 months. After participating in the constitution ceremony, signing the ceremonial declaration, and shaking hands with the mayor, you'll receive your citizenship certificate.

What is the Danish citizenship test?

The citizenship test checks your knowledge of Danish society, values, culture, and history with 45 questions. Out of these, 35 focus on the learning material, 5 on current affairs, and 5 on Danish values. To pass, you need to correctly answer at least 36 questions, including 4 out of the 5 on Danish values. You can prepare using the written or audio learning material, and practice with previous tests. Keep up with Danish news and understand basic Danish values. The learning material for tests in winter 2024 and summer 2025 will be updated by the end of August 2025 for the tests in winter 2025 and summer 2026.

Can your family members get Danish citizenship?

Yes, you can pass Danish citizenship to your close family members—spouse and children—if they meet the specific requirements.

For Children

Generally, children can become Danish citizens through naturalisation with their parents. However, if a child can’t be included with a parent, they might be able to apply on their own under certain conditions, such as being adopted.

For a child to acquire Danish citizenship as a minor, they must:

• Be unmarried and under 18.
• Live in Denmark with legal residency.
• Not have a criminal record that affects citizenship.
• Consent of the parent not included in the bill (if they have joint custody)

For Spouses

If you're married to a Danish citizen, you can meet the residence requirement for citizenship after 6 to 8 years, depending on the duration of your marriage and your spouse’s citizenship status:

• 6 years if married for at least 3 years and your spouse has been a Danish citizen for at least 3 years.
• 7 years if married for at least 2 years and your spouse has been a Danish citizen for at least 3 years.
• 8 years if married for at least 1 year and your spouse has been a Danish citizen for at least 3 years.

What are Danish citizenship fees?

When you submit your Danish citizenship application, a fee of DKK 4,000 (2024) is required. You can pay the fee using Dankort, Visa, Mastercard, or MobilePay.

What if your application is rejected?

Unfortunately, you can’t appeal decisions about Danish citizenship. According to the Danish Constitution, Parliament makes the final call on citizenship applications, so there’s no administrative appeal process.

However, if your application is rejected, you can reapply at any time. Just remember to answer "Yes" to the question about previous applications on the form, and you won’t need to pay the fee again. You’ll need to fill out a new application online and include all relevant documents, even if you’ve submitted them before.

Talk to an immigration expert

Securing Danish citizenship can be challenging due to strict income and employment requirements. Finding a stable job in Denmark early on is one of the most effective strategies to meet the requirements for Danish citizenship. The path to citizenship is easier to navigate when you can prove financial security and demonstrate integration into Danish society. And a job is a keystone in building up that case.

Still, besides finding work, you might want an expert to help you out with the process. Contact us today and we can put you in touch with immigration consultants who can advise you on the best visas or paths to Danish citizenship.

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