Danish Citizenship and Naturalization
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Danish citizenship is acquired through naturalization, which requires an act of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget). Denmark has some of the strictest citizenship requirements in Europe.
The main requirements are: 9 years of continuous residence in Denmark (reduced to 8 for refugees, 6 for Nordic citizens, 6 for stateless persons born in Denmark), a clean criminal record (strict thresholds — even minor offences can impose waiting periods), no overdue public debts, no receipt of certain public benefits in the last 2 years, passing Prøve i Dansk 3 (B2-level Danish language test), passing the citizenship test (Indfødsretsprøven — 40 questions on Danish history, culture, and society, 32 correct answers required), and self-sufficiency (employment for at least 3.5 of the last 4 years).
Since 2019, new citizens must participate in a citizenship ceremony (grundlovsdagsceremoni) and take an oath of allegiance with a handshake with a municipal representative.
Denmark allows dual citizenship since September 2015. You do not need to renounce your existing nationality.
The application fee is DKK 3,800 (approximately 510 euros). The citizenship test costs DKK 783. Processing time is typically 12–24 months as applications are batched into biannual parliamentary naturalization acts.
When does it apply?
- You have lived in Denmark for at least 9 years of continuous residence.
- You are a Nordic citizen with at least 6 years of residence.
- You are a recognized refugee with at least 8 years of residence.
- You are married to a Danish citizen — the residence requirement may be reduced by up to 2 years (minimum 6 years).
What to Do If You Are Ready to Apply for Danish Citizenship by Naturalization
- Pass Prøve i Dansk 3 — this is a B2-level Danish test. Language schools (sprogcentre) offer preparation courses. The test is free for participants in the integration programme.
- Pass the citizenship test (Indfødsretsprøven) — 40 multiple-choice questions, 32 correct answers needed. Study materials are available at indfodsretsproven.dk.
- Submit your application online through the application system on uim.dk — include language test results, criminal record certificate, employment history, and proof of self-sufficiency.
- Prepare for the ceremony — after parliamentary approval, you must attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath of allegiance.
- Pay the DKK 3,800 fee and the DKK 783 test fee.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not underestimate the criminal record requirement — even fines of DKK 3,000 or more can impose waiting periods of several years.
- Do not receive public benefits in the 2 years before applying — kontanthjælp and uddannelseshjælp are disqualifying.
- Do not submit without the test results — both the language test and citizenship test must be passed before you apply.
- Do not skip the ceremony — participation is mandatory since 2019, and failure to attend means your citizenship is not finalized.
Common Questions
When does it apply — danish citizenship and naturalization?
You have lived in Denmark for at least 9 years of continuous residence.You are a Nordic citizen with at least 6 years of residence.You are a recognized refugee with at least 8 years of residence.You are married to a Danish citizen — the residence requirement may be reduced by up to 2 years (minimum 6 years).
What should I do if I have met the 9-year residence requirement and want to apply for Danish citizenship?
Pass Prøve i Dansk 3 — this is a B2-level Danish test. Language schools (sprogcentre) offer preparation courses. The test is free for participants in the integration programme.Pass the citizenship test (Indfødsretsprøven) — 40 multiple-choice questions, 32 correct answers needed. Study materials are available at indfodsretsproven.dk.Submit your application online through the application system on uim.dk — include language test results, criminal record certificate, employment history, and proof of self-sufficiency.Prepare for the ceremony — after parliamentary approval, you must attend a citize...
What should you NOT do — danish citizenship and naturalization?
Do not underestimate the criminal record requirement — even fines of DKK 3,000 or more can impose waiting periods of several years.Do not receive public benefits in the 2 years before applying — kontanthjælp and uddannelseshjælp are disqualifying.Do not submit without the test results — both the language test and citizenship test must be passed before you apply.Do not skip the ceremony — participation is mandatory since 2019, and failure to attend means your citizenship is not finalized.
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