Danish Citizenship (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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 naturalisation, which requires adoption by the Folketing (Parliament). Denmark has some of Europe's strictest citizenship requirements.
The main requirements are: 9 years' continuous residence in Denmark (reduced to 8 years for refugees, 6 years for Nordic citizens and 6 years for stateless persons born in Denmark), a clean criminal record (strict limits — even minor offences can trigger waiting periods), no overdue public debt, no receipt of certain public benefits in the last 2 years, a passed Prøve i Dansk 3 (language test at B2 level), a passed citizenship test (indfødsretsprøven) (40 questions on Danish history, culture and society — 32 correct answers required) and self-support (employment for at least 3.5 of the last 4 years).
Since 2019, new citizens must attend a Constitution Day ceremony and make a declaration of allegiance with a handshake to a municipal representative.
Denmark has allowed dual citizenship since September 2015. You do not have to give up your existing citizenship.
The application fee is 3,800 kr. (approx. 510 euros). The citizenship test costs 783 kr. Processing time is typically 12-24 months, as applications are gathered into semi-annual citizenship acts adopted by the Folketing.
When does it apply?
- You have lived in Denmark for at least 9 years' continuous residence.
- You are a Nordic citizen with at least 6 years' residence.
- You are a recognised refugee with at least 8 years' residence.
- You are married to a Danish citizen — the residence requirement can be reduced by up to 2 years (minimum 6 years).
What to do if you are ready to apply for Danish citizenship by naturalisation
- Pass Prøve i Dansk 3 — it is a language test at B2 level. Language centres offer preparatory courses. The test is free for participants in the integration programme.
- Pass the citizenship test — 40 multiple-choice questions, 32 correct answers required. Preparation material is available at indfodsretsproven.dk.
- Submit the application online in the application system at uim.dk — attach language-test results, criminal record, employment history and self-support documentation.
- Prepare for the ceremony — after the Folketing's approval you must attend a Constitution Day ceremony and make the declaration of allegiance.
- Pay the fee of 3,800 kr. and the test fee of 783 kr.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't underestimate the criminal-record requirement — even fines of 3,000 kr. or more can trigger waiting periods of several years.
- Don't receive public benefits in the 2 years before the application — cash benefit and education benefit disqualify you.
- Don't submit without test results — both the language test and the citizenship test must be passed before you apply.
- Don't skip the ceremony — attendance has been mandatory since 2019, and if you fail to attend, citizenship is not granted.
About Immigration & Residence in Denmark
Danish immigration law rests on udlændingeloven (the Aliens Act), administered by Udlændingestyrelsen (the Danish Immigration Service) (and SIRI for work and study). EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have freedom of movement; Nordic citizens need not register at all. Third-country nationals need a residence and work permit — the main routes are the Positivlisten, the Beløbsordningen (Pay Limit Scheme), the Fast-track Scheme and Start-up Denmark. Temporary permits run 2-4 years, permanent residence can be obtained after 8 years (4 years with supplementary conditions), and citizenship after 9 years — with demanding requirements on language, civic understanding and self-support.
Common Questions
How long does Danish citizenship take?
Typically 12-24 months' processing, because applications are gathered into semi-annual citizenship acts (which the Folketing must adopt). Reduced residence periods apply for Nordic citizens (6 years), refugees (8 years) and stateless persons born in Denmark (6 years). The normal residence requirement is 9 continuous years.
Which tests must I pass for Danish citizenship?
Two: Prøve i Dansk 3 (a language test at B2 level) and the citizenship test (indfødsretsprøven) (40 multiple-choice questions on Danish history, culture and society, requiring 32 correct answers). The citizenship test fee is 783 kr., and the application fee is 3,800 kr. Preparation material for the test is available at indfodsretsproven.dk.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Denmark?
Yes, since September 2015. You do not have to give up your existing citizenship. Since 2019, new citizens must attend a Constitution Day ceremony and make a declaration of allegiance with a handshake — if you fail to attend the ceremony, citizenship is not granted.
What is the danish citizenship and naturalisation right in Denmark?
Danish citizenship is acquired through naturalisation, which requires adoption by the Folketing (Parliament). Denmark has some of Europe's strictest citizenship requirements.The main requirements are: 9 years' continuous residence in Denmark (reduced to 8 years for refugees, 6 years for Nordic citizens and 6 years for stateless persons born in Denmark), a clean criminal record (strict limits — even minor offences can trigger waiting periods), no overdue public debt, no receipt of certain public benefits in the last 2 years, a passed Prøve i Dansk 3 (language test at B2 level), a passed...
When does it apply — danish citizenship and naturalisation?
You have lived in Denmark for at least 9 years' continuous residence.You are a Nordic citizen with at least 6 years' residence.You are a recognised refugee with at least 8 years' residence.You are married to a Danish citizen — the residence requirement can be reduced by up to 2 years (minimum 6 years).
What should I do if I meet the 9-year residence requirement and want to apply for Danish citizenship?
Pass Prøve i Dansk 3 — it is a language test at B2 level. Language centres offer preparatory courses. The test is free for participants in the integration programme.Pass the citizenship test — 40 multiple-choice questions, 32 correct answers required. Preparation material is available at indfodsretsproven.dk.Submit the application online in the application system at uim.dk — attach language-test results, criminal record, employment history and self-support documentation.Prepare for the ceremony — after the Folketing's approval you must attend a Constitution Day ceremony and make the...
What should you NOT do — danish citizenship and naturalisation?
Don't underestimate the criminal-record requirement — even fines of 3,000 kr. or more can trigger waiting periods of several years.Don't receive public benefits in the 2 years before the application — cash benefit and education benefit disqualify you.Don't submit without test results — both the language test and the citizenship test must be passed before you apply.Don't skip the ceremony — attendance has been mandatory since 2019, and if you fail to attend, citizenship is not granted.