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 by birth, adoption or naturalisation (by an act passed by the Folketing):
- By birth: A child acquires Danish citizenship if one of the parents is a Danish citizen (regardless of where the child is born).
- By naturalisation: Requires — at least 9 years' lawful residence (reduced to 8 years for refugees and 6 years for Nordic citizens), a passed Prøve i Dansk 3, a passed citizenship test (indfødsretsprøven), self-support (no public benefits for 2 years), no serious criminal record and a signed declaration of loyalty.
- Dual citizenship: Allowed since 2015 — you do not have to give up your previous citizenship.
- Nordic fast track: Citizens of the other Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland) can acquire Danish citizenship through a simplified declaration procedure after 7 years' residence.
When does it apply?
- You want to become a Danish citizen by naturalisation.
- You want to clarify whether your child meets the conditions for Danish citizenship by birth.
What to do if you want to apply for Danish citizenship
- Check the requirements on nyidanmark.dk — the criteria change with each political citizenship agreement.
- Pass Prøve i Dansk 3 and the citizenship test (indfødsretsprøven).
- Apply via the online portal — your application is assessed by the Ministry of Immigration and Integration.
- If approved, your name is included in a citizenship bill passed by the Folketing — typically twice a year.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't apply before all requirements are met — the application fee is not refunded.
- Don't commit criminal offences during the process — even minor offences can delay or disqualify your application.
- Don't assume permanent residence equals citizenship — they are two different statuses with different requirements.
About Immigration Law & Right of Residence in Denmark
If you live in Denmark on a visa, your rights rest on Udlændingeloven (the Aliens Act), administered by Udlændingestyrelsen (the Danish Immigration Service). Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA need a residence and work permit for stays over 90 days — the main routes are the Pay Limit Scheme (beløbsordningen), the Positive List (positivlisten) and Start-up Denmark. Asylum applications go through a two-track process with the option to appeal to Flygtningenævnet (the Refugee Appeals Board). Family reunification is subject to strict requirements on income, housing and attachment. Citizenship, governed by Indfødsretsloven (the Nationality Act), requires naturalisation by an act passed by the Folketing (Parliament).
Common Questions
How long must I live in Denmark to get citizenship?
At least 9 years' lawful residence for ordinary naturalisation, reduced to 8 years for refugees and 6 years for Nordic citizens (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland). You must also pass Prøve i Dansk 3 and the citizenship test, document self-support for 2 years, have no serious criminal record and sign a declaration of loyalty.
Can I keep my original citizenship when I naturalise in Denmark?
Yes, since 2015. Denmark now allows dual citizenship — you do not have to give up your previous citizenship. Children born to a parent with Danish citizenship acquire Danish citizenship automatically, regardless of where they are born.
How is Danish naturalisation approved?
By an act passed by the Folketing. Once the Ministry of Immigration and Integration has assessed and approved your application, your name is included in a citizenship bill passed by the Folketing — typically twice a year. The criteria change with each political agreement, so check nyidanmark.dk before applying.
What is the danish citizenship right in Denmark?
Danish citizenship is acquired by birth, adoption or naturalisation (by an act passed by the Folketing):By birth: A child acquires Danish citizenship if one of the parents is a Danish citizen (regardless of where the child is born).By naturalisation: Requires — at least 9 years' lawful residence (reduced to 8 years for refugees and 6 years for Nordic citizens), a passed Prøve i Dansk 3, a passed citizenship test (indfødsretsprøven), self-support (no public benefits for 2 years), no serious criminal record and a signed declaration of loyalty.Dual citizenship: Allowed since 2015 — you do not...
When does it apply — danish citizenship?
You want to become a Danish citizen by naturalisation.You want to clarify whether your child meets the conditions for Danish citizenship by birth.
What do I do if I believe I meet the requirements to apply for Danish citizenship by naturalisation?
Check the requirements on nyidanmark.dk — the criteria change with each political citizenship agreement.Pass Prøve i Dansk 3 and the citizenship test (indfødsretsprøven).Apply via the online portal — your application is assessed by the Ministry of Immigration and Integration.If approved, your name is included in a citizenship bill passed by the Folketing — typically twice a year.
What should you NOT do — danish citizenship?
Don't apply before all requirements are met — the application fee is not refunded.Don't commit criminal offences during the process — even minor offences can delay or disqualify your application.Don't assume permanent residence equals citizenship — they are two different statuses with different requirements.