🇩🇰 Denmark · Citizenship
Naturalization rules: required residence years, language and civics requirements, and each country's dual-citizenship policy.
Quick answer
Denmark has one of the stricter routes: about 9 years of continuous residence, passing the Danish language test (Prøve i Dansk 3) and the citizenship test (Indfødsretsprøven), self-support, and no serious criminal record. Naturalization is granted by an act of Parliament (twice yearly); SIRI processes applications. Denmark has allowed dual citizenship since 2015.
Danish citizenship by naturalisation is handled through the Ministry of Immigration and Integration and normally requires long lawful residence, permanent residence, language, citizenship-test and conduct conditions. Denmark allows dual citizenship, but the other country’s law can still matter.
- Dual citizenship has been allowed under Danish law since the 2015 change, subject to the other country’s rules.
- Naturalisation requirements are legal-status rules and can change through political agreements and acts.
- Residence-period rules are detailed; verify the current ministry checklist before filing.
Step-by-step
- 1
Confirm your route and residence
Hold about 9 years of continuous residence (shorter for some, e.g. spouses of Danes or refugees).
- 2
Meet language and knowledge tests
Pass Prøve i Dansk 3 (Danish language) and the Indfødsretsprøven citizenship test.
- 3
Meet good-character and other conditions
Be self-supporting (limited recent public assistance) and have no serious/disqualifying criminal record.
- 4
Apply to the nationality authority
Apply through SIRI (the Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) with the required documents.
- 5
Attend interview / test and formalities
If eligible, you are placed on a naturalization bill; Parliament passes it (twice a year) and you attend a ceremony with a handshake.
- 6
Receive citizenship and a passport
You become a Danish citizen; since 2015 Denmark allows dual citizenship. Apply for a Danish passport.
Checklist
- Eligible route + qualifying residence period
- Continuous / legal residence conditions met
- Language + civic knowledge test passed
- Good character / clean record
- Application + documents + fee
- Interview / test / ceremony completed
- Dual-nationality rule checked
- Citizenship confirmed; passport applied
Official authorities
- Ministry of Immigration and Integration — citizenship
Official Danish citizenship authority.
- Life in Denmark — Danish citizenship
Official public-service portal entry point for newcomer status topics.
Frequently asked questions
How is Danish citizenship granted?
By an act of Parliament passed twice a year; SIRI first checks that you meet residence, language, test, self-support and character conditions.
Does Denmark allow dual citizenship?
Yes — since 2015 Denmark permits dual citizenship, so you can keep your original nationality.
What tests must I pass?
The Danish-language test Prøve i Dansk 3 and the citizenship knowledge test, the Indfødsretsprøven.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.