Get Your Denmark Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Anyone born to a Danish parent automatically acquires Danish citizenship, regardless of place of birth.
- By Descent: You are a Danish citizen if one of your parents is Danish at the time of your birth — applies equally to mothers and fathers.
- By Marriage: Marriage to a Danish citizen does not automatically confer citizenship but may ease residency and naturalization requirements.
- By Naturalization: You can apply after 9 years of uninterrupted residence (or less in special cases), language proficiency, and integration into Danish society.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Allowed: Since September 2015, Denmark allows dual citizenship. Danish citizens may acquire a second nationality without losing their Danish one, and foreign nationals may naturalize without renouncing their original citizenship.
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm your eligibility through descent, marriage, or residency.
- Submit your application to the Danish Immigration Service or a Danish embassy.
- Provide required documents including proof of residence, integration, and language ability.
- Pass the Danish citizenship test and language exam (unless exempt).
- Receive parliamentary approval and your certificate of naturalization.
Benefits of Danish Citizenship
- Live, work, and vote in Denmark and the EU
- Access to public healthcare and higher education benefits
- Visa-free travel to 185+ countries
- Dual citizenship is fully permitted
Frequently asked questions.
Does Denmark allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Since 2015, Denmark permits dual citizenship. You can become Danish without giving up your other nationality, and Danes may acquire new citizenships without losing Danish status.
Can I claim Danish citizenship through my parent?
Yes. If either parent was a Danish citizen at the time of your birth, you are likely eligible by descent, regardless of where you were born.
Can I apply through marriage?
While marriage alone does not grant citizenship, being married to a Dane can reduce the number of years you must reside in Denmark before naturalizing (typically to 6 years).
How long must I live in Denmark to apply for citizenship?
The standard requirement is 9 years of uninterrupted residence. This can be reduced to 6 years for spouses and 8 years for recognized refugees or Nordic nationals.
Does Denmark recognize same-sex marriage for citizenship purposes?
Yes. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Denmark since 2012. Foreign spouses in same-sex marriages have the same rights to apply for citizenship as heterosexual spouses.
Do I have to pay taxes in Denmark as a dual citizen?
If you live and earn income in Denmark, you must pay Danish taxes. However, non-residents are generally only taxed on Danish-sourced income. Tax treaties help prevent double taxation.