Get Your Denmark Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
Let us make your citizenship journey simpler. With step-by-step guides and our AI assistant to help you understand eligibility, we give you clarity, confidence, and support every step of the way.
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?
Marriage to a Danish citizen does not grant automatic citizenship and does not shorten the residency requirements for naturalization. Spouses must complete the full naturalization process, which generally requires around 9 years of residence along with strict language, employment, and integration requirements.
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.