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DANISH CITIZENSHIP

Denmark approves tougher citizenship rules

UPDATED: Integration Minister Inger Støjberg has secured the necessary support for her plan to make it more difficult to become a Dane, she said on Monday.

Denmark approves tougher citizenship rules
April's citizenship celebration at Christiansborg. Photo: Linda Kastrup/Scanpix
The Venstre government on Monday reached an agreement with four other political parties on what it described as an historic agreement on new citizenship requirements.
 
The integration minister announced that the changes she suggested last month will now become a reality. The new citizenship rules will include more stringent Danish language requirements, increased demands for financial self-reliance and a more difficult citizenship exam. It will also now be harder to obtain citizenship for applicants who have a criminal record. 
 
 
“It is a solid tightening in relation to the awarding of citizenship in Denmark. One must have a command of the Danish language, refrain from criminality and be self-reliant,” Inger Støjberg said at a short press conference after reaching agreement on the changes with the Danish People’s Party, Liberal Alliance, the Conservatives and the Social Democrats. 
 
Støjberg said that the new rules represent the first time that citizenship changes have been agreed upon across traditional political divides since 1999. 
 
The integration minister said she viewed all of the new rules as necessary. 
 
“For me it is a principle that when you become a Danish citizen, it is something that you reach for, something you really need to strive after,” she said. 
 
The anti-immigration Danish People’s Party (DF) welcomed the changes. 
 
“I think this agreement contains some of the basic elements of what DF has always said, that citizenship is a reward for being properly integrated in the Danish society, being able to speak Danish at an acceptable level and refraining from criminality,” party spokesman Christian Langballe said. 
 
The new rules will take effect on October 15th and will apply to “all applications for naturalization regardless of the time of the application's filing” according to a fact sheet provided by the Ministry for Immigration, Integration and Housing.
 
Language requirements: Applicants should have to pass an oral and written exam in Danish 3 instead of Danish 2. 
 
Self-reliance: Applicants will have to prove that they have supported themselves for 4.5 out of the last five years, instead of the current 2.5 years. 
 
Citizenship test: The current test requires applicants to answer at least 22 of 30 questions correctly. The government wants to make applicants correctly answer 32 of 40 questions. 
 
Criminal record: Under current rules, a criminal record results in a three to 20 year quarantine from obtaining citizenship, depending on the nature of the crime. The government wants to increase that timeframe by 50 percent. 
For members

DANISH CITIZENSHIP

Do you need to get a Danish passport after obtaining citizenship?

In Denmark, obtaining a Danish passport is not legally required after gaining citizenship. However, there are several reasons why getting one is a good idea.

Do you need to get a Danish passport after obtaining citizenship?

When you become a citizen of Denmark, you are eligible to apply for a Danish passport, but it’s not a legal obligation.

READ MORE: How to apply for citizenship in Denmark

This approach offers flexibility for those who may already have a travel document from other nations or do not wish to apply for a Danish passport immediately.

However, while not a legal requirement, there are considerable benefits to holding a Danish passport.

Why it’s a good idea to get a Danish passport

The document allows hassle-free travel across the European Union (EU) and numerous other countries, as it’s a reflection of the country’s strong diplomatic ties worldwide.

While new citizens of Denmark are not restricted to using a Danish passport for international travel travelling with a non-Danish passport might require additional visas or entry permits, depending on the destination.

Therefore, the Danish passport serves as a form of identification, simplifying bureaucratic and ID processes within and outside Denmark.

They also highlight to the Danish border force that you are exempt from any restrictions or requirements when crossing onto Danish soil.   

Consular assistance for passport holders

With a Danish passport, you can access consular services and assistance provided by Danish embassies and consulates worldwide.

They effectively extend the reach of Denmark’s government into foreign territories, offering a broad range of services – including emergency assistance, legal services, passport replacement, travel information, and others – that can be vital to Danish passport holders who encounter challenging situations during their travels abroad.

If you face a medical emergency, the consulate or embassy can help you locate medical facilities, contact your family, and provide guidance on dealing with local authorities.

Furthermore, they also offer notarial services such as document legalisations and certifications, often required for legal proceedings in foreign countries.

You can find the contact information for Danish embassies and consulates on this page of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dual citizenship and passports

Dual citizenship, which refers to people legally recognized as citizens of two countries simultaneously, makes things somewhat different.

READ MORE: What does gaining Danish citizenship mean to dual nationals?

Until 2015, Denmark’s policy was generally against dual citizenship. It required people to renounce their previous nationality when becoming Danish citizens.

In September 2015, Denmark changed its laws to allow dual citizenship. This means that you can now hold Danish citizenship and another nationality without giving up one of them.

Once your second citizenship is granted, provided it’s Danish, you’ll be eligible (though not obligated, as we’ve already explained) to apply for a Danish passport.

You’ll have to follow the standard application process, which involves applying at a local police station in Denmark or Danish consulates abroad if you’re residing overseas.

Furthermore, you’ll need to hand in the required documentation (proof of citizenship, ID, etc.) and pay a fee.

The Local has a deep-dive explainer on the rules for dual-nationals travelling in Denmark, where you can find more details on the issue.

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