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IMMIGRATION

‘No more than 1,000 new Danish citizenships annually’: DF as law change talks begin

The anti-immigration Danish People’s Party (DF) has called for a limit to be placed on the amount of people awarded Danish citizenship, regardless of other requirements being met.

Published: 16 May 2018 12:52 CEST
'No more than 1,000 new Danish citizenships annually': DF as law change talks begin
File photo: Asger Ladefoged/Ritzau Scanpix

Denmark’s coalition government will on Wednesday begin talks with its parliamentary ally DF, as well as the opposition Social Democrats, on new rules for citizenship applications.

“It is very good that curbs in this area, something that was unthinkable a few years ago, are now being proposed by the government,” DF’s citizenship spokesperson Christian Langballe said.

The party is hoping to persuade immigration minister Inger Støjberg to go even further than the proposals the government has announced.

Those include requirements regarding self-sufficiency as well as bans on citizenship for individuals convicted of certain serious criminal offences including gang crime, crimes against children and sexual crimes.

The government also wants to provide for medical authorities that would be able to double-check applicants’ diagnosed health conditions.

New citizens would be required to participate in a ceremony in their local municipalities at which they would sign a pledge to obey Denmark’s constitution, should Støjberg’s proposal be accepted.

“With this proposal we want to make it quite clear that that there is something quite special about becoming a Danish citizen,” the minister said in a press statement.

“The government wants Danish citizenship to be given only to those foreigners who have been here for many years, and who have clearly shown that they are both capable of and want to uphold Danish society and Danish values,” she added.

Langballe said DF would be advocating its own ideas during the upcoming discussion.

“Our key demand is an annual limit of 1,000 persons on new citizenships, whereby there will be a premise that people from Western cultures are given a higher ranking,” Langballe said.

“We also want a ten-year trial period in which if a serious crime is committed, citizenship can be withdrawn,” he added.

Josephine Fock, spokesperson for integration and immigration with the opposition Alternative party, said Støjberg had misunderstood the idea of citizenship.

“Right now it is being made more and more difficult to become a Danish citizen. Therefore, we have many people who live in Denmark for many years and never become Danish citizens,” Fock said.

“That benefits neither the people in question nor Danish society,” she said.

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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.

Published: 27 December 2023 14:59 CET
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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