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Becoming Danish: your advice about applying for citizenship

We asked you last week to share your experiences of the process of applying for – and being granted -- Danish citizenship.

Becoming Danish: your advice about applying for citizenship
Photo: Henning Bagger/Ritzau Scanpix

We received a range of responses and some useful tips. Thank you to everyone who took the time to get back to us.

‘The counter was reset’

In the questionnaire published on our website, we started by asking about the most difficult aspect of the process to gain Danish citizenship.

Some mentioned the long timespan of the process as its biggest drawback, while others highlighted specific elements of the rules.

“I took and passed the citizenship test when it was announced that dual citizenship would be allowed in 2015, but shortly after, my family and I moved to Dubai for an employment opportunity,” Timothy Arnold, a US national who lives in Solrød Strand, wrote.

“We returned to Denmark at the start of 2019, and I would like to resume the process, but the law states ‘nine years of consecutive residency’, and so the counter has been reset,” Arnold, an engineer, explained.

“For me, the requirement for uninterrupted residency seems to be the most difficult part of the process to comply with,” he said.

Other responders mentioned that it took five years for them to be granted permanent residency (under EU free movement rules) and another four years after that to reach the nine years of consecutive residency.

Patience is a virtue

Those responses tie in well with what readers said when asked for their best piece of advice for those who hope to become Danish citizens.

“Be patient,” Laurence Paquette of Copenhagen wrote succinctly.

“Your main focus should be gaining the permanent residency – then look forward to gaining citizenship,” Michael Carter, who lives in Frederiksberg, said.

Others stressed the importance of learning Denmark’s language and culture with passing the citizenship test in mind.

It’s worth keeping in mind that a reasonable amount of investment goes into becoming a Danish national. The current fee for sending a citizenship application is 3,800 kroner, while it costs 768 kroner to take the citizenship test.

Other expenses, including language classes and applying for permanent residency, may also be involved.

Paquette and Carter both estimated the total cost at around 5,000 kroner.

“Overall though, I find it cheap for what you get in return,” Paquette said.

The citizenship test itself is not an insurmountable obstacle, according to our readers.

“Read all pages carefully of the (provided learning material) for the exam, and read the news. If you do that it’s easy,” Paquette wrote.

“I believe the test has changed since I took it, but by studying the recommended reading material, I felt well prepared,” Arnold said.

READ ALSO: What’s it like to work in Denmark as a foreigner? Here's what you told us

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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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