Naturalisation by residence in Denmark (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Danish citizenship by naturalisation is granted by an act of the Danish Parliament. The ministry's pages give nine years' residence as the usual condition and a citizenship test; giving up the previous nationality is not required. The ministry is currently not processing most applications until it is clear which conditions will apply.

RuleWhat applies
Years of residence requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence9 years [1]
Shortened residence periodsOrdinary naturalisation by residenceNine years' uninterrupted residence is the usual condition. Refugees and stateless persons: 8 years. Nordic citizens: 2 years. Spouses of Danish citizens: 6 to 8 years depending on the length of the marriage. Persons educated in Denmark: 5 years. [1]
Language level requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence⚠ Not yet verified
Integration or civic knowledge testOrdinary naturalisation by residenceYes [2]
Giving up previous nationalityOrdinary naturalisation by residenceNot required [3]

Notes

  • The ministry states (checked 30 October 2026) that it is not processing naturalisation applications until it is clear which conditions will apply, and that bill L 98 is to be re-introduced (5 October 2026). The conditions shown are those on the ministry's pages (circular no. 9461 of 17 June 2021).
  • The ministry's page requires the Danish test Prøve i Dansk 3 as the main rule (Prøve i Dansk 2 in some cases) but does not state a CEFR level.

Sources

  1. Udlændinge- og Integrationsministeriet: Ophold (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Udlændinge- og Integrationsministeriet: Indfødsretsprøven af 2021 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Udlændinge- og Integrationsministeriet: In English (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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