Citizenship of Denmark

Denmark is a European Union country known for its high standard of living, safety, and minimal bureaucracy, especially compared to Germany or France. A citizen's passport allows for travel throughout the EU, residency in any of the Schengen Agreement countries for an unlimited time, establishment of businesses, pursuit of education, employment opportunities, and enjoying all the benefits available to native residents.

It is interesting

The country takes care of it's citizens and is ideal for young families, retirees, and other categories of foreigners. However, Denmark may not offer the most favorable conditions for businessmen due to high taxes.

Ways to obtain citizenship

According to the "Citizenship Act," several categories of foreigners can obtain Danish citizenship. Currently, the following methods are available to become a full-fledged citizen:

Naturalization.

To obtain citizenship through naturalization, one must first obtain a residence permit and permanent residence. After residing in the country legally for 9 years, one can apply for citizenship.

Marriage to a citizen of the country.

Marriage to a Danish citizen allows for eligibility to apply for citizenship after continuous residence in the country for 8 years on legal grounds. The family must live together, and each member must have at least 20m2 of living space. The accommodation can be rented or owned. Authorities closely monitor such families, and if there are signs of a sham marriage, the foreign spouse may be denied citizenship and may even face deportation with a ban on entry into the European Union territory.

By birth and adoption.

Individuals with one parent who is a Danish citizen automatically receive citizenship. Additionally, children under 12 who are adopted by citizens of the country can also obtain citizenship.

Advantages of Danish Citizenship

Having a Danish passport offers many benefits:

• Residence in the EU: Danish citizens can live not only in Denmark but also in any EU country without the need for additional residence permits or other authorization documents.
• Tourism: Danish citizens can visit over 170 countries without needing a separate visa. This includes not only EU member states but also the UK, USA, and Canada, where they can enter with a special permit obtained online.
• Education: Danish citizens can study at local universities for free. Foreigners without citizenship pay about €5,000 per semester. Additionally, Danish citizens can access higher education in EU countries on preferential terms.
• Employment: Denmark offers high salaries, with the average wage ranging from €5,500 to €6,500 per month. Having a Danish passport allows individuals to pursue well-paying jobs, though knowledge of the language is usually required. The IT sector and foreign companies operating in Denmark are notable exceptions.
• Healthcare: Danish citizens with health insurance can receive free treatment in public institutions. They can also access healthcare in other EU countries on preferential terms.Social Benefits: Danish citizens are eligible for various social benefits, including pensions and other allowances.
• Citizenship inheritance by children: Children born to Danish citizens automatically acquire Danish citizenship.
• No residency requirements: Danish authorities do not require their citizens to live in Denmark permanently, giving them freedom of choice regarding residence.Banking access: Danish citizens can open accounts in any EU bank, make deposits, and take out loans on favorable terms.
• Property ownership: Non-citizens cannot purchase real estate in Denmark and several other EU countries. A Danish passport is required for property ownership.

Citizens of Denmark can start their own business and conduct commercial activities throughout the entire European Union.

Dual Citizenship

In Denmark, it is legally permitted to hold citizenship of multiple countries. This law was enacted in 2015. This means that when a foreigner obtains Danish citizenship, they do not need to renounce the passport of their country of origin.

Attention

It is important to consider that the laws of the country of which the foreigner was previously a citizen must also allow the possession of multiple passports from different countries.

Citizenship by Investment Program

Obtaining citizenship by investment in Denmark is not provided. However, investors can establish a startup company within the country and, on this basis, receive a residence permit for 2 years with the possibility of extension. After 9 years, they may be eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization.

Recent Reforms in the Citizenship Program

A few years ago, Denmark significantly tightened its immigration policy. Instead of integrating immigrants into society, the state now expels foreign nationals from the country for even minor violations, without the possibility of re-entering the EU.

At the same time, Denmark passed a series of amendments to laws that allow citizens of the country to apply for social housing. Moreover, the government has signed agreements with construction companies and allocated appropriate funds so that within a few years, at least 40% of housing in the country will be designated as social housing.

Step-by-step Application Process

The timeline for the process may vary depending on the basis for obtaining resident status, but the steps are usually about the same.

There are several steps required to obtain Danish citizenship:

Gathering Documents and Submitting an Application

To apply for citizenship, certain steps must be followed:

• Collection of the Complete Document Package: A large number of original documents and their certified copies must be submitted for citizenship application.
• Translation and Certification: Documents must be translated into Danish and apostilled, meaning they must be certified by the appropriate authority.
• Registration: To submit documents for citizenship, you must register on the Statsborgerskab website. Fill out the application form in your personal account, pay the state fee, and schedule an appointment.
• Document Submission: On the designated date, all documents should be brought to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration.

Minor children can be included in the citizenship application along with the applicant.

The applicant must personally submit the citizenship application documents. The involvement of third parties in this process is prohibited.

List of Documents

To apply for Danish citizenship, the following documents are required:

• Application form
• Identification documents
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Certificate of no debt to the state of which the individual is a citizen
• Document confirming the passing of the language proficiency exam

If minor children are included in the application, their documents must also be provided, translated into Danish and apostilled.

Additionally, a state fee of approximately 180 euros must be paid.

Decision

Consideration of an application to grant citizenship to a person takes 17-22 months. The decision is announced only 2 times a year - in April and October. It is impossible to obtain information about what stage the application is being considered.

If the decision is positive, the applicant receives an invitation by mail to the “Constitution Ceremony,” which takes place in the municipality at the person’s place of registration.

Important

Attendance at the ceremony is mandatory. At this event, the foreigner must sign a document confirming their intention to adhere to the Constitution of the state. During the ceremony, the applicant is presented with a certificate granting them citizenship status.