Denmark · Citizenship
Danish Citizenship by Naturalization
In Denmark, citizenship is granted by an act of the Folketing rather than by an agency decision. Applicants normally need 9 years of uninterrupted residence, permanent residence and strong Danish, and dual citizenship has been allowed since 2015.
- Startup route
- Start-up Denmark
- Minimum capital
- Living funds from DKK 153,240 (single, 2025 level)
- Permanent residence
- 8 years; 4 if all supplementary criteria are met
- Citizenship
- 9 years' residence plus permanent residence
Naturalisation (indfødsret)
Status: Ordinary applications are on hold until the conditions are clarified
Foreign nationals become Danish when the Folketing passes a bill naming them. To be included, an applicant normally needs 9 years of uninterrupted residence in Denmark, a permanent residence permit and a home in the country. Other conditions cover Danish language test 3 or an equivalent qualification, the 2021 citizenship test, self-support, no debt to the public sector, a criminal record check and 3 years and 6 months of ordinary full-time employment within the last 4 years. Applicants also sign a declaration of loyalty and allegiance and take part in a municipal constitution ceremony. From 1 January 2026 a first application costs DKK 6,270.
- Residence
- 9 years uninterrupted; 6–8 years for spouses of Danes
- Status needed
- Permanent residence permit and a home in Denmark
- Language
- Danish language test 3 or an equivalent exam
- Employment
- 3 years 6 months full-time within the last 4 years
- Government fee
- DKK 6,270 for a first application (2026)
- Processing time
- Previously about 24 months; ordinary cases paused
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed since 1 September 2015
Requirements
- Nine years of uninterrupted residence in Denmark, or a shorter period in defined groups such as spouses of Danish citizens.
- A permanent residence permit and residence in Denmark.
- A pass in Danish language test 3 or an accepted equivalent, plus the 2021 citizenship test.
- Self-support, no public debt and a criminal record within the set limits.
- Ordinary full-time employment for 3 years and 6 months within the last 4 years.
- A signed declaration of loyalty and attendance at a municipal constitution ceremony.
How to apply
- Confirm that every condition is met on the application date, since the ministry does not hold cases open.
- Apply through the digital application with MitID and pay DKK 6,270.
- Wait for the ministry to assess the case once processing resumes.
- If included in a naturalization bill, attend the constitution ceremony and receive the certificate of citizenship.
Processing in 2026
The Ministry of Immigration and Integration states that it is not currently processing ordinary naturalization applications until it is clear which conditions will apply. Average processing time had been about 24 months before the pause. In October 2026 the ministry also reported that bill L 98 on the granting of citizenship lapsed when a general election was called and will be reintroduced, with affected cases rechecked against the conditions. Only two special groups continue to be processed: stateless people born in Denmark and certain children of Danish fathers born outside marriage after 11 October 1993.
Founders and the employment condition
Self-employment can satisfy the employment condition when the business is genuinely the founder's main occupation and a means of self-support, with involvement comparable to full-time work of at least 30 hours a week or 120 hours a month. Dispensations from the conditions can only be granted by the Folketing's naturalization committee with majority support, never by the ministry alone, and the criminal-offense condition cannot be waived for applications received after 22 October 2020. Applicants also confirm that their other country permits dual nationality, because Denmark's 2015 reform does not change foreign law.
Questions and answers
Does Denmark allow dual citizenship?
Yes. The Danish Parliament amended the Nationality Act to allow full access to multiple nationalities with effect from 1 September 2015. A new Danish citizen keeps their original nationality as far as Denmark is concerned, but whether that country also allows it depends on its own legislation.
How long does a Start-up Denmark founder wait for citizenship?
Usually at least 9 years. The founder first needs permanent residence, which takes 4 to 8 years depending on the supplementary requirements met, and then must reach 9 years of uninterrupted residence and meet the employment, language and test conditions before applying. Parliamentary processing adds further time.
Can Danish citizenship be obtained through investment?
No. Denmark has no citizenship-by-investment route. Every foreign applicant must be named in a naturalization bill passed by the Folketing, and inclusion depends on residence, language, self-support, employment and conduct conditions rather than on capital invested in the country.
Official sources
- Citizenship: in Englishuim.dk
- Betingelseruim.dk
- Opholduim.dk
- Beskæftigelseuim.dk
- Sagsbehandlingstider mv.uim.dk
- Aktuelt i Indfødsretskontoretuim.dk
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Denmark.
Startup visa
Start-up Denmark permit after expert panel approval of the business idea
02Temporary residence
First permit up to 2 years, then extensions of up to 3 years each
03Permanent residence
Permanent residence after 8 years, or 4 years if all extra criteria are met
04Citizenship
Naturalization by act of parliament after 9 years; dual nationality allowed