CITIZENSHIP OF DENMARK
Denmark is a small Scandinavian country in the North of Europe, with a population of about 5.9 million people. The country is surrounded on all sides by the waters of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, and has a land border with Germany. Denmark is considered one of the most developed and successful countries of the European Union, with a high standard of living and quality social security. The economy is built on the priority use of high technologies, including agriculture.
Of course, these facts attract a considerable number of immigrants from different countries, many of whom seek to obtain Danish citizenship in the future. In 2024 the unemployment rate is in the neighborhood of 2-3%, and the average salary after taxes is about 3.1 thousand euros per month, which is one of the best indicators not only in the EU, but also in the world. Danish universities provide quality education, foreign investors have good chances to open their own business in Denmark, and specially for migrant workers there are quite affordable programs for job search.
In addition, the country has stunning nature, low crime rate and many more advantages for immigration. Of course, getting a Danish passport is not so easy. The massive migration crisis of recent years has forced the governments of European states, including Denmark, to revise domestic laws regarding the granting of citizenship to foreigners, often in the direction of tightening. On the other hand, at the end of 2015, the Danish authorities introduced a pleasant innovation that allows you to have dual citizenship in Denmark.
How to obtain Danish citizenship
As of 2024, the procedure for obtaining Danish citizenship is considered one of the most complicated in Europe. For example, in order to apply for a Danish passport you need to stay legally in the country for at least 9 years, also requires a fairly deep knowledge of the Danish language, local culture and basic laws. Let us elaborate on the conditions of granting Danish citizenship to foreigners.
Requirements for foreigners to obtain Danish citizenship
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Having a permanent residence permit in Denmark at the time of application and legal stay in the country for at least 9 years. The period is reduced:
- up to 8 years for refugees;
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up to 6 years, in case of marriage to a Danish citizen;
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up to 5 years if the foreigner has studied in Denmark for at least 3 years.
Children arriving in Denmark under the age of 15, provided they have been educated in the country, have the right to apply for a passport when they reach the age of 18.
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Absence of a criminal record. Depending on the severity of the offense, citizenship may be denied altogether or deferred for a period of 3 to 19 years. For example, a drunk driving offense will delay obtaining a Danish passport for at least 54 months.
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You cannot be in arrears on tax and other financial obligations to the state.
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Self-sufficiency. That is, 4 and a half years out of the last 5 years before applying for citizenship candidate must be financially independent. This means official employment or running a business. It is also not allowed to receive social benefits during the previous year or 6 months in the last 5 years.
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Proof of Danish language proficiency at a good level (PD3).
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Successful completion of a test on knowledge of Danish culture, history and traditions (ndfødsretsprøven). Of the 40 questions in the test, at least 32 answers must be correct.
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Signing an oath of allegiance to Denmark, i.e. a commitment to abide by local laws, rights and obligations.
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Payment of a state fee – in 2024 4,000 Danish kroner (540 euros).
The most problematic to fulfill the conditions are considered a language barrier and self-sufficiency, especially if the foreigner arrived in Denmark for the purpose of family reunification, because it is not always possible to find a suitable job in the local labor market and tighten the language to the required level. The process of granting Danish citizenship is formalized in the form of a special law, which is published not more than twice a year, which also makes this procedure more complicated and time-consuming.
Nevertheless, despite the difficulties in obtaining it, Danish citizenship offers a number of advantages, including the ability to participate in elections, not only to cast a vote, but also to be a candidate. It is allowed to retain previous citizenship. Access to employment in law enforcement, judicial and military structures is opened. And in general, a passport of one of the most developed EU countries will allow you to look more confidently into the future and simply live in a prosperous country.
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