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DenmarkCitizenshipLast checked October 17, 2026

Danish citizenship by naturalisation

Foreign nationals can only become Danish citizens by statute: approved applicants are listed in a naturalisation bill passed by Parliament. Normally applicants need 9 years of continuous residence, a permanent residence permit held for at least 2 years, Danish test 3, the 2021 naturalisation test, and 3 years and 6 months of full-time work in the last 4 years. They must also declare allegiance and attend a constitution ceremony.

See requirements ↓

Life in Denmark

Money

3

Currency

Danish Krone

DKK

Danish Krone

Cost of living

105

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

12.01–32.01%

Income tax (national)

VAT 25% · social security 8%

State rates stack: bottom 12.01%, middle 7.5% (above DKK 641,200), top 7.5% (above DKK 777,900), top-top 5% (above DKK 2,592,700); plus municipal tax (about 25%), optional church tax and an 8% labour market contribution on salary.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

7.5

#3 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Long-term permanent residents of Denmark who are self-supporting and meet the language and knowledge tests.

Eligibility

  • Residence

    You normally need 9 years of continuous residence, with shorter periods for some groups.

    Years of continuous residence

    Standard
    9 years
    Refugees/stateless
    8 years
    Spouses of Danish citizens
    6-8 years
    Danish educationsubstantial Danish education
    5 years
    Nordic citizens
    2 years
    Official wording

    Normally 9 years of continuous residence; 8 for refugees/stateless; 2 for Nordic citizens; 6-8 for spouses of Danish citizens; 5 with substantial Danish education.

  • Permanent residence

    You need a permanent residence permit held for at least 2 years when the bill is passed.

    Permanent residence permit held

    Standard
    2 years
    Refugees/stateless
    1 year
    Official wording

    Permanent residence permit held for at least 2 years when the bill is passed (1 year for refugees and stateless persons).

  • Self-sufficiency

    You must not have received certain financial assistance in recent years, beyond set limits.

    Limits on financial assistance

    Last 2 yearsActive Social Policy or Integration Acts
    None
    Last 5 yearsin total
    Max 4 months
    Official wording

    No financial assistance under the Active Social Policy or Integration Acts in the last 2 years, and no more than 4 months in total in the last 5 years.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementEmployment
  • Document checklistOnline application (MitID) or paper form
  • FeesFirst application for naturalisation

The full requirements are for members

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  • 4 more requirements
  • 6 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 6 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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