Danish citizenship and the practicalities

Photographs: Pexels / Unsplash

Text: Natália Šepitková

The journey to relocate to Denmark and obtain permanent residence and citizenship is challenging, but the rewards make it all worth it.

Denmark, a Scandinavian country known for its high standard of living and strong welfare system, attracts many people looking to settle permanently or gain Danish citizenship. Whether you aim for permanent residency or citizenship, it is crucial to understand the specific legal processes and requirements associated with both statuses. But let's start step by step.

To start a new life in Denmark, expect to find a job and accommodation before moving to Denmark. Danish law states that you should apply for a residence permit to work, study, seek family reunification, or stay in Denmark longer than 90 days. You can do it through the Danish Immigration Service or the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). If you are not an EU citizen, you must apply for a visa too. Most visa types in Denmark require a work contract or a promise of one.

EU citizens don't need a visa to enter the country. So, for Nordic citizens (Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, or Finnish), relocating to Denmark is even more accessible, with fewer bureaucratic hurdles to overcome. EU citizens also have an easier time obtaining permanent residence. After five years of uninterrupted legal residence in Denmark, they may apply for permanent residence.

"Danish citizenship offers full rights and responsibilities, including voting in all elections, holding public office, and receiving a Danish passport. While permanent residency grants many benefits, citizenship confers the highest level of integration into Danish society."

A permanent residence

Obtaining a permanent residence in Denmark is a significant milestone if you plan to settle in this Scandinavian country for the long term. A permanent residence permit allows you to live and work in Denmark without any time limits or the need for additional visas or permits. Non-EU citizens are typically required to have a temporary residence permit in Denmark for eight years or more (four years in certain situations) before applying for a permanent residence permit. Other requirements include being 18 or older, having no criminal records or public debts, and not receiving certain social benefits.

Additional conditions include residence and self-support declarations, full-time employment, and passing the Danish exam (intermediate proficiency). To qualify for a permanent residence permit, you must meet at least 2 of 4 supplementary requirements (for applicants having eight years of a temporary residence permit) and all four supplementary requirements if you have four years of a temporary residence permit. Active participation in Danish society, such as volunteering or community involvement, is often valued and can aid the application.

Applicants must submit their application before their current residence permit expires, and in a way that they first create a case order ID (SB-ID) then they will be asked to pay a fee (DKK 7 475 workers and students; DKK 5 545 others). After filling in the application, they must record their biometric features. The expected maximum processing time is ten months. Having permanent residence in Denmark provides access to the Danish welfare system and social benefits, as well as the opportunity to apply for Danish citizenship after a specific time.

Danish citizenship

Danish citizenship offers full rights and responsibilities, including voting in all elections, holding public office, and receiving a Danish passport. While permanent residency grants many benefits, citizenship confers the highest level of integration into Danish society. To acquire Danish citizenship by naturalisation requires the fulfilment of certain conditions. Rejected applications can be re-applied at any time.

The starting point is to have a permanent residence permit in Denmark for a minimum of 2 years when the bill of naturalisation is passed. The required permanent residence period is at least one year for refugees and stateless persons. Applicants are expected to be able to support themselves financially, have advanced Danish language skills and pass the citizenship test (Indfødsretsprøven). A clean criminal record is also essential. Even a violation of the Road Traffic Act (a traffic fine of DKK 3,500 - 5,000) can affect the acquisition of Danish citizenship.

You must also sign a declaration of allegiance and loyalty to Denmark and Danish society. You must declare that you will comply with Danish law and constitution and respect fundamental Danish values and legal principles, including Danish democracy. Certain overdue debts to public authorities can also stop the process of obtaining citizenship. It is also necessary to have been in ordinary full-time employment or engaged in self-employment for at least three years and six months within the last four years.

In addition to fulfilling the conditions, you must enclose the necessary documentation when you submit your application, pay an application fee (DKK 4,000 in 2024), and sign the application through MitID. Once you have participated in the constitutional ceremony, signed the declaration, and exchanged handshakes with the mayor, you will receive your citizenship certificate as proof that you have become a Danish citizen and are well-prepared to be part of Denmark's future.