Denmark Citizenship by Descent: Generations, Rules, & Benefits

Denmark Citizenship by Descent allows children born to at least one Danish parent to automatically acquire Danish nationality, even if born abroad.

This pathway provides EU mobility, visa-free travel to over 120 countries, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How do I claim Danish citizenship by descent?
• Who can become a Denmark citizen?
• What is the Princess rule for Danish citizenship?
• How strong is Denmark’s passport?

My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp ‪+44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

Can you get Danish citizenship through grandparents?

No, citizenship cannot normally be claimed directly through grandparents unless the parent was also a Danish citizen at the time of the child’s birth.

Generally, Danish citizenship by descent is limited to children born to at least one Danish parent. This means that if your parent lost Danish citizenship before your birth, claiming citizenship via grandparents is usually not possible.

Some exceptions may apply under special provisions, but these are rare and discretionary.

Who is eligible for Danish citizenship by descent?

You may be eligible if:

• At least one of your parents is a Danish citizen at the time of your birth.
• You were born outside Denmark but can prove your parent’s Danish citizenship.
• In certain cases, special provisions such as the Princess Rule may extend eligibility.

Children born abroad to Danish parents automatically acquire citizenship if these conditions are met.

How many generations back for Danish citizenship?

Denmark applies a one-generation limit for citizenship by descent:

• Only children of Danish citizens are automatically eligible.
• Citizenship cannot generally skip a generation or be claimed through grandparents or great grandparents.
• Unlike Italy or Ireland, Denmark does not allow unlimited generational transmission of citizenship.

How to get citizenship by descent in Denmark

To apply for Danish citizenship:

1. Gather documentation – You will need certified copies of your birth certificate, your parent’s Danish citizenship certificate or passport, and other family records that demonstrate the legal parent-child relationship. If documents are in another language, they may need to be officially translated into Danish or English.
2. Submit an application – Applications are typically made to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration in Denmark. If you reside outside Denmark, you can submit through a Danish consulate or embassy, which will forward your application to the relevant authorities.
3. Verify identity and ancestry – Authorities carefully check that your claim is valid. This includes confirming that your parent was a Danish citizen at the time of your birth and that your documents are authentic and complete. In some cases, additional evidence such as marriage certificates or proof of your parent’s retention of Danish citizenship may be requested.
4. Await confirmation – Processing times vary, but once approved, your Danish citizenship is recognized retroactively from birth. You are then eligible to apply for a Danish passport and enjoy the rights of Danish nationals, including EU mobility.

Because rules around citizenship by descent can be strict especially if you were born before certain legislative changes, it is often advisable to consult Danish authorities or legal experts if your situation involves dual nationality, adoption, or unclear family history.

How long is the processing time for Danish citizenship by descent

Processing times vary depending on the completeness of your documentation and whether you apply from inside or outside Denmark:

• In most cases, declarations are processed within 6 to 12 months.
• Delays can occur if foreign birth, marriage, or identity documents require additional verification.
• Complex cases, especially those involving multiple jurisdictions, may take longer than a year.

Danish citizenship by descent is usually obtained through a declaration of citizenship, not a discretionary application like naturalization.

Because it is based on proof of parentage rather than integration requirements, the process is generally more straightforward.

What is the Princess rule in Denmark?

The Princess Rule is a special citizenship provision for a specific group of people born abroad to Danish mothers and foreign fathers.

Here’s how it works:

• The rule applies to those born in wedlock between January 1, 1961, and December 31, 1978 to a Danish mother and a non-Danish father, who did not automatically receive Danish citizenship at birth.
• These individuals may acquire Danish citizenship through a simplified naturalization process, without fulfilling the usual requirements.
• The provision is popularly known as the “Princess Rule” because it was famously applied in cases involving Danish royalty.
• Key requirements include:
  • The Danish mother must have retained her citizenship until at least December 31, 1981.
  • The applicant must show some connection to Denmark either by residing in the country or having multiple visits adding up to one year before age 22.

How hard is it to get Danish citizenship?

Denmark is widely regarded as one of the hardest countries in Europe to gain citizenship for foreigners.

Citizenship by descent is relatively straightforward compared to naturalization or marriage-based routes, as long as eligibility is clear.

The main challenges are:

• Collecting accurate historical records – You must present birth certificates, proof of your parent’s Danish citizenship, and other family documents. If records are missing, misfiled, or issued in another language, this can slow the process considerably.
• Verifying citizenship if your parent was born abroad – If your Danish parent lived outside Denmark for much of their life, you may need to prove that they retained citizenship and did not lose it before your birth. This can be complex in cases where citizenship laws changed over time.
• Meeting administrative and documentation requirements – Applications must go through the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration (or a consulate if abroad). Even small errors or incomplete submissions can delay approval.
• Understanding eligibility cutoffs – For example, if your parent failed to register or claim their Danish citizenship properly, your right to citizenship may not be valid, regardless of ancestry.

How strong is the Danish passport?

The Danish passport ranks among the strongest globally, offering:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 countries and territories, placing Denmark 5^th globally according to the Henley Passport Index.
• Listed among the top tiers in Arton Capital’s Passport Index, typically ranking in the top 3, with similar widespread access.
• Nomad Capital’s Passport Index, which incorporates travel access, taxation, global perception, and personal freedoms, consistently places Denmark within the top 15 most powerful passports, currently at 13^th.

How many citizenships can a Danish citizen have?

Denmark permits dual and multiple citizenships since September 1, 2015:

• You do not have to renounce your previous nationality to become a Danish citizen.
• Danish citizens may hold multiple nationalities, subject to other countries’ rules.

What are the benefits of being a Danish citizen?

Key advantages include:

• EU mobility and work rights – Danish citizens can live, work, and study freely in any EU or EEA country without needing additional permits.
• Comprehensive welfare benefits – Citizenship ensures full access to Denmark’s universal healthcare system, world-class education (including tuition-free universities), and generous social security programs.
• Political participation – Citizens gain the right to vote and run for office in national elections, shaping Denmark’s political future.
• Family security – Children born to Danish citizens automatically acquire Danish nationality, helping preserve citizenship across generations.
• Global mobility – With one of the world’s strongest passports, Danish citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly all major economies, easing both business and leisure travel.

Conclusion

Denmark Citizenship by Descent offers a clear and valuable pathway for those with Danish parents, giving automatic access to one of the world’s strongest passports and full EU rights.

While the process is simpler than naturalization, it still requires careful documentation and proof of eligibility.

For expats and descendants, this route provides both practical benefits and a meaningful connection to Danish heritage.

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