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Danish Nationality

When 16.10.2024

Danish nationals born outside Denmark (22-year rule)

The 22-year rule refers to Danish nationals born outside Denmark and who have never held residence in Denmark, who may lose their Danish nationality on reaching the age of 22, unless they apply between the age of 20 and 22 to retain it.

Application for the retention of Danish citizenship can now be handed in from the age of 20. More information (in Danish) can be found on the website of the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration - Ændret ansøgningstidspunkt i sager om bevis for bevarelse af dansk statsborgerskab (uim.dk). 

See below on how to apply for a Certificate of Danish nationality. Once you have received your Certificate of Danish Nationality from the Ministry of Immigration and Integration in Denmark you can apply for a full 10-year passport.

How can I apply for a Certificate of Danish nationality?
If you were born outside Denmark and have never held residence in Denmark you may lose your Danish nationality on reaching the age of 22, unless you apply between the age of 20 and 22 to retain it.
 
You must send your application for retention of Danish nationality directly to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration using their postal address or using e-Boks and MitID. Further information regarding retention of Danish nationality, including fees and processing times can be found on the homepage of the Danish Ministry for Immigration and Integration (Danish only). 
 
Please note that you must pay the application fee directly to the Danish Ministry for Immigration and Integration. 
 
If you have lost your Danish nationality because you did not fulfil the conditions of the 22-year rule, you will only be able to regain Danish nationality through Naturalisation. Further information can be found on the home page of the Danish Ministry for Immigration and Integration (Danish only). 

If you have questions regarding the procedures for applying for the retention of Danish citizenship please contact the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration directly.