Travelers and expats hoping to become Danish citizens will now face significantly higher application fees. Starting June 18, 2025, the cost of applying for Danish citizenship has increased by 50%, according to a new policy from the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration.
This move raises the standard application fee from €536 (DKK 4,000) to €804 (DKK 6,000), a change meant to better reflect the actual administrative cost of processing citizenship cases.
Why the Fee Increase? Government Explains
According to Denmark’s Ministry of Immigration and Integration, the updated fee structure is designed to more accurately reflect the resources required for the extensive case processing involved in citizenship applications.
Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek emphasized that the adjustment is a matter of common sense, ensuring that the state’s expenses are adequately covered.
“It is common sense that we are now raising the fee for applying for Danish citizenship. The idea is that it should better reflect the expenses that the Danish state actually has to process the cases, which is an extensive process.”
New €400 Fee for Repeated Citizenship Applications
In addition to the main fee hike, Denmark is introducing a reapplication fee of €402 (DKK 3,000) for individuals submitting their second or subsequent citizenship applications.
- First-time reapplicants will be exempt from this charge.
- However, starting from the second reapplication onward, the new fee applies.
The Ministry calls this a “very sensible change” aimed at discouraging frivolous or repeated applications that burden the system.
No Change in Fees for Young Applicants
While most applicants will face increased costs, there’s good news for one group: young people born or raised in Denmark will continue to pay the original fee of €536 (DKK 4,000).
This unchanged fee acknowledges Denmark’s international obligations to individuals who have grown up in the country and are already socially integrated.
Timeline and Implementation
The decision to raise fees was planned in June 2024 but officially took effect on June 18, 2025, following the completion of necessary IT update. Although the law was enacted on May 1, the administrative system required more time to implement the changes.
Citizenship Will Only Be Granted Once in 2025
If you’re applying for Danish citizenship, it’s also important to know that Denmark will only grant citizenship once in 2025.
- The Danish Parliament typically issues citizenship twice a year through a bill listing the names of successful applicants.
- However, due to Denmark’s EU Presidency in the second half of 2025, the government will only process citizenship grants in spring 2025.
- A new bill in early 2026 may introduce further changes to streamline the citizenship process.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Danish Citizens
| Applicant Type | Old Fee | New Fee (June 18, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Applicants | €536 (DKK 4,000) | €804 (DKK 6,000) |
| Young people born/raised in Denmark | €536 (DKK 4,000) | Unchanged |
| Second-time or further reapplicants | N/A | €402 (DKK 3,000) |
| First-time reapplicants | N/A | Exempt |
What This Means for Expats and Travellers
This change is especially relevant for long-term residents, foreign workers, and international students seeking to settle in Denmark.
- Higher Costs: Prospective citizens must budget for the increased application and potential reapplication fees.
- Plan Ahead: With fewer opportunities to obtain citizenship in 2025, timing your application is more important than ever.
- Check Eligibility: Young applicants born or raised in Denmark benefit from reduced fees, but all others should prepare for the higher costs.
Those planning to apply should stay updated on new bills that may simplify the process in 2026.
Apply Early and Stay Informed
If you’re planning to apply for Danish citizenship, consider submitting your application before delays and fee changes complicate the process further. With higher costs and fewer opportunities in 2025, being well-prepared and informed is key to securing your Danish passport.
Stay tuned for further updates on Danish immigration policy, changes coming in 2026 may offer more streamlined paths to citizenship.
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