New application deadline for retaining Danish citizenship for danes abroad

The Ministry of Immigration and Integration has just announced a significant change in practice regarding the retention of citizenship for Danes born abroad, specifically concerning the so-called 22-year rule (22-års-regelen). 

What is the 22-year rule, and who is it relevant for? 

The 22-year rule applies to Danish citizens born abroad who do not have sufficient ties to Denmark. If you have not lived in Denmark for at least one year or have not spent at least one continuous longer period in the country while registered as a resident, you risk losing your citizenship when you turn 22 if you do not apply for retention with the Danish authorities. 

Previous and current requirements – what has changed? 

 Previously, Danes abroad could only apply for retention when they turned 21. With the new practice, you can now submit your application from your 20th birthday. This gives you, as an applicant, an additional year to initiate the process and ensure that the ministry processes your application in time. Before the change, the application timeframe was very narrow, especially as the processing time for these cases currently ranges from 13 to 15 months. If your application was denied, the application window could typically have expired, making it impossible to rectify the situation. 

How do you ensure your Danish citizenship? 

To retain your Danish citizenship as a Dane abroad, you must be able to document your ties to Denmark before you turn 22. Residence in Denmark is the most important factor. You must have stayed in Denmark for short holiday visits or similar for at least a total of one year. Stays of at least three consecutive months where you have a Danish address in the CPR registry can also document ties. Furthermore, residence in another Nordic country for at least seven years can be equated with residence in Denmark. 

The ministry will also assess your cultural and linguistic ties. Proficiency in the Danish language and membership in Danish associations can strengthen your case. 

Get legal assistance as a dane abroad 

At Lund Elmer Sandager, we often work as a specialized and trusted area with the relations of Danes abroad to Denmark. This can include many different matters such as business operations, real estate, inheritance, securing residence rights for accompanying family members, and particularly the complex rules surrounding Danish citizenship. 

We have helped many Danes abroad retain and regain their Danish citizenship. We can assist you in navigating the complex rules regarding the 22-year rule and the application for retention of citizenship. 

If you have questions or need advice regarding the new rules or the application process in general, you can contact partner, attorney Michael Møller Nielsen, who has advised on these rules for many years.