Denmark has officially increased the cost of applying for citizenship by 50 percent, raising the standard application fee from €536 to €804. In addition to this hike, the government has also introduced a new €402 fee for individuals submitting their second or further citizenship applications. This change, implemented by the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration, took effect on June 18, 2025, after receiving approval in May.

According to the Ministry, this adjustment was necessary to more accurately reflect the actual costs of processing citizenship applications, which can be complex and resource-intensive. Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek described the change as “a matter of common sense,” emphasizing the need to ensure that the government is adequately compensated for the administrative work involved.

Administrative Costs Trigger Fee Revisions

The Ministry defended the price increase as a reflection of the growing complexity and volume of applications received in recent years. Danish immigration authorities have consistently flagged that the fee structure did not adequately cover the administrative burden of processing these requests. Consequently, the new fee schedule was proposed as a cost-recovery measure that ensures the sustainability of the citizenship process.

The changes include two major components:

• The main application fee has risen from €536 (equivalent to DKK 4,000) to €804 (DKK 6,000).

• A new reapplication fee of €402 (DKK 3,000) is now in place for individuals submitting a second or subsequent citizenship application.

However, first-time reapplicants are exempt from the reapplication fee, a move that seems intended to offer some leniency to individuals who may have faced minor procedural setbacks or eligibility delays during their initial attempt.

Exemptions for Youth Residents

Not everyone is affected equally by this fee adjustment. Young individuals who were born or raised in Denmark are exempt from the new fee increase and will continue paying the original fee of €536. The government said this exemption honors Denmark’s international obligations, especially as it relates to individuals who have spent their formative years in the country and are already socially and culturally integrated.

The Ministry noted that such individuals represent a unique group whose circumstances merit consideration, particularly in the context of human rights, family reunification policies, and broader social integration frameworks. These youth are seen as already part of Danish society and therefore should not face the same financial barriers as foreign nationals with weaker ties to the country.

Timing Impacted by EU Council Presidency

Another significant shift in Denmark’s citizenship policy in 2025 is the reduction in naturalization opportunities. Traditionally, Denmark passed two citizenship bills each year to grant naturalization to eligible applicants. However, due to Denmark’s assumption of the EU Council Presidency from July to December 2025, only one such bill will be approved this year.

This means that individuals who miss out on the spring 2025 naturalization process will likely have to wait until early 2026 for the next opportunity. The Danish Parliament has cited scheduling constraints and a heavy legislative workload tied to EU affairs as the reasons for this delay.

This limitation adds another layer of urgency for applicants, particularly those who are close to meeting the requirements but may not be fully eligible by the time the single 2025 application window closes. It also implies that those who are unsuccessful in their first attempt may not be able to reapply until the following year, when additional reforms may be rolled out.

Public and Political Reactions

The fee hike and application limit have sparked debates across the Danish political spectrum. While the ruling coalition and some center-right parties backed the new structure as fiscally responsible, opposition figures and immigrant advocacy groups criticized the move for potentially discouraging eligible long-term residents from seeking citizenship.

Critics argue that this increase places an undue burden on immigrants, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. According to members of the opposition, the added financial costs could deter serious applicants and make the citizenship process even more exclusionary than it already is.

Furthermore, some parliamentary representatives expressed concern over the reapplication fee, suggesting that it could penalize individuals who were denied on technicalities or minor documentation issues. They urged the Ministry to consider case-by-case waivers or more flexible guidelines for reapplicants in future legislation.

Practical Implications for Applicants

For aspiring Danish citizens—whether they are foreign students, long-term residents, or skilled workers—the new policy has several implications:

1. Higher upfront cost: Individuals must now pay €804 for a standard application.

2. Repeat application fee: If denied and reapplying a second time or more, an additional €402 is required.

3. Limited processing in 2025: Due to the EU Presidency, only one citizenship bill will be passed this year.

4. Selective exemptions: Those born or raised in Denmark remain protected under previous fee structures.

This means applicants must plan carefully, submit comprehensive documentation, and ensure that all eligibility requirements are met before applying, especially given the limited application window and higher stakes.

Looking Ahead: Future Reforms Likely

Danish officials have hinted at broader immigration and citizenship reforms that may come into effect in 2026 or beyond. These could potentially streamline application processes, revise eligibility criteria, or recalibrate fee structures again.

Given Denmark’s central role in the European Union during the latter half of 2025, domestic policy changes may also align more closely with EU-wide migration and integration strategies. The outcome of this period may shape how future applicants navigate the citizenship process, both in Denmark and across the EU.

The Ministry of Immigration and Integration has encouraged applicants to stay informed by following official communications and legal updates regarding the citizenship framework. Those considering application are also advised to consult legal experts or immigration consultants to avoid errors that could lead to costly reapplications.

Summary

Denmark’s decision to increase citizenship application fees and introduce a reapplication charge represents a major shift in its immigration policy landscape. Framed as an administrative necessity, the government believes the new structure offers a fairer way to manage costs while maintaining the integrity of the process.

Nonetheless, the higher financial demands and limited naturalization window in 2025 may present significant challenges for many prospective citizens. Only those who are well-prepared, timely in their submissions, and financially ready will likely succeed in navigating this updated system. As Denmark’s immigration framework continues to evolve, staying proactive and informed will be key for anyone hoping to become a Danish citizen.