Danish by birth

It is your parents' nationality which determines whether you become a Danish national at birth. Detailed provisions are provided in the Danish Nationality Act. The Act in force at the time of your birth determines the relevant rules applicable to you:

If your natural parents were married at your birth, you acquired Danish nationality if you were born:

• before 1 January 1979 and your father is a Danish national; or on or after 1 January 1979 and your mother or father is a Danish national.

If your natural parents were not married at your birth, you acquired Danish nationality if:

• your mother is a Danish national, regardless of your date of birth; or only your father is a Danish national, and you were born in Denmark on or after 1 February 1999.

So, if your mother is a foreign national and your father is a Danish national, and you were either born before 1 February 1999 or born abroad, you are not a Danish national. However, if your parents subsequently marry, you will acquire Danish nationality with effect from the date of the marriage. 

Danish fathers whose children do not qualify as Danish nationals according to the above mentioned may apply for their child to be naturalised as a Danish national, if the father shares the parental responsibility. For more information please contact the Embassy’s Consular Section.

As a general rule, Danish nationals born abroad will have to apply for retention of Danish Nationality before the age of 22.