As a rule of thumb legitimate children of Danish nationals become Danish citizens at birth irrespective of whether they were born in Denmark or in any other country.

Children born in New Zealand to a Danish mother, or to a Danish father married to the mother, obtain Danish citizenship at birth. Such children will lose their Danish citizenship when they reach the age of 22, unless they have applied to retain their Danish citizenship, or have lived in Denmark for at least a year. The application must be made before the person concerned reaches the age of 22 and preferably immediately after attaining the age of 21.

For an application to succeed the applicant must demonstrate that they have maintained affinity with Denmark through visits to Denmark, having close relatives in Denmark and have some understanding of Danish culture and language.

People born in New Zealand and who acquire Danish citizenship by birth will not be required to give up their New Zealand citizenship when they apply to retain their Danish citizenship.

To download the form required to apply for retention of Danish citizenship please click here. Please send the completed form to the nearest Danish Consulate (click here for addresses) together with a cheque for $240 to cover the non-refundable handling fee.

Danes who apply for or consent to take on another nationality lose their Danish citizenship. If a parent or parents take on another natio nality their unmarried children under 18 will also lose their Danish citizenship.

If you have lost your Danish citizenship you may after living a number of years in Denmark be eligible to recover it by naturalisation, but you would then be required to give up your New Zealand citizenship.

 

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