Work · Denmark
Integration
Programmes, tests & civic life
Programme
The Integration Programme
New non-EU residents are enrolled in a municipal integration programme lasting up to 5 years. It includes Danish language classes, employment counselling, and cultural introduction courses. Participation is mandatory for recipients of integration benefits (integrationsydelse).
- Programme duration
- Up to 5 years
- Integrationsydelse (single, 2026)
- DKK 12,475/month
- Components
- Language + employment + cultural intro
- Managed by
- Your municipality (kommune)
- Penalties for non-attendance
- Benefits reduced or stopped
- Attend the mandatory introduction meeting at your municipality within 1 month of CPR registration
- Enroll in the Danish language course assigned by the municipality
- Meet your integration caseworker (integrationsmedarbejder) monthly
- Complete the required cultural introduction sessions
- Fulfill employment-related activities (job search, internships, or upskilling)
Official sources
Key Tests
Medborgerskabs- proeven & More
Denmark requires specific tests for permanent residence and citizenship. The Medborgerskabsproeven (civic citizenship test) tests knowledge of Danish society, culture, and history. It is required for permanent residence. The separate Indfoedsretsproeven is required for citizenship.
- Medborgerskabsproeven questions
- 30 questions, pass with 22/30
- Indfoedsretsproeven questions
- 45 questions, pass with 36/45
- Medborgerskabsproeven sessions
- 2 per year (June and November)
- Medborgerskabsproeven fee
- DKK 811
- Study material
- Free at uim.dk (book + online practice)
- Download the free study material from uim.dk at least 3 months before the exam
- Register for the exam at your municipality or sprogcenter
- Pay the exam fee (DKK 811 for Medborgerskabsproeven)
- Complete the 45-minute written exam at the designated test centre
- Receive results within 4 weeks via Digital Post
Official sources
Building Roots
Building Roots in Denmark
Integration is not just about tests — it is about building a social life in a country where Danes form their closest friendships in childhood. Joining clubs (foreninger), volunteering, and participating in local events are the proven paths to genuine connection.
- Registered foreninger in Denmark
- 101,000+ associations
- Danes who volunteer regularly
- 35% of population
- Key community events
- Sankt Hans (Jun 23), Fastelavn (Feb)
- Most popular forening type
- Sports clubs (2 million members)
- Expat networking hub
- International House (4 cities)
- Join a local sports or hobby forening through frivillig.dk or your municipality website
- Attend International House events in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, or Aalborg
- Volunteer at a local festival, school, or community garden
- Participate in your apartment building's annual fællesspisning (shared dinner)
- Accept every social invitation for the first year — even if uncomfortable
Official sources
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