Denmark: immigration

What percentage of Denmark's population are immigrants?

16.8% of Denmark's population were immigrants or descendants of immigrants in 2026, according to Statistics Denmark. The population was 6,038,638 in September 2026.

Statistics Denmark counts both people who moved to Denmark from abroad and their descendants born in Denmark, using its own definitions based on place of birth and parents' citizenship. The figure is measured on 1 January each year.

Official sources: Statistics Denmark: immigrants and their descendants · Statistics Denmark: population figures

How many people move to Denmark?

84,420 foreign citizens moved to Denmark in 2025 and 54,012 left, according to Statistics Denmark.

The figures count foreign citizens who registered or deregistered a move to or from Denmark; Danish citizens moving are counted separately. Residence permits are issued by the Danish Immigration Service and the Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, through the New to Denmark portal.

Official sources: Statistics Denmark: immigration and emigration · New to Denmark

How many refugees are in Denmark?

UNHCR counted 95,007 refugees and 2,738 asylum seekers in Denmark at the end of 2025, according to its Refugee Data Finder. At the end of 2024 there were 98,204 refugees and 2,628 asylum seekers. It also counted 8,493 stateless people.

Refugees are people recognised as needing international protection; asylum seekers are waiting for a decision. Statistics Denmark publishes monthly asylum applications and residence permits by type in StatBank (tables VAN5M and VAN66).

Official sources: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

How many foreign-born people live in Denmark?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Denmark was 14.2%, according to the UN Population Division. In 2015 the figure was 10.9%. It is 21st highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 11.7%. World rank, highest first: 44th of 193.

How many people move to Denmark each year?

In 2025, net migration in Denmark was 22,103, according to the UN Population Division. The peak was 60,219 in 2022 and the low 6,887 in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 158; Denmark is 12th highest of 52. Worldwide: 31st of 193.

How many refugees does Denmark host?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees in the country in Denmark was 95,007 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 11,797 (2012) to 98,204 (2024). It is 23rd highest of 50 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 62,365. Worldwide: 53rd of 169.

How many people from Denmark are refugees?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Denmark was 21 in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 41st highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 533. World rank, highest first: 168th of 189.

How much are remittances to Denmark?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 0.4% of GDP. The peak was 0.4% of GDP in 2014 and the low 0.3% of GDP in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.4% of GDP, and Denmark placed 39th highest of 47. Of 127 countries with 2025 data, 101st highest.