Denmark's prison system has eliminated citizenship requirements for new correctional officers. The change opens positions to non-citizens for the first time. Applicants no longer need Danish or EU citizenship to become prison guards, transport guards, or workshop supervisors.
The policy shift follows a broad political agreement on criminal justice reform. Prison authorities made the decision after recognizing they were missing qualified candidates. Many strong applicants grew up in Denmark but held foreign citizenship.
Prison Director Ina Eliasen explained the reasoning behind the change. She said the reform allows hiring international workers. The system also wanted to stop excluding qualified residents who lack Danish citizenship.
Danish prisons face serious staffing challenges. Justice Ministry data shows prison guard numbers dropped by approximately 500 full-time positions between 2016 and 2024. Meanwhile, inmate populations have increased.
The citizenship requirement removal addresses this staffing crisis. It expands the potential applicant pool significantly. Non-EU citizens can now apply if they meet all other qualifications.
Language requirements remain unchanged. All applicants must speak and write Danish fluently. Court proceedings and official reports use Danish exclusively. Prison work demands clear communication in the national language.
Physical fitness and security clearance standards also stay in place. The system maintains high requirements for these essential positions. Only the citizenship barrier has been removed.
The timing aligns with broader Nordic labor market trends. Sweden and Norway already hire non-citizens for some public sector roles. Denmark's change brings its prison system in line with regional practices.
International residents can apply starting January 2026. The prison system operates training schools in Birkerød, Horsens, and Falster. Temporary training locations also exist in Esbjerg, Copenhagen, Odense, and Southern Jutland.
This policy change reflects Denmark's practical approach to public sector staffing. It prioritizes qualified candidates over citizenship status. The move could help address chronic understaffing in correctional facilities.
Prison authorities emphasize that standards remain high. They simply expanded eligibility while maintaining core requirements. The system needs capable staff regardless of passport origin.