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Practising law in Denmark as a foreign lawyer

A route exists, with conditionsLimited home-law practice is possible

According to the Danish Bar and Law Society, citizens of non-EU countries cannot become an advokat unless they hold a law degree from an EU (or EEA) state. EU lawyers can set up under their home title.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change. This page describes the kinds of route that exist. The regulator listed under “Official sources” publishes the current requirements, fees and dates, so always confirm with them. This is general information, not legal advice.

The routes

Holders of an EU or EEA law degree

For: People with a law degree from an EU or EEA state.

  1. Hold a Danish bachelor's and master's in law, or an EU master's in law that corresponds to the Danish degree. The Ministry of Justice may set a trial period of up to three years working for a lawyer.
  2. Complete the three years of practical training under an advokat, including courses, a written exam and a practical litigation exam.
  3. Apply for admission through the Department of Civil Affairs (Civilstyrelsen), which decides on the title of advokat.

A lawyer who has practised in Denmark under a home title for at least three years can be exempt from the trial period.

EU and EEA lawyers practising under a home title

For: Lawyers who hold a title in an EU or EEA state.

  1. Establish yourself in Denmark under your home-country title. You cannot use the title advokat.
  2. Register with the Danish Bar and Law Society to appear in court, and appear together with a Danish lawyer where the law requires one.

Practising only your home-country law

EU and EEA lawyers can practise under their home title. An older survey says lawyers from other countries may give legal advice out of court, while only Danish advokater can represent clients in court. Check the current rule.

Understand the legal system first

Denmark belongs to the Civil law family. Knowing how its system works makes the admission route easier to follow.

Read the Denmark legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →
Compare Denmark with another country →

Official sources

Other countries

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TheLawToKnow Tools’s Bar Admission guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the regulator’s own information. Report a mistake.