Denmark – Maternity and Giving Birth

What maternity care options are available in Denmark?

Denmark operates a universal, tax-funded healthcare system — the sundhedsvæsenet — that provides comprehensive maternity services to all legal residents. The Danish healthcare system is frequently cited as a model of both efficiency and fairness, valued for its equal access regardless of background, its commitment to preventive medicine, and its approach of addressing health needs at the most appropriate and cost-effective level. In contrast to systems where obstetricians manage routine pregnancy care — as is the norm in many countries outside Scandinavia — Denmark places the midwife at the heart of standard antenatal and intrapartum services.

Your doctor will carry out the initial examinations and create a maternity record that accompanies you throughout the course of your pregnancy. This record will be updated at every consultation with your GP, midwife or obstetric department, and ultrasound unit. This integrated documentation system ensures that all professionals involved in your care have a complete and consistent picture of your pregnancy.

Danish antenatal care (ANC) is characterised as universal — every woman is entitled to the same programme of care — though there is growing recognition of the importance of identifying and offering additional support to those with particular needs. Expat mothers therefore receive the same schedule of appointments, scans, and midwife consultations as any other resident. The standard antenatal programme typically includes several check-ups, two routine ultrasound scans (the first at approximately 11–13 weeks and the second at around 18–20 weeks), and a series of blood tests covering a range of conditions.

Denmark’s maternal health outcomes have drawn international recognition, with the WHO noting its achievements as “a testament to the strength of its maternal health system.” Meeting the benchmark of testing and treating at least 95 out of every 100 pregnant women requires strong antenatal infrastructure, reliable data systems, and a commitment to women’s rights — all of which Denmark has demonstrated consistently.

Births in Denmark occur almost entirely within public hospital maternity wards (fødeafdelinger). Home births are legally allowed and can be organised through the public midwifery system, though they remain relatively uncommon. A number of hospitals also operate birth centres or low-intervention delivery rooms (fødeklinikker) attached to the main maternity unit, which are designed for low-risk pregnancies and are fully covered under the public system. Private maternity facilities do exist but are rare; the overwhelming majority of residents — including expats — deliver in public hospitals.

To use public maternity services, you must be registered in the Central Population Register (CPR), hold a CPR number, and possess a yellow health insurance card (sundhedskort). You should also be registered with a local GP (praktiserende læge), who serves as the primary gateway to healthcare in Denmark — similar in function to a general practitioner in many other European countries — and who will refer you to midwifery and hospital services as required. GPs handle a broad range of responsibilities, from maternity care and disease prevention to acute problems and the ongoing management of long-term conditions across all age groups.

In larger hospitals, particularly those located in cities with more diverse resident populations, targeted additional support may be offered for newly arrived parents. Several maternity wards provide immigrant-focused antenatal care that includes longer consultation times, heightened attention to individual needs, guidance on navigating the healthcare system, body awareness education, and access to professional interpreter services.

How much does it cost to give birth in Denmark?

For residents enrolled in the Danish public health system, maternity care in the public sector is of an excellent standard, and private healthcare in Denmark is also of high quality. As an expat, you are eligible if you are covered by national health insurance either in Denmark or in your home country. In practical terms, this means that if you hold a valid CPR number and yellow health card, all routine antenatal appointments, scans, hospital birth care, and postnatal check-ups are provided at no direct cost to you.

EU and EEA nationals who have not yet completed registration in Denmark may also be able to use public maternity services under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though this arrangement is designed for temporary stays rather than permanent residency. Those relocating to Denmark from outside the EU/EEA should prioritise completing CPR registration promptly upon arrival in order to establish their entitlement to free public healthcare — including maternity care — from the earliest possible point in their pregnancy.

Private maternity care options do exist in Denmark, though they are far less frequently used than the public pathway. Independent midwives and private clinics can be engaged for supplementary services — such as additional scans, private antenatal classes, or a private room during labour — but these carry an out-of-pocket cost. Prices vary considerably depending on the provider and the nature of the services chosen; you should enquire directly with any private provider for current pricing, as there is no standardised national tariff for private maternity services.

If you hold an international private health insurance policy, it is essential to verify whether your plan includes maternity cover applicable in Denmark and whether a waiting period is in effect. Many international health insurance policies impose a waiting period of nine to twelve months before maternity benefits become payable, so it is worth reviewing this well before you plan to start a family. Coverage also varies significantly between policies — some extend only to pregnancy complications, while others encompass routine care and delivery costs. Contact your insurer directly to clarify the full scope of your cover and any exclusions that may apply.

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance on what falls within the scope of the public system, visit the official portal lifeindenmark.borger.dk or get in touch with your regional health authority (region).

What is the standard of maternity and neonatal care in Denmark?

Denmark’s maternity and neonatal care is consistently ranked among the finest in the world. The country maintains very low rates of both maternal and infant mortality and makes substantial investments in clinical standards and healthcare professional training. A formal assessment by WHO’s Regional Validation Committee confirmed that Denmark fulfilled all required targets between 2021 and 2024, including high coverage of prenatal testing and treatment — a performance described as “a testament to the strength of its maternal health system and its long-standing commitment to reaching every pregnant woman with the care she needs.”

Public hospital maternity departments are well-staffed and comprehensively equipped. Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen — Denmark’s largest and most specialised hospital — hosts a leading neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and manages complex, high-risk pregnancies from across the country. Major hospitals in Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg also deliver full maternity and neonatal services. Specialist care for premature infants, multiple pregnancies, and high-risk conditions is concentrated in larger regional hospitals and is accessible through the public system.

In less densely populated or more rural areas of Denmark, smaller local hospitals may provide basic maternity services, but complex cases are referred on to larger regional facilities. Women in these areas may therefore need to travel for specialist consultations or planned deliveries, though the public system covers the cost of the clinical care itself. If you live outside a major urban centre, it is advisable to discuss your circumstances with your midwife early in pregnancy so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Private hospitals offering maternity services in Denmark tend to provide a more personalised experience — guaranteed private rooms, more flexible appointment scheduling, and greater consultant access — but the fundamental clinical standards are not substantially different from those of the well-resourced public sector. For the vast majority of families, the public system is more than adequate.

Language is a practical consideration worth noting. Clinical care in Danish public hospitals is conducted in Danish, though a significant proportion of healthcare professionals — especially in urban centres and among younger staff — communicate well in English. Interpreter services are available for consultations in other languages and should be arranged in advance through your midwife or GP. Much of the written information produced by hospitals is in Danish, and newly arrived expat women sometimes describe difficulty knowing who to contact and how to navigate the system. Asking your GP or midwife to walk you through each stage of the process and requesting translated or English-language materials is strongly recommended.

What should expats know about maternity rights and leave in Denmark?

Denmark has one of Europe’s most extensive parental leave frameworks, brought together under a single piece of legislation — the Barselsloven (Maternity/Paternity Leave Act). This act consolidates all maternity and paternity leave entitlements into one coherent framework. The rules apply to all employees legally working in Denmark, irrespective of their nationality.

All pregnant women are entitled to four weeks of leave before the birth and 14 weeks of maternity leave following the birth. Fathers and co-mothers are entitled to two weeks of paternity leave, which must be taken within the first 14 weeks after the child’s birth.

Following the initial 14-week maternity leave period, each parent has the right to 32 weeks of parental leave. A father or co-mother may begin their parental leave before the end of the first 14 weeks after the birth. All parents have the option to extend parental leave from 32 to 40 weeks, and working parents may choose to extend it further, from 32 to 46 weeks.

In households where the parents are cohabiting at the time of birth, the mother is entitled to four weeks of pre-birth leave and each parent is entitled to 24 weeks of leave with parental benefit following the birth — 52 weeks in total. It is possible for one parent to transfer a portion of their leave entitlement to the other. The 2022 reform of the parental leave system introduced arrangements intended to encourage a more equal distribution of leave between both parents, with specific weeks designated for each parent and not available for transfer.

Parental leave benefit (barselsdagpenge) is administered by the state body Udbetaling Danmark. The maximum benefit is DKK 4,695 per week before tax (as of 2024). Many employers — particularly those operating under collective bargaining agreements — supplement the statutory benefit to bring it up to full salary for part or all of the leave period. You should consult your employment contract and any applicable collective agreement to understand the precise terms that apply to your situation.

As an employee in Denmark, you are subject to Danish parental leave rules and are entitled to the same financial benefits in connection with parental leave as those living in Denmark. This places foreign nationals employed in Denmark on an equal footing with Danish citizens when it comes to leave entitlements. To qualify for parental benefit, you must be employed no later than the first day of your parental leave, must have worked at least 160 hours in the four calendar months preceding the leave, and must have worked a minimum of 40 hours per month in at least three of those four months.

Self-employed individuals are also covered by the parental benefit system, though different eligibility criteria apply. For self-employed persons, they must have been working in the month immediately prior to taking leave and for at least six months over the preceding year, and must have worked at least 18.5 of the standard 37 weekly hours for half of the past twelve months.

Parents can claim maternity benefit in connection with pregnancy, childbirth, and adoption provided they have a sufficient connection to the labour market — meaning they are either employed, self-employed, or unemployed and a member of an unemployment insurance fund (a-kasse).

For comprehensive, current information on entitlements, eligibility conditions, and how to submit an application, visit businessindenmark.virk.dk (administered by the Ministry of Employment) or lifeindenmark.borger.dk. Applications for parental benefit are submitted through Udbetaling Danmark.

How do you register a birth in Denmark?

Birth registration in Denmark is largely handled automatically by the hospital and civil authorities, but parents are required to complete the naming process within a legally set deadline. The process is administered through the Danish civil registration system and the national church’s parish offices (kirkekontorer), regardless of whether the family is religious. Here is how the process works:

1. Automatic registration at the hospital: In Denmark, the obstetrician or doctor registers the birth in the population register. Be sure that they do so using the correct surname and given names. This initial registration assigns the child a provisional entry in the Central Population Register (CPR).
2. Receive the naming notification form: Within a week, you will receive a form at your home address. Use this form to notify the authorities of your child’s full name. You have six months from the day the child is born to complete this form and send it back to the population register.
3. Return the completed form: Submit the naming form to the relevant parish office (kirkekontorer) or, in the South Jutland area, directly to the municipality. The child’s name must comply with the Danish Names Act (navneloven), which sets rules on approved given names and surnames.
4. Receive the birth certificate (Personattest): After returning the form, you will receive your child’s birth certificate by post at your home address. Verify that the information on the birth certificate is correct. The official document is called a Personattest (Certificate of Personal Data) and is issued by the parish registrar.
5. Obtain a Personattest when needed: You can order a Certificate of Personal Data online with MitID on borger.dk or you can collect it in person at a church office. Note: if you need a certificate that certifies birth, you must order a Certificate of Personal Data (Personattest) rather than a baptismal certificate.
6. Paternity or co-motherhood acknowledgement (if unmarried): An unmarried father will only be added to the birth certificate when the parents complete a Declaration of Joint Care and Responsibility form. This form should be requested within 28 days of the child’s birth.
7. Register with your home country (if applicable): Expat parents may also need to register the birth with their home country’s embassy or consulate in Denmark in order to pass on citizenship and obtain a passport for the newborn. Requirements vary by country, so contact your embassy directly for current procedures and required documents.

There is no fee for the initial birth registration itself in the Danish public system. Fees may apply if you require a legalised or apostilled copy of the Personattest for use abroad — check the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation office for current charges. You can expect a processing time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of five to seven working days after they receive documents by mail or courier, though the processing time may be longer during busy periods.

For all current requirements, visit personregistrering.dk (the official Danish civil registration authority website, available in English) and lifeindenmark.borger.dk.

What nationality will my child have if born in Denmark?

Denmark does not automatically confer citizenship on the basis of birth within its territory (jus soli). A child born in Denmark to two foreign-national parents does not become a Danish citizen simply as a consequence of having been born there. Instead, Denmark operates principally on the principle of citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis): a child acquires Danish citizenship when at least one parent is a Danish citizen at the moment of birth, regardless of where in the world that birth takes place.

This is a crucial distinction for expat families to understand. If neither parent holds Danish citizenship, a child born in Denmark will not be a Danish national. That child’s citizenship will instead be governed by the nationality laws of the parents’ home countries. Many countries extend citizenship to children born abroad through at least one parent, though the specific conditions vary considerably — some impose registration deadlines, residency requirements, or restrictions on how far citizenship can be transmitted across generations by descent alone.

To secure your child’s citizenship in your home country, you will in most cases need to register the birth at your country’s embassy or consulate in Denmark. As one example, US-citizen parents can apply for their child’s Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), passport, and Social Security number within the same appointment. The Danish birth document required for this purpose is a Personattest — an ink-signed, stamped certificate requested from the local parish office. Procedures will differ for other nationalities; contact your specific embassy or consulate for precise documentation requirements and applicable deadlines.

Where a child may be at risk of statelessness, or where the parents have particularly complex nationality situations, specialist legal advice is strongly recommended. Danish citizenship law and the nationality laws of other countries can interact in ways that are difficult to navigate without expert guidance. Always verify your child’s individual circumstances with both your home country’s embassy or consulate and a qualified immigration lawyer with knowledge of the relevant jurisdictions. For general information on Danish citizenship law, the Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen) and the nationality legislation published by the Danish Parliament are authoritative starting points.

What are the laws and attitudes around abortion in Denmark?

Denmark has a liberal legal framework governing abortion and is widely considered to have one of the most accessible and permissive abortion policies anywhere in the world. Legislation has been in place since 1973, when Denmark became one of the first countries to legalise abortion on request, and it has been amended since to broaden access further.

As of 2025, abortion is available on request up to 18 weeks of gestation — an extension from the previous 12-week limit, following a legislative change in 2023. This makes Denmark’s gestational threshold considerably more generous than those found in many comparable countries. Before 18 weeks, no grounds need to be stated and no approval from a medical committee is required. Beyond 18 weeks, abortion may still be authorised by an abortion board (abortsamrådets) in specific circumstances, such as serious foetal abnormality, significant risk to the pregnant person’s health, or other exceptional social factors.

Abortion services are available through the public healthcare system (sundhedsvæsenet) and are provided free of charge to residents who hold a valid CPR number and yellow health card. There is no mandatory waiting period before the procedure is carried out, and counselling is offered but not compulsory. Public attitudes in Denmark towards abortion access are strongly supportive, and the procedure is widely regarded as a routine component of reproductive healthcare, carrying no meaningful social stigma in mainstream public discourse.

For those without a CPR number or who are non-residents, access to public abortion services may be restricted; private providers can offer services in such cases, but fees will apply. For the most current guidance on how to access abortion services, eligibility criteria, and any procedural requirements, contact your GP or visit the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen), which publishes official information on reproductive healthcare in Denmark.

Frequently asked questions about having a baby in Denmark

Can I access free maternity care in Denmark as a foreign national?

Yes, if you are legally resident in Denmark and registered in the Central Population Register (CPR) with a CPR number and yellow health card, you are entitled to the same free public maternity care as any Danish citizen. EU/EEA nationals may also access care via the European Health Insurance Card for temporary stays. Non-EU/EEA nationals on valid residence permits should register for CPR as soon as possible after arriving.

Do I need to find a midwife privately, or is one assigned through the public system?

In Denmark, midwifery care is coordinated through the public hospital system and allocated via your regional maternity unit (fødeafdeling). There is no need to source or pay for a private midwife unless you wish to do so as a supplement. When you confirm your pregnancy, your GP will refer you to the appropriate maternity unit, which will then oversee your midwifery care throughout the pregnancy.

Is it common to give birth at home in Denmark?

Home births are legally permitted and can be arranged through the public midwifery service for low-risk pregnancies, but they are not widely practised. The great majority of births in Denmark take place in public hospital maternity units. Some hospitals also offer birth centre or low-intervention delivery room options for those who prefer a less clinical environment. Raise your preferences with your midwife early in the pregnancy to discuss what is available to you.

How long does it take to register my baby’s birth in Denmark?

The initial birth registration is performed by the hospital at the time of delivery and takes place automatically. Parents then have six months to formally register their child’s name by completing and returning the form delivered to their home address. The Personattest (Certificate of Personal Data) is subsequently issued by the parish registrar. While the process is straightforward for most families, expat parents should also contact their home country’s embassy separately to register the birth for citizenship purposes.

Will my child be a Danish citizen if born in Denmark?

Not automatically. Denmark does not grant citizenship on the basis of birth within its territory to children of foreign-national parents. Danish citizenship passes by descent — at least one parent must be a Danish national at the time of birth. If neither parent holds Danish citizenship, the child will not be a Danish national at birth. You should register the birth with your home country’s embassy or consulate to establish the child’s citizenship, and seek legal advice if your situation is complex.

What parental benefit can I expect during maternity or parental leave in Denmark?

The statutory parental benefit (barselsdagpenge) is capped at a maximum of DKK 4,695 per week before tax (as of 2024) and is paid by Udbetaling Danmark. Many employers — particularly those subject to collective bargaining agreements — top this up to full or partial salary for part or all of the leave period. Consult your employment contract and any applicable collective agreement to understand exactly what applies in your case.

Are interpreter services available when giving birth in a Danish hospital?

Yes. Interpreter services are provided within the Danish public health system and can be arranged through your midwife or GP. If your Danish is limited, request an interpreter well ahead of your due date to ensure the service is in place for your appointments and for the birth itself. Many healthcare professionals in Denmark — particularly in cities — also have a good command of English.

What documents do I need to apply for a passport for my newborn?

The documents required will depend on your nationality. You will typically need the Danish Personattest (birth certificate), both parents’ passports, and relevant marriage or paternity documents. Some countries require an in-person appointment at their embassy or consulate in Copenhagen. For example, US-citizen parents can apply simultaneously for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a passport, and a Social Security number at the US Embassy. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Denmark directly for the current list of required documents and applicable fees.