Annual tax statement
Shows your income. You can download it from skat.dk.
Free legal aid
Free legal aid in Denmark: do you qualify for fri proces?
Need a lawyer but worried about the cost? Fri proces may help cover certain costs of a civil court case if you meet the requirements. Check where you stand in a few minutes.
Based on Civilstyrelsen’s current limits · Your answers stay in your browser until you choose to continue
Check your eligibility
- 1Your case
- 2Your finances
- 3Your result
Good to know
What you should know about fri proces.
- 01
What is fri proces?
A scheme where the state may pay certain costs of a civil court case. Depending on the case and the grant, this can include lawyer’s fees, court fees and the other side’s legal costs if you lose.
- 02
Who can get it?
It depends on your finances, the type of case and the legal conditions. A low income alone does not guarantee approval. The case itself and your chances of success may also be assessed.
- 03
Check your insurance first
Legal expenses insurance may cover your case. Ask your insurer, and keep a written answer if they say no. A refusal can matter for your next steps, but it does not automatically give you fri proces.
- 04
What it doesn’t cover
Fri proces is for certain civil court cases. It is not free legal advice for every question, and it does not cover every legal problem or administrative case.
Income limits
DKK404,000Single applicant
DKK513,000Married or living together, combined
DKK+70,000For each child under 18
If you and your partner have opposing interests in the case, you are treated as a single applicant.
The process
How to apply for fri proces.
The rules can be hard to see through. Retsguide helps you understand the process and prepare the next steps.
- Step 1Describe your case
What happened, who is involved and what you want to achieve.
- Step 2Check your insurance
Find out if legal expenses insurance may cover the case, and keep any decision.
- Step 3Gather your finances
Your annual tax statements, and proof of any big changes in your finances.
- Step 4Collect case documents
Contracts, letters, decisions and other papers about the case.
- Step 5Apply the right way
Fill in your application in our web app, and watch the deadlines.
Be prepared
Documents you may need.
Have these ready before you apply. It makes the application faster and easier to assess.
Proof of big changes
Only if your income has changed a lot, for example payslips or a termination letter.
Insurance details
Your policy, and the insurer’s written answer if they said no.
The other party
Name, address and contact details of the person or company.
Case papers
Contracts, letters, emails, decisions and other papers about the case.
FAQ
Questions about fri proces.
What is fri proces?
A scheme where the state may pay certain costs of a civil court case if you meet the conditions.
Who can get fri proces?
It depends on your finances, the type of case and the legal conditions. A low income alone is not enough to guarantee a grant.
What is the income limit?
The general limits are DKK 404,000 for a single applicant and DKK 513,000 combined for married or cohabiting applicants, plus DKK 70,000 per child under 18. Other conditions also apply.
Can I get fri proces if my insurance covers the case?
Generally not, if a relevant legal expenses insurance covers the costs. If your insurer refuses, you may be able to apply if you meet the other conditions. Keep the written decision.
Where do I apply?
It depends on the type of case. Some applications go to Civilstyrelsen, others to the relevant court.
Does fri proces cover every legal problem?
No. It is for certain civil court cases and does not automatically cover every legal question or administrative case.
How long does it take?
It depends on the case, the application and the authority handling it. Apply in good time and watch court deadlines.
Next step
Unsure how to move forward?
Describe your case in your own words and Retsguide tells you whether you can handle it yourself, get free legal help or need a lawyer. The decision on fri proces itself is made by Civilstyrelsen or the court.
Get help with fri procesDescribe your situation and see your next steps.Find help near youLegal aid offices and advice clinics across Denmark.
- Free to start
- Plain-language answers
- No obligation
Official sources
- Fri procesCivilstyrelsen
- Economic conditionsCivilstyrelsen
- Apply for fri procesCivilstyrelsen
- Fri procesborger.dk
This page is general information, not legal advice. Always check the current rules with Civilstyrelsen or the court.