Family Reunification and Sponsorship
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Denmark has some of the strictest family reunification rules in Europe. The requirements are designed to ensure integration and financial self-sufficiency.
To sponsor a spouse or partner, both partners must be at least 24 years old. The sponsor must have held a permanent residence permit or Danish citizenship for at least 3 years. Additional requirements include: the aggregate ties test (the couple's combined ties to Denmark must be stronger than to any other country), a bank guarantee of DKK 100,000 (approximately 13,400 euros), adequate housing (minimum 20 m²), and the sponsor must not have received social assistance in the last 3 years.
Children under 15 can be reunified if the child and the sponsor have a strong connection to Denmark and the child can integrate successfully. Children between 15 and 17 face stricter requirements, including a discretionary assessment of their integration prospects.
The application fee is DKK 8,280 (approximately 1,110 euros) for spouse reunification and DKK 3,345 for children. Processing time is typically 5–10 months for spouses and 3–6 months for children.
EU/EEA nationals exercising their right to free movement in Denmark can bring family members under EU rules, which are less restrictive than the Danish national rules.
When does it apply?
- You are a Danish citizen or permanent resident and want to bring your spouse to Denmark.
- You want to bring your children under 15 to live with you in Denmark.
- You are an EU/EEA national living in Denmark and want to bring your non-EU spouse or children.
- You are a recognized refugee and want to reunite with your family (simplified rules may apply within the first 2 years).
What to Do If You Want to Bring Your Spouse or Children to Live with You in Denmark
- Verify that you meet all conditions — both partners must be 24+, you must pass the aggregate ties test, and you must have held permanent residence or citizenship for 3+ years.
- Deposit the bank guarantee of DKK 100,000 — this is held for 10 years and returned if the sponsored person passes the Danish language test within a specified period.
- Apply online through nyidanmark.dk — include marriage certificate, proof of housing, income documentation, and the bank guarantee receipt.
- Ensure your spouse begins Danish language and cultural courses (medborgerskab) as soon as possible after arrival — it is part of the integration programme.
- For refugees, apply for family reunification within 2 years of receiving your protection status for potentially simplified rules.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not apply if either partner is under 24 — the application will be automatically rejected.
- Do not have your spouse come to Denmark before approval — they must wait for the residence permit to be granted.
- Do not receive social assistance in the 3 years before applying — this will disqualify you as a sponsor.
- Do not underestimate the aggregate ties test — if your combined ties are stronger to your spouse's home country than to Denmark, the application will be refused.
Common Questions
When does it apply — family reunification and sponsorship?
You are a Danish citizen or permanent resident and want to bring your spouse to Denmark.You want to bring your children under 15 to live with you in Denmark.You are an EU/EEA national living in Denmark and want to bring your non-EU spouse or children.You are a recognized refugee and want to reunite with your family (simplified rules may apply within the first 2 years).
What should I do if I want to apply for family reunification to bring my spouse or children to Denmark?
Verify that you meet all conditions — both partners must be 24+, you must pass the aggregate ties test, and you must have held permanent residence or citizenship for 3+ years.Deposit the bank guarantee of DKK 100,000 — this is held for 10 years and returned if the sponsored person passes the Danish language test within a specified period.Apply online through nyidanmark.dk — include marriage certificate, proof of housing, income documentation, and the bank guarantee receipt.Ensure your spouse begins Danish language and cultural courses (medborgerskab) as soon as possible after arrival — it is p...
What should you NOT do — family reunification and sponsorship?
Do not apply if either partner is under 24 — the application will be automatically rejected.Do not have your spouse come to Denmark before approval — they must wait for the residence permit to be granted.Do not receive social assistance in the 3 years before applying — this will disqualify you as a sponsor.Do not underestimate the aggregate ties test — if your combined ties are stronger to your spouse's home country than to Denmark, the application will be refused.
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