Family Reunification in Denmark
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 strict family reunification requirements, among the tightest in the EU:
- Spousal reunification: Both spouses must be at least 24 years old. The sponsor must have held a permanent residence permit (or Danish citizenship) for at least 3 years.
- Attachment requirement: The couple's combined attachment to Denmark must be greater than to any other country (the 'tilknytningskrav' — exempted for sponsors who have been Danish citizens for 28+ years).
- Financial requirement: The sponsor must demonstrate self-sufficiency (no public benefits for 3 years) and provide a financial guarantee (bankgaranti) of approximately DKK 100,000.
- Housing requirement: The sponsor must have adequate housing (minimum size per person).
- Children: Reunification with children under 15 is subject to a best interests assessment.
When does it apply?
- Your spouse, registered partner, or child under 15 wants to join you in Denmark.
- You are a Danish citizen or permanent resident sponsoring a family member.
What to Do If You Want to Bring Your Spouse or Family to Denmark
- Apply through nyidanmark.dk — the application must be filed online with all required documents.
- Ensure you meet the age, attachment, financial, and housing requirements before applying.
- Provide the required bank guarantee (deposited in a special account).
- If rejected, you can appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't apply before meeting all requirements — incomplete applications waste time and the filing fee.
- Don't bring your family member to Denmark before the permit is granted — they risk being refused entry.
- Don't accept public benefits during the 3-year self-sufficiency period — it can disqualify your application.
Common Questions
What are Denmark's spousal reunification requirements?
Under §§ 9-9f of Udlændingeloven: both spouses must be at least 24 years old; the sponsor must have held permanent residence (or Danish citizenship) for at least 3 years; the couple's combined attachment to Denmark must be greater than to any other country (exempted for sponsors who have been Danish citizens for 28+ years); and there are financial and housing requirements.
How big is the Danish family reunification bank guarantee?
Approximately DKK 100,000, deposited in a special account. The sponsor must also demonstrate self-sufficiency — no public benefits for 3 years — and adequate housing (minimum size per person). Do not accept public benefits during the 3-year self-sufficiency period or apply before meeting every requirement; the filing fee is non-refundable.
Can I appeal a rejected Danish family reunification application?
Yes. Appeals go to the Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet). Apply to the original decision through nyidanmark.dk — the application must be filed online with all required documents. Do not bring your family member to Denmark before the permit is granted, as they risk being refused entry at the border.
When does it apply — family reunification?
Your spouse, registered partner, or child under 15 wants to join you in Denmark.You are a Danish citizen or permanent resident sponsoring a family member.
What should I do if I want to apply for family reunification to bring my spouse to Denmark?
Apply through nyidanmark.dk — the application must be filed online with all required documents.Ensure you meet the age, attachment, financial, and housing requirements before applying.Provide the required bank guarantee (deposited in a special account).If rejected, you can appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet).
What should you NOT do — family reunification?
Don't apply before meeting all requirements — incomplete applications waste time and the filing fee.Don't bring your family member to Denmark before the permit is granted — they risk being refused entry.Don't accept public benefits during the 3-year self-sufficiency period — it can disqualify your application.