Family Reunification in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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 toughest in the EU:
- Spousal reunification: Both spouses must be at least 24 years old. The resident must have held permanent residence (or Danish citizenship) for at least 3 years.
- The attachment requirement: The couple's combined attachment to Denmark must be greater than to any other country (the attachment requirement is waived for residents who have held Danish citizenship for 28 years or more).
- The self-support requirement: The resident must be able to document self-support (no public benefits for 3 years) and provide a financial security (bank guarantee) of approx. 100,000 kr.
- The housing requirement: The resident must have suitable housing (a minimum size per person).
- Children: Reunification with children under 15 is subject to an assessment of the child's best interests.
When does it apply?
- Your spouse, registered partner or child under 15 wants to join you in Denmark.
- You are a Danish citizen or hold permanent residence and are the resident sponsor for a family member.
What to do if you want to bring your spouse or family to Denmark
- Apply via nyidanmark.dk — the application must be submitted online together with all necessary documentation.
- Make sure you meet the age, attachment, self-support and housing requirements before applying.
- Provide the required bank guarantee (paid into a special account).
- If you are refused, you can appeal to Udlændingenævnet (the Immigration Appeals Board).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't apply before all requirements are met — incomplete applications waste time and the application fee.
- Don't let your family member travel to Denmark before the permit is granted — they risk being refused entry.
- Don't receive public benefits during the 3-year self-support period — it can disqualify your application.
About Immigration Law & Right of Residence in Denmark
If you live in Denmark on a visa, your rights rest on Udlændingeloven (the Aliens Act), administered by Udlændingestyrelsen (the Danish Immigration Service). Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA need a residence and work permit for stays over 90 days — the main routes are the Pay Limit Scheme (beløbsordningen), the Positive List (positivlisten) and Start-up Denmark. Asylum applications go through a two-track process with the option to appeal to Flygtningenævnet (the Refugee Appeals Board). Family reunification is subject to strict requirements on income, housing and attachment. Citizenship, governed by Indfødsretsloven (the Nationality Act), requires naturalisation by an act passed by the Folketing (Parliament).
Common Questions
What are the requirements for spousal reunification in Denmark?
Under §§ 9-9f of the Aliens Act: both spouses must be at least 24; the resident 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 (waived for residents with 28 years of Danish citizenship or more); and there are income and housing requirements.
How large is the bank guarantee for Danish family reunification?
Approx. 100,000 kr., paid into a special account. The resident must also be able to document self-support — no public benefits for 3 years — and suitable housing (a minimum size per person). Don't receive public benefits during the 3-year self-support period, and don't apply before all requirements are met; the application fee is not refunded.
Can I appeal a refusal of Danish family reunification?
Yes. Appeals go to Udlændingenævnet (the Immigration Appeals Board). You appeal the original decision via nyidanmark.dk — the application must be submitted online together with all necessary documentation. Don't let your family member travel to Denmark before the permit is granted, as they risk being refused at the border.
What is the family reunification right in Denmark?
Denmark has strict family-reunification requirements — among the toughest in the EU:Spousal reunification: Both spouses must be at least 24 years old. The resident must have held permanent residence (or Danish citizenship) for at least 3 years.The attachment requirement: The couple's combined attachment to Denmark must be greater than to any other country (the attachment requirement is waived for residents who have held Danish citizenship for 28 years or more).The self-support requirement: The resident must be able to document self-support (no public benefits for 3 years) and provide a...
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 hold permanent residence and are the resident sponsor for a family member.
What do I do if I want to apply for family reunification to bring my spouse to Denmark?
Apply via nyidanmark.dk — the application must be submitted online together with all necessary documentation.Make sure you meet the age, attachment, self-support and housing requirements before applying.Provide the required bank guarantee (paid into a special account).If you are refused, you can appeal to Udlændingenævnet (the Immigration Appeals Board).
What should you NOT do — family reunification?
Don't apply before all requirements are met — incomplete applications waste time and the application fee.Don't let your family member travel to Denmark before the permit is granted — they risk being refused entry.Don't receive public benefits during the 3-year self-support period — it can disqualify your application.