Family Reunification Denmark — Bringing Spouse & Children

Family Reunification in Denmark

Updated By exploringdenmark

If you’re living in Denmark with a valid residence permit or as an EU citizen, your spouse/partner and children can join you through family reunification. The rules are strict — Denmark has some of the tightest family reunification requirements in the EU — but the process is navigable with the right preparation.

You (in DK) Family (abroad) SIRIFamilyreunification Together in DK Strict requirements · 4-10 month processing

Overview

Family reunification allows your immediate family (spouse/registered partner and children under 18) to join you in Denmark. The rules differ based on whether you’re a Danish citizen, an EU citizen exercising free movement, or a non-EU permit holder.

Spouse/partner reunification

Key requirements for non-EU sponsors (work permit holders):

  • Both parties must be at least 24 years old
  • The sponsor must have held a residence permit for a qualifying period
  • Adequate housing (minimum size requirements)
  • Financial self-sufficiency — the sponsor must not have received public benefits for a period
  • Financial security deposit of approximately 100,000 DKK (posted as a bank guarantee)
  • The couple’s combined attachment to Denmark must be greater than to any other country (the “attachment requirement”)

Some of these requirements (particularly the financial deposit and attachment) are waived or relaxed for certain sponsor types, including researchers and those married for 3+ years.

Child reunification

Children under 18 can be reunified with a parent living in Denmark. The child must not have formed such strong ties to their home country that integration in Denmark would be difficult. In practice, younger children are easier to reunify. The child cannot be married.

EU citizen families

If you’re an EU citizen exercising free movement in Denmark, the rules are significantly more relaxed. Your spouse, children, and dependent parents can join you under EU free movement rules — the Danish-specific restrictions (age 24, financial deposit, attachment requirement) largely don’t apply. They register through SIRI for a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen.

Key difference: EU family reunification is much simpler than non-EU. If you’re an EU citizen, your family’s path is smoother and faster.

Document requirements

Typical documents needed
  • Marriage certificateApostilled and translated if not in Danish/English/Nordic language
  • Passports for all family members
  • Proof of housingLease or ownership docs showing adequate size
  • Financial documentationBank statements, employment contract, proof of self-sufficiency
  • Financial deposit guarantee (~100,000 DKK if required)
  • Birth certificates for children

How to apply

Apply online at nyidanmark.dk. The applying family member submits from abroad (at a Danish embassy) or from within Denmark if already here legally. Upload all required documents. Biometrics required.

Processing time

Family reunification applications typically take 4–10 months — significantly longer than work permits. Complete applications process faster. Missing documents are the #1 cause of delays.

Common problems

The financial deposit is very high

The ~100,000 DKK deposit is refundable after conditions are met (usually after 10 years or when the sponsored person gets permanent residency). Some categories are exempt — check the specific rules for your permit type.

We don’t meet the attachment requirement

This is the most common rejection reason. You can strengthen your case by demonstrating ties to Denmark: employment, language learning, children in Danish schools, property ownership, social connections. The requirement is assessed holistically.

Questions and answers

Can my spouse work?

Yes. Family reunification permits generally include work authorisation. Your spouse can work in Denmark without a separate work permit.

What about unmarried partners?

Cohabiting partners can apply if you’ve lived together for at least 1.5–2 years and can document it. Same-sex partnerships are treated equally.

Can my parents join me?

Rarely. Parent reunification is very restricted in Denmark — generally only possible for elderly parents with no other family and specific humanitarian circumstances.

Sources

  1. nyidanmark.dk — family reunification rules and application.