Moving

Bringing your family, the rules to clear first

Updated July 2026Reviewed July 2026
The one-line versionFamily reunification with a spouse is one of Denmark's stricter routes: a 24-year rule, a financial guarantee of DKK 61,709.34 (2026), a housing test and an integration requirement. Plan for around seven months.

Who can bring a spouse or partner

If you hold a Danish residence permit (for work or study) or are a Danish citizen, your spouse or cohabiting partner may qualify to join you. The relationship must be genuine and the couple must live together at a shared address. If your partner works or studies here on a permit, note that accompanying-spouse rules may be simpler than full family reunification - check which applies.

The core requirements

  • 24-year rule: both partners normally must be at least 24. You can apply when the younger is 23 years and 6 months.
  • Financial guarantee: the sponsor in Denmark normally sets aside DKK 61,709.34 (2026 level) as collateral, held as a demand guarantee or in an escrow account. It can be reduced if your partner passes Danish tests, or waived in special situations.
  • Housing: you need an independent, reasonably sized home - no more than double the occupants per room, or at least 20 sqm per person.
  • Integration requirement: the couple must collectively meet four of six conditions covering language, education and work history.
The guarantee is collateral, not a feeThe DKK 61,709.34 isn't spent - it's set aside to repay the municipality if the joining spouse later claims certain social benefits. Passing Danish language tests can reduce it; some situations release it entirely.

Cost and timing

  • Fee: around DKK 8,490 for spouse/partner reunification (2026 level).
  • Processing: expect up to about seven months - one of the slower routes.
  • Permit: typically a two-year permit at first, extendable while conditions continue to be met.
Document everything - this route fails on paperworkSpouse cases can require 35+ documents. Refusals commonly come from a missed integration condition, a housing shortfall, or doubts about the relationship. Get marriage certificates properly translated and keep evidence of cohabitation.

Children

Dependent children under 18 can usually join a parent, provided they'll live with that parent and don't have a family of their own. Children applying alongside a parent submit their own documents - passport, birth certificate and custody papers, translated into Danish or English.

The EU-rules alternative

If your spouse is an EU citizen who has exercised free movement, family reunification under EU rules can be markedly easier - the 24-year rule and the financial guarantee generally don't apply in the same way. It's worth checking whether this route is open to you before using the ordinary Danish rules.

Common questions

Can we apply before both turn 24?
You can submit when the younger partner is 23 years and 6 months, but the rule must be met for approval. Exceptions are narrow.
Does the guarantee come back?
It's collateral, not a fee - it isn't spent unless the joining spouse claims certain benefits, and it can be reduced or released in defined circumstances.
Can my spouse work here?
A family-reunification permit generally allows the holder to work in Denmark while it's valid.
Is the EU route really easier?
Often yes, where an EU-citizen spouse has used free movement - but the rules are complex and case-specific.

Verified July 2026 against official sources: nyidanmark.dk (SIRI), lifeindenmark.borger.dk and cpr.dk. General information, not legal advice - see our editorial policy.

← PreviousRegistering Your Address (Folkeregister)