Family Reunification in Denmark
Family Reunification in Denmark: A complex process that requires professional guidance
Three pathways to Family Reunification
There are three main ways to apply for family reunification in Denmark, depending on your residence status:
- Under Danish Immigration Law
As a Danish citizen or a holder of permanent residence, you can apply for family reunification for your spouse and children. Refugees can also apply without a permanent residence permit, but it is easier if the application is made within the first few years after being granted asylum. - With a Special Residence Permit
If you have a residence permit in Denmark based on work or studies, your spouse and children can apply to join you as accompanying family members. - Under EU Rules
As a Danish citizen, you can use EU rules by living in another EU country with your family for a period before returning to Denmark. EU citizens residing and working in Denmark can also apply for family reunification under EU regulations.
Requirements for Family Reunification under danish immigration law
When applying for family reunification under Danish immigration law, several requirements must be met:
- Age and Marriage: Both parties must be at least 24 years old and legally married.
- Previous Visa: Your spouse must have previously stayed in Denmark on a visa.
- Kinship: The couple must not be closely related, e.g., first cousins.
- Housing Requirement: You must have housing of at least 40 m² for two people, plus 20 m² for each additional child. The residence must not be located in a government-designated parallel society (formerly referred to as "ghettos").
- Financial Security: You must provide a financial guarantee of DKK 57,000.
- Prior Knowledge: The marriage must be recognized by Danish authorities and must not be a forced or sham marriage.
Language and integration requirements
A significant requirement for family reunification is that your spouse must pass a Danish language test (PD1) within six months of arriving in Denmark. Additionally, your spouse must continue integration efforts and pass another language test nine months after reunification to retain their residence permit.
Integration requirements in Denmark
Since July 1, 2018, an integration requirement has replaced the former attachment requirement. To qualify for family reunification, both the applicant and the spouse must meet at least four out of six requirements, including:
- Mandatory Danish Proficiency:
- You must have passed the Danish Language Test 3 or an equivalent or higher-level test. Alternatively, you must have worked full-time in Denmark for at least five years, communicating primarily in Danish.
- Employment in Denmark:
- You must have worked full-time in Denmark for at least five years or run your own business.
- Education in Denmark:
- You must have completed at least one year of full-time education equivalent to a Danish higher education degree.
- Danish Language Skills for the Foreign Spouse:
- Your spouse must pass the Danish Language Test 1 (PD1) or an equivalent English test at the B1 level.
- Work Experience for the Foreign Spouse:
- Your spouse must have had full-time employment or run their own business for at least three out of the last five years.
Why professional guidance is crucial
Family reunification requires precise and accurate documentation. A correctly completed application and proper documentation can significantly reduce processing times, which typically take about seven months but may be longer for more complex cases. Errors in the application can lead to delays or, in severe cases, criminal charges for false statements.
Navigating the many requirements and regulations surrounding family reunification can feel overwhelming. At VisaGuiden, we offer professional guidance to ensure your application is accurate and has the best chance of approval. We help with gathering and validating documentation, completing application forms, and guiding you through the entire process.
