Family Reunification Visa in Denmark — What You Need to Know

Family reunification in Denmark allows foreign nationals to join a spouse, partner, or close family member who is legally residing in Denmark. The rules are governed by the Danish Aliens Act and are administered by the Danish Immigration Service (Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration, SIRI). Understanding your rights and the requirements can help you navigate what is often a complex and lengthy process.

⚖️ Your Key Rights

• ✓You have the right to apply for family reunification if your sponsor (the person living in Denmark) is a Danish citizen, a permanent resident, or holds a valid residence permit that allows for family reunification.
• ✓You have the right to receive a written decision on your application, including a clear explanation if your application is refused.
• ✓You have the right to appeal a refusal to the Danish Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet) within the specified deadline, usually stated in the refusal letter.
• ✓You have the right to be informed of all requirements before and during the application process, including any attachment requirement, housing requirement, and financial suitability requirement.
• ✓You have the right to a residence permit that initially allows you to live and work in Denmark, typically granted for the same period as your sponsor's permit or for up to two years for spouses.
• ✓You have the right not to be discriminated against on grounds of nationality, race, or religion during the processing of your application, in accordance with Danish and EU anti-discrimination law.
• ✓EU/EEA citizens and their family members have enhanced rights under EU freedom of movement rules, which are generally more favorable than the rules applying to third-country nationals.

🚀 What To Do

1. 1Check eligibility: Confirm that your sponsor in Denmark meets all requirements, including the financial self-support requirement, adequate housing, and that they have not received certain social benefits within a specific period (usually the last three years).
2. 2Gather documentation: Collect all required documents, which typically include valid passports for both you and your sponsor, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates, cohabitation evidence), proof of housing, and documentation of the sponsor's finances and employment.
3. 3Submit your application: Apply online through the official Danish Immigration Service portal (siri.dk) or, depending on your situation, through the New to Denmark portal (nyidanmark.dk). Pay the applicable application fee at the time of submission.
4. 4Attend a biometrics appointment: After submitting your application, you will be required to attend an appointment at a Danish embassy or consulate in your country of residence to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
5. 5Wait for a decision: Processing times vary but can take several months. Check the Danish Immigration Service website for current processing times. You may be asked to provide additional documentation during this period.
6. 6If refused, appeal promptly: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal to the Danish Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet). Note the deadline in your refusal letter carefully — it is typically four weeks from the date of the decision — and consider seeking legal advice to strengthen your appeal.

🔗 Official Resources