How to apply
When applying for family reunification in Denmark, you must choose between three different application packages. Each application package contains a thorough description of how to fill in the form, and which documentation to include.
Please note: If an application for a residence permit on the grounds of family reunification does not include all the necessary information or documentation, it may be rejected. This means that the Immigration Service will not process the application. Please use the check list at the back of each application form before submitting the application.
Family reunification for spouses
> Application packet FA1 (English version)
> Application packet FA1 (Danish version)
Family reunification for children
> Application packet FA2 (English version)
> Application packet FA2 (Danish version)
Family reunification with other family members
> Application packet SG1 (English version)
> Application packet SG1 (Danish version)
Furthermore, you can obtain a printed version of the application packet from the Danish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate general) in your country of origin, from the Service Centre of the Immigration Service, or from the local police.
Special rules apply to Afghan citizens who are married in Pakistan. Read more about Afghan marriages in Pakistan.
Family reunification under EU law
If you apply for family reunification with a Danish citizen in Denmark under EU law, special EU application packets should be used. Read more about family reunification under EU law.
Where to apply
Generally, you need to have been granted a residence permit before entering Denmark. This means that you must submit your application at a Danish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate general) in your country of origin in order to have it processed.
You will normally have to pay a fee to the Danish Foreign Ministry for submitting an application. The fee can vary in price. The individual diplomatic mission may also make further demands such as extra passport photos or duplicate copies of the application. The Immigration Service recommends that you check the requirements on the website of the diplomatic mission before submitting your application.
Once you have filled in and submitted the application form, the diplomatic mission will forward it to the Immigration Service in Denmark, where it will be processed.
If you have been a legal resident in another country than your country of origin for the past three months, you may also submit your application at Danish diplomatic mission in that country.
If there is no Danish diplomatic mission in your country of origin (or country of residence), you may submit your application at a Danish diplomatic mission in another country. On the website of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs you can find more information about Danish diplomatic missions. In some cases, you may be allowed to submit your application at the Swedish or Norwegian diplomatic mission in your country, if there is no Danish diplomatic mission. The Immigration Service recommends that you contact the Swedish or Norwegian diplomatic mission in advance. See the list of countries where Denmark is represented by another Schengen country.
If you submit an application for family reunification while in Denmark, your application will not be processed if you are an illegal resident of Denmark, if you have been expelled from Denmark, if you have been given a deadline to leave Denmark, or if you are also applying for another type of Danish residence permit and are awaiting a decision.
In these cases, your application will be rejected. This means that the Immigration Service will not process your application and that you will have to leave Denmark and submit a new application in your country of origin. This applies unless Denmark's international commitments say otherwise.
Who can apply in Denmark?
If you are a legal resident of Denmark, you can normally submit your application - and have it processed - in Denmark.
If you live in the Greater Copenhagen area, you can submit the application at the Service Centre of the Immigration Service. If you live elsewhere you can also submit your application at your local police station. You can also send the application by post to the Danish Immigration Service.
EU/EEA citizens who are residing in Denmark under the EU rules on freedom of movement can submit an application for family reunification - and have it processed - in Denmark.
If you are staying legally in Denmark on the grounds of a valid visa, extended visa, visa free stay, or extended visa free stay, you can submit an application for family reunification - and have it processed - in Denmark.
The same applies if you are residing legally in Denmark because you already hold another type of residence permit (e.g. on the grounds of employment, study, or as an au pair).
Finally, you can submit an application for family reunification - and have it processed - in Denmark if you have appealed a ruling by the Immigration Service and this appeal has a delaying effect according to the terms of Section 33 (3) (1) of the Danish Aliens Act.
However, you cannot have your application processed in Denmark if it is obvious that you do not meet the requirements for family reunification, or if you have previously applied for family reunification and were turned down because you did not meet the requirements. In other words, if you have previously been turned down for family reunification, you cannot enter Denmark on a visa stay or visa free stay and submit a new application for family reunification - unless your situation has changed in a way that will allow you to meet the requirements.
Please note that despite the 24-year requirement, couples where both parties are at least 23 years and six months can submit an application for family reunification for spouses. Their application will be processed in order to clarify if they meet all requirements for family reunification once they both turn 24.
If you submit your application in Denmark
If you submit your application in Denmark and the Immigration Service accepts your application for processing, you may be granted procedural residence while you await the ruling. Procedural residence means that you are allowed to stay temporarily in Denmark while it is decided whether you can be granted a residence permit.
While you have procedural residence, you are not allowed to work, even if it is voluntary/unpaid work. If you work illegally, you risk fine or imprisonment, as does your employer. You also risk expulsion. During procedural residence, you are not entitled to free Danish classes at a language school, and your access to medical help is restricted. If you need acute medical help or hospitalisation, you can contact your municipality.
If you wish to travel abroad during this period, you can apply for a re-entry permit. A re-entry permit allows you to return to Denmark even though you do not hold a valid residence permit.
Re-entry permit
> Application form (Danish/English version)
Application processing and ruling
When the Immigration Service has received your application for a residence permit, it will evaluate it along with the enclosed documentation. The Immigration Service will then decide whether to reject your application because it does not include the necessary information or documentation, or to accept it for processing. If your application is rejected, you must submit a new application which includes the missing information or documentation.
If the Immigration Service accepts your application for processing, it will check to find out if you have been reported to the Schengen Information System (SIS).
If the Immigration Service receives information that does not correspond with the information you provided, you will normally be asked to explain discrepancies before the Immigration Service rules in the case.
Once the Immigration Service has received all necessary information relating to your application, it will rule in the case. The ruling will either result in you being granted a residence permit, or your application will be turned down.
If you submitted your application from your country of origin or country of residence, the Immigration Service will send the ruling to the diplomatic mission where you submitted your application. The diplomatic mission will then forward it to your home address, or request that you pick it up in person.
If you submit your application in Denmark, the Immigration Service will send the ruling to your address in Denmark, or to your attorney. The Immigration Service may also request that you pick it up in person at the Service Centre, or it may send it to the police, who will then forward it to your home address.
If the Immigration Service has turned down your application, you will be given a deadline to leave Denmark, i.e. you will be required to leave Denmark before a specified date. After this date, you will be considered an illegal resident in Denmark. If you are residing illegally in Denmark you risk being expelled and given an entry ban, i.e. you will be banned from entering Denmark for a certain period of time. You also risk being reported to the police for illegal residence.
If your application is turned down, you will be informed of your avenues to appeal the ruling.