How to apply

You can choose between three application packets:

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 news about Afghan couples who apply for family reunification.

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 how to apply for family reunification under EU law  

Does it cost anything to submit an application?

Yes, if you submit your application to a diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate general) you will normally have to pay a fee. The fee can vary in price. The individual diplomatic mission can also make further demands such as extra passport photos or duplicate copies of the application. We recommend that you check with the requirements on the website of the diplomatic mission in your country before the application is submitted.

Where to submit your application

Normally, you must have obtained a residence permit before entering Denmark. You can submit your application in your country of origin or in the country where you have resided permanently for the past three months. In some cases, you may be allowed to submit your application in Denmark, but this depends on your grounds for being in the country.

If you already hold another type of residence permit in Denmark, if you have a valid visa, or if you are not required to hold a visa, you can usually submit an application for a residence permit in Denmark.

However, people with procedural residence, that is, those with the right to reside in Denmark even though they have not been granted a residence permit, such as asylum seekers, cannot submit an application for a residence permit.

Furthermore, there may be special situations where you will be allowed to submit your application in Denmark, even if you are residing in the country illegally. The Immigration Service will decide in each case whether to accept an application.

If you submit your application in your country of origin

If you apply in your country of origin, you can submit your application at the Danish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate general). When you have submitted your application, the diplomatic mission will forward it to the Immigration Service in Denmark, where it will be processed.

If you have resided permanently in another country for the past three months, you can also submit your application at the 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 in another country. You can find additional information about Danish diplomatic missions abroad on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If you submit your application in Denmark

Normally, you must have obtained a residence permit before entering Denmark. If you submit your application after entering the country, the Immigration Service may refuse your application. This means that you will have to return to your country of origin or residence and submit a new application to the Danish diplomatic mission there.

In some cases, you may submit your application in Denmark. If the Immigration Service accepts your application for processing, you may stay in the country during the processing. If the Immigration Service refuses your application, you can appeal the decision to the Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs.

If you submit your application in Denmark and the Immigration Service accepts your application for processing, you may be granted procedural residence while you wait for a 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.

If you wish to travel abroad during this period, you will normally need to apply for a re-entry permit. Without a re-entry permit, you may not be allowed back into Denmark.

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.

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 are eligible for family reunification once they meet the 24-year requirement.

Where to submit your application in Denmark

If you live in the Greater Copenhagen area, you should 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.

What documentation must you include?

It is vital to the processing of your application that you include the correct documents.

The application packet contains a thorough description of how to apply as well as a list of the documents you need to submit together with your application.

Processing your application

When the Immigration Service has received your application for a residence permit, it will evaluate it along with the enclosed documentation. In addition, the Immigration Service 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.

How do you receive the ruling?

If you submit 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 decided to reject your application, it will ask you to leave Denmark before a specified date. In this case, you will be informed of your avenues to appeal the ruling.