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Updated July 22, 2026
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If you want a non-EU spouse, partner or child to live with you in Denmark, the rules are strict and easy to get wrong. This guide cuts straight to what you must have ready – housing, legal status, the age rule, the financial collateral and the practical steps to submit an application.
- Minimum age for spouses/partners: 24 (you can start the process slightly earlier)
- Typical housing requirement: at least two rooms and ~40 m2
- Financial collateral is commonly required (often listed as 50,000 DKK) – verify for your case
- Temporary residence permit usually issued for two years; work rights normally included
Housing
The Danish Immigration Service expects you to have adequate housing before a family reunification permit is approved. In practice that means a home large enough for the new household: at least two rooms and around 40 m2 is the common threshold used by authorities.
- “At least two rooms” generally means a separate bedroom plus living room; the bedroom must accommodate two people comfortably.
- You do not need to own the property – a lease in your name is normally acceptable. Make sure the lease shows your name, the address and the size of the dwelling.
- If you plan to move or sublet, get written confirmation (rental contract, landlord statement) and keep receipts; you will need this when you apply.
If you are new to Denmark and still looking for housing, read practical pointers on finding an apartment in our New to Denmark guide.
Your resident status
Who you are in Denmark matters. To sponsor a family member you must normally meet one of the qualifying statuses. The table below summarises typical qualifying statuses – check your specific case on borger.dk or with SIRI.
| Qualifying situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Danish citizen | Full right to sponsor a non-EU family member. |
| Citizen of another Nordic country | Nordic citizens often have simplified procedures under Nordic agreements. |
| Holder of a valid Danish residence permit | You may be eligible if your permit is long-term or you have lived in Denmark for several years. |
| Permanent resident for 3+ years | Strengthens the application and is commonly required for some sponsor categories. |
Linking documents that show your status (passport, residence card, registration documentation) are essential. If you or your family member also needs work permission, see our work permit in Denmark guide for how employment and residence interact.
Be a minimum of 24 years old
Both you (the sponsor) and the spouse/partner normally must be 24 years old when the reunification takes effect. The authorities allow applicants to begin the process before turning 24 because the application and processing take time; in practice people often apply at around 23.5.
Age checks are strict. The 24-year rule exists to reduce the risk of forced or underage marriages – exceptions are rare.
If you are marrying in Denmark, read our practical guide to getting married in Denmark to ensure the timing and documents fit the family reunification timeline.
Meeting the collateral (cash deposit) requirement
Some sponsors must provide financial security – an escrow or bank deposit – to show you can support the incoming family member. The amount commonly quoted is 50,000 DKK, and the deposit is normally held for up to five years unless conditions (language, work) are met earlier.
- How it typically works: you set up a locked account in a Danish bank and transfer the deposit amount. The bank issues documentation you include in the application.
- Release rules: part of the deposit may be released if the newcomer passes Danish language tests and becomes economically active, but the exact thresholds can vary.
Tip: contact the Danish Immigration Service (SIRI) or the Danish embassy handling the application early and ask whether a deposit is required for your nationality and sponsor status – this avoids unnecessary bank transfers.
The benefits of family reunification in Denmark
Approved applicants typically receive a temporary residence permit (often for two years) that grants the right to live and work in Denmark. With time and continued legal residence a family member can apply for permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship if they meet the criteria.
- Work: a reunified spouse usually gets the right to work immediately or after a short administrative step – check your specific permit letter.
- Access to services: healthcare, schooling for children, and social services become available under the same rules as other residents.
- Benefits for families with children: see our explainer on child benefit so you know what financial support may be available once your family is registered in the CPR system.
Practical step-by-step: prepare and apply
- Gather ID documents: passports, your residence card or Danish ID, marriage certificate or proof of relationship, birth certificates for children.
- Secure housing: lease or ownership documents showing size and address.
- Check sponsor status: confirm you meet the residency conditions described above; consult SIRI if unsure.
- Arrange financial security if required: open the escrow/bank account and obtain bank statements and a certification.
- Fill in the correct application form and attach certified translations where necessary; submit to SIRI or the Danish embassy handling the case.
- Attend biometric/visa appointment if requested and track the application regularly.
Processing times vary by country and case complexity; expect several months. For official forms and current processing times consult borger.dk or SIRI.
Common pitfalls: missing or unofficial documents, wrong translations, unclear housing proof, and failing to show a steady legal residence as the sponsor. These are the frequent causes of delays or refusals.
Check your eligibility on borger.dk, gather passport + marriage/birth certificates and a rental contract, then call SIRI or your nearest Danish embassy to confirm whether a financial deposit is required for your case.