Who can apply for family reunification in Denmark

Depending on your relation to a person living in Denmark (spouse/partner, child, sometimes other relatives). You may apply for a residence permit under family reunification rules.

Here are the main eligible categories:
• Spouse or cohabiting partner of a Danish citizen or a permanent resident (or certain other long-term permit holders).
• Children under certain age thresholds whose parent(s) live in Denmark.
• In very exceptional cases. Other family members (e.g. extended family, adult children/parents). But such applications are restricted and rarely accepted.
• For people granted asylum / refugee status. Spouse/partner and minor children may often qualify under special rules.

📝 Key requirements and conditions (for spouse/partner reunification)

If you apply as a spouse or cohabiting partner. There are several conditions both you and your partner in Denmark must meet. These include:
• You must generally be at least 24 years old.
• The marriage or partnership must be legitimate (not a sham / forced marriage). And valid under Danish law.
• The person in Denmark must be either a Danish/Nordic citizen. Hold a permanent residence permit, or be recognised as a refugee/asylum-holder.
• Adequate housing must be available. Sufficient space (often measured as minimum square metres per person or limits on number of people per room).
• The partner in Denmark must be financially stable. Typically, they should not have received certain public benefits for a specified period (e.g. 3 years before application).

For children & refugees — special rules
• If a child under 15 (or in some cases up to 18) has a parent residing legally in Denmark. They may get reunification, provided custody requirements and child-welfare assessments are met.
• For people granted asylum / refugee status. Family reunification is generally allowed for spouse/partner and children. Under somewhat relaxed rules compared to other residence-based reunification.
• Reunification for extended family (e.g. adult siblings, parents) is extremely rare and only in special cases. Where lack of reunification would violate fundamental rights (e.g. right to family life under human rights laws).