Spousal reunification
Help bringing your spouse or partner to Denmark
Spousal reunification and family reunification
If you want your spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner to join you in Denmark, you must apply for spousal reunification. The rules are among the strictest in Europe, and an application requires many documents from both you and your partner. We help you assess whether you meet the requirements and put together a complete application.
The main requirements
- Age: As a rule, you must both be at least 24 years old. You can apply when the younger partner is 23½
- Financial guarantee: The person in Denmark must provide a bank guarantee of a total of DKK 61,709.34 (2026). Part of the amount is reduced when the applicant passes Danish tests
- Housing: You must have independent housing of adequate size – no more than 2 people per room or at least 20 m² per person. The housing must not be in an area on the list of residential areas covered by the housing requirement
- Self-support: The person in Denmark must not have received benefits under the Active Social Policy Act or the Integration Act in the last 3 years
- Integration requirements: Together you must meet a number of integration-related conditions, e.g. regarding Danish tests, education and employment
- Danish tests after arrival: The applicant must pass a Danish test at A1 level no later than 6 months after the permit and at A2 level no later than 9 months after
- The applicant must usually have visited Denmark at least once
Fee and processing time
The fee for spousal reunification is DKK 8,490 The processing time is up to 10 months, so it is important that the application is complete from the start.
Why get help?
The requirements depend on your specific situation – for example, whether the person in Denmark is a Danish citizen, has permanent residence or holds a residence permit on another basis. We review your circumstances and tell you which requirements apply to you and what must be documented.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main requirements for spousal reunification?
You must both be at least 24. The spouse in Denmark must provide a financial guarantee of DKK 61,709.34 (2026 level) and must not have received public assistance in the last 3 years. You need suitable housing, and together you must meet the integration requirements.
What does it cost?
The SIRI fee is DKK 8,490. On top of that comes the financial guarantee, usually provided as a bank guarantee. It can be reduced when the applicant passes Danish language tests.
How long does it take?
The expected maximum processing time is 10 months. Many cases are decided faster, but an incomplete application can extend the case considerably.
What are the housing requirements?
No more than 2 people per room, or at least 20 m² per person. The home must not be in an area on the list of vulnerable housing areas, and you must have the right to use it, for example through a lease or title deed.
What if we do not meet the 24-year rule?
You can apply when the youngest is 23½. If one of you is younger, you can explore whether the EU rules (the 'Sweden model') fit, or whether special reasons may allow an exception.
What should we do after a refusal?
Read the decision and the appeal deadline. A refusal can often be appealed to the Immigration Appeals Board, but sometimes a new, better documented application is the right step. We review the decision and recommend the best route.
Last updated September 2026. Source: nyidanmark.dk – Spouse or cohabiting partner. Amounts and rules change regularly – we always check the current requirements in your case.
Review of your case
We review age, housing, finances and integration requirements and tell you what is missing before you apply.
Get help with your application
We go through your documents and tell you honestly whether you meet the requirements before you pay any fees.
Or call 32 23 38 22
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