Many foreigners and their Danish spouses find the ordinary Danish family reunification rules very demanding. But in some situations there is an easier path: family reunification under EU rules.
1. EU rules can suspend the 24-year rule
Under ordinary Danish rules, both spouses must be at least 24 years old. Read more about the 24-year rule in our glossary. When an EU citizen exercises their free movement, this age limit can in many situations be set aside.
2. The attachment requirement falls away
The attachment requirement normally demands that the couple’s combined ties to Denmark exceed ties to any other country. That assessment is not made under EU rules — making the case significantly easier for many families.
3. Lower financial requirements
The self-sufficiency requirement and the financial collateral requirement do not apply directly under EU rules. The EU citizen must be able to support themselves and the family, but the requirement is markedly more flexible than under Danish benefit rules.
4. The family concept is broader
EU rules cover not only spouses and children, but also registered partners, fixed cohabitants, and in some cases other family members in ascending or descending line. This enables family reunification in situations where Danish rules would have blocked it.
5. The case is handled by SIRI
EU cases are not handled by the Immigration Service but by SIRI. Processing times are typically shorter than for ordinary family reunification cases, and the documentation required is different — the focus is on the EU citizen’s exercise of free movement.
When are EU rules an option?
EU rules are typically relevant if:
- You as a Danish citizen have lived or worked in another EU country and are now returning home with your family.
- Your spouse is an EU citizen moving to Denmark and exercising free movement.
- Turkish citizens, where the Ankara Agreement grants expanded rights.
The rules are complex and every case must be assessed individually. If you are considering family reunification under EU rules, we recommend a legal review before submitting your application. Contact us for a free assessment.
Need help with family reunification?
We have more than 10 years of experience in Danish immigration law and have won more than 150 appeal cases at the Immigration Appeals Board. Get a non-binding first assessment of your case — we respond within 24 hours.
