Denmark family reunification visa for children

The parent in Denmark must be a Danish or Nordic citizen or hold a residence permit on grounds other than asylum, must have custody (joint custody is enough), must not have been convicted of child abuse, and must meet a housing requirement. In some cases, for example after a long period without contact, the parent must also be self-supporting without benefits under the Active Social Policy Act or the Integration Act.

The child must normally be under 15 on the day of application, must live with the parent in Denmark once a permit is granted, and must not have started a family of their own, for example by cohabiting or having a child. The move must be in the child’s best interest; the Immigration Service may ask the municipality for a statement on the child’s well-being and the parent’s ability to care. Between 15 and 18 the child can be approved only for very special reasons such as family unity or Denmark’s international obligations.

Create a case ID, pay DKK 8,490, and let the child (through the custodial parent) and the parent in Denmark each fill in a part of the form. The application is lodged at the Danish mission or outsourcing office in the child’s country of residence, often a visa application centre, where biometrics are recorded. If a parent applies as a spouse at the same time, follow the combined instructions.

If the child lives abroad with the other parent or another caregiver, the application must normally be made within 3 months: from the date the parent was granted a family-reunification permit, from the parent’s registration in the National Register for Danish or Nordic citizens, or from the date the parent was granted permanent residence when the parent holds a temporary work or similar permit. The deadline does not apply when the parent in Denmark is an economically active Turkish citizen, among other exceptions.

The child gets a temporary permit, usually until age 18 and never beyond the parent’s temporary permit; it can be extended for DKK 5,435 while the conditions are met. The child must live at the parent’s address. Refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeals Board as described in the decision, for DKK 1,040.

Children of a parent with a SIRI work, research or Start-up permit do not use this route: they apply as accompanying family members under 18 through SIRI, for DKK 3,080, ideally at the same time as the parent. Children of students who applied for a study permit from 1 October 2026 in bachelor or master programmes cannot accompany them.