Applying for family reunification

If you have been granted asylum in Denmark, and you were separated from your family, you can apply for family reunification so that your family can join you in Denmark, under specific conditions.

In Denmark, UNHCR supports the national authorities in executing its duties in line with international and European standards. UNHCR is not part of the family reunification procedure in Denmark. The procedure in Denmark is under the responsibility of the Danish Immigration Service under the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration.

How can I apply for family reunification?

You can apply for family reunification on the online portal of the Danish immigration authorities, available in English and Danish.

When should I apply for family reunification?

If you want to apply for family reunification with your children under 18 years, you should do so as soon as possible and no later than 3 months after you were granted asylum in Denmark.

If you want to apply for family reunification with other family members, read more about these procedures on the online portal of the Danish immigration authorities, available in English and Danish.

Whom can I reunite with?

It is possible for your spouse, cohabiting partner and children under 18 years old to reside with you in Denmark. If your application for family reunification is accepted, you need to organise and pay for your family members’ trip to Denmark. Some organisations or projects may be able to help, such as Miles4Migrants. Find more information on Miles4Migrants website.

In special situations, other close members of your family who had lived with you in your home country and who fully depend on you may come to reside with you in Denmark.

Can I appeal if my application for family reunification is rejected?

If your application for family reunification is rejected by the Danish Immigration Service, you have the right to submit an appeal before the Danish Immigration Appeals Board.

Note that the appeal must be submitted within 8 weeks after you receive the letter from the Danish Immigration Service with the decision on your application for family reunification.

Read more about how to appeal a rejected decision on the online portal of the Danish immigration authorities, available in English and Danish.

Where can I find help for a family reunification process?

If you have a residence permit, including for asylum or other protection grounds, in Denmark, you may be eligible for free legal aid provided by the State. For more information about the requirements needed to request free legal aid and how to request it, please visit the website of the Danish immigration authorities.

If you are not eligible for free legal aid provided by the State, we advise you to contact our partner, the Danish Refugee Council. Their team of volunteers (Voluntary Advisory Services) may be able to provide free legal counselling in your case (more information about the work of the Voluntary Advisory Services is available online in Arabic, English, Farsi, Somali and Tigrinya). Here below how to contact them:

Danish Refugee Council

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