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This guide explains how dependent visa and family-reunification rules work for people living in Brabrand, a district within Aarhus Municipality in Denmark. Dependent visas allow family members - commonly spouses, registered partners, cohabitants and children - to join a sponsor who lives lawfully in Denmark. The rules differ depending on whether the sponsor is an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, a Danish citizen, or a third-country national with a Danish residence or work permit. National Danish immigration law sets the core requirements, while local steps - such as registering your address and getting a CPR number - are handled by Aarhus Kommune.
Many dependent visa cases are straightforward, but there are common situations where professional legal help is valuable or necessary:
- Refused applications - a lawyer can advise on reasons for refusal and prepare an appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board.
- Complex family situations - cases involving unmarried partners, surrogate births, adoption, custody disputes or non-traditional family forms often require specialist documentation and legal argument.
- Criminal record or immigration history - prior convictions, previous visa refusals or deportations can complicate reunification applications.
- The 24-year rule and attachment requirement - these special policy rules require legal interpretation and evidence to meet high thresholds.
- Translating and legalising documents - ensuring foreign marriage certificates, birth certificates and other evidence meet Danish formalities.
- Urgent or time-sensitive matters - when a refusal will cause immediate harm, a lawyer can seek expedited review or protective measures.
- Appeals and judicial review - representation at SIRI, the Immigration Appeals Board and in court increases the chance of success and ensures procedural rights are protected.
Key legal elements relevant to dependent visas in Brabrand and Denmark include:
- Danish Aliens Act - the primary national law governing entry, residence and family reunification for non-EU/EEA nationals. The Act sets conditions for who may be reunited and what proof is required.
- Family reunification categories - usual categories include spouses and registered partners, cohabitants in a durable relationship, children under a certain age, and in very limited circumstances parents or other relatives.
- 24-year rule - in many spouse reunification cases one partner must be at least 24 years old for the application to be accepted from abroad; there are exceptions but the rule is strict and often decisive.
- Attachment requirement - the couple must demonstrate social and economic attachment to Denmark in some cases. Authorities assess ties such as employment, education, family in Denmark and length of stay.
- Maintenance and integration requirements - the sponsor must normally document sufficient and stable income, adequate housing and that they are not receiving certain social benefits at the time of application.
- EU/EEA family member rules - family members of EU/EEA or Swiss citizens can rely on freedom of movement rules to reside in Denmark, with different procedures and more limited national restrictions.
- Documentation standards - foreign civil status documents usually need certified translations and legalization or an apostille, depending on the issuing country.
- Appeals - refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet) and, in some cases, further judicial review is possible.
- Local registration - once in Denmark, dependents must register with Aarhus Kommune to obtain a CPR number and health insurance card. MitID registration is commonly needed for accessing public services online.
Family reunification is the legal category under Danish law that allows family members to join a sponsor in Denmark. Dependent visa is a practical term often used to describe the permit or visa issued to the family member enabling travel and residence. The substantive rules and application procedures depend on the sponsor's status and the relationship.
A sponsor can be a Danish citizen, an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen working or living in Denmark, or a third-country national holding a Danish residence or work permit that permits family reunification. The sponsor must normally demonstrate stable income, adequate housing and that they meet any specific conditions attached to their permit type.
Work rights depend on the type of permit granted. Spouses of many permit holders receive the right to work, but there are exceptions and limitations based on the sponsor's permit category and national policy. Always check the decision letter or consult an immigration authority or lawyer to confirm work authorization.
Common documents include passports, marriage or partnership certificates, birth certificates for children, proof of the sponsor's residence or work permit in Denmark, proof of income and employment, housing documentation, civil-status documents showing family ties, translations and legalization of foreign documents, and passport photos. Additional evidence may be required for cohabitants or where the relationship needs to be proven.
Processing times vary based on case complexity, the applicant's country of origin and the current caseload of the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration or the responsible authority. Typical times range from a few months to six months or longer. Always check the current processing estimates and apply well in advance of planned travel.
The 24-year rule requires that in many spouse reunification cases, at least one partner must be 24 years old or older for an application from abroad to be processed. The rule is intended to reduce forced marriages and ensure attachments to Denmark, and it may not apply in all circumstances. Exceptions are limited and require specialist advice.
Children commonly qualify for family reunification if they are under 18 and the family relationship is proven. There are rules about custody, legal parental authority and whether the child lives with the sponsor. Adult children are generally not eligible except in narrow, exceptional cases.
If an application is refused you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons and the deadline and procedure for appeal. Appeals are typically filed to the Immigration Appeals Board. A lawyer can help prepare an appeal statement, gather new evidence where allowed, and represent you in the appeal process.
Yes. Civil status documents issued abroad often must be legalized or bear an apostille and must be translated into Danish or, sometimes, English by an authorised translator. The exact requirements depend on the document and the issuing country.
After arrival you must register your address with Aarhus Kommune - Borgerservice to obtain a CPR number and a health insurance card. You may also need to apply for MitID for online public services. Registration is essential to access healthcare, open a bank account and receive social services.
Useful Danish authorities and organisations for dependent visa matters include:
- Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration - the authority that processes many residence and family reunification applications.
- Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen) - the national body overseeing immigration policy and some decision-making functions.
- Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet) - handles appeals against negative decisions.
- Aarhus Kommune - Borgerservice - local registration, CPR number and municipal services for residents in Brabrand.
- Danish embassies and consulates - where visa processing or document legalization for applicants outside Denmark may be required.
- Civil society organisations - such as local legal clinics, the Danish Red Cross, and refugee and migrant support organisations that often provide guidance or pro bono assistance.
- Official guidance materials and forms published by national agencies - these explain current requirements, fees and the application process.
If you need legal assistance or plan to apply for a dependent visa in Brabrand, follow these practical steps:
- Gather core documents - passports, birth and marriage certificates, sponsor's residence and employment evidence, housing proof, and any custody documents.
- Check translation and legalization requirements for foreign documents and arrange certified translations.
- Confirm whether the sponsor's status triggers special rules - for example the 24-year rule or attachment requirement - and get specialist advice if you are close to a threshold.
- Consider free resources first - contact Aarhus Kommune for registration steps, and use official guidance from national immigration authorities to prepare the application correctly.
- If your case is complex, or if you receive a refusal, consult an immigration lawyer experienced in Danish family reunification. Ask for an initial case assessment that outlines strengths, risks and likely timescales.
- Keep careful records - copies of all forms, receipts, correspondence and translations. Note appeal deadlines if you receive an unfavourable decision.
- Plan practical aspects of arrival - register promptly with Borgerservice to obtain a CPR number and health coverage, apply for MitID and arrange accommodation and schooling for children if relevant.
Getting professional advice early can prevent delays and increase the chance of a successful application. If unsure, start by contacting Aarhus Kommune and the relevant Danish immigration authority to understand which rules apply to your specific situation.
