Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Kalundborg

About Dependent Visa Law in Kalundborg, Denmark

In Denmark, what many people informally call a dependent visa is a residence permit for accompanying family members. If a person has legal residence in Denmark for work or study, their close family can often apply to live with them as accompanying family. These cases are handled under the Danish Aliens Act and processed nationally by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, known as SIRI. If the family member is joining a Danish citizen or a person who holds permanent residence in Denmark, the process is usually called family reunification and it is handled under different rules by the Danish Immigration Service. The rules apply nationwide, and when you settle in Kalundborg you will also interact with the local municipality for civil registration, healthcare, and day-to-day services.

Accompanying family permits generally cover a spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner, and children under 18 who live at home. These permits are tied to the main permit holder and typically allow the family member to live and work or study in Denmark. The exact requirements and documents depend on whether the main permit is for work or study, and on the specific scheme involved. Family reunification with a Danish citizen or permanent resident follows separate and stricter criteria. Because the rules change over time, it is important to check current requirements and consider qualified legal help.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many people choose to work with an immigration lawyer to reduce risk and delays. Common situations where legal help is useful include preparing a complete application with the correct SIRI forms and supporting evidence, documenting a cohabiting partnership in a way that meets Danish standards, planning the timing of applications for a spouse and children when the main applicant is changing jobs or schemes, resolving past immigration issues such as overstays or refusals in Schengen or another country, understanding work rights for dependents and how they are affected if the main permit changes employer, handling complex family situations such as shared custody, adoption, or blended families, pursuing family reunification with a Danish citizen or permanent resident where strict conditions may apply, responding to a request for further information or a potential refusal, and planning life in Kalundborg, including municipal registration, schooling, and healthcare steps after arrival.

A lawyer can also advise on deadlines, biometrics, translation and legalization of documents, and the impact of travel while the case is pending. If something changes, such as a new job or address, a lawyer can help you notify the right authorities correctly and on time.

Local Laws Overview

Denmark has national immigration laws that apply everywhere, including Kalundborg. For accompanying family members of a worker or student, the application is normally filed online with SIRI, a case order fee is usually required, and biometric data must be given shortly after applying. You must document the family relationship, provide passports that are valid for the full permit period, and show that the main permit holder has legal residence. As an accompanying family member, you are generally allowed to work full time in Denmark unless the permit letter states specific limits. Children have a right to attend public school, and the family can register for public healthcare after obtaining a civil registration number called CPR.

For family reunification with a Danish citizen or permanent resident, the rules are different and often stricter. There can be requirements related to the age of the spouses, documented ties to Denmark, suitable housing, and financial security. These cases have longer processing times, more extensive documentation needs, and additional conditions after residence is granted. Because these criteria and amounts can change, always verify the current rules before applying.

When you move to Kalundborg, local steps include registering your address at the municipality through Borgerservice, obtaining your CPR number, receiving your health card, choosing a general practitioner, and setting up digital access to public services through MitID and e-Boks. Address registration must be done shortly after you move into your Danish home. For many families, the International Citizen Service centers and SIRI citizen centers in larger cities handle biometrics and initial guidance, and Kalundborg Municipality assists with local registration, daycare, and schooling once you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent for an accompanying family residence permit in Denmark

Typically a spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner in a documented long-term relationship, and children under 18 who live at home. You must prove the relationship with official documents and evidence of living together for partners who are not married.

Can an accompanying family member work in Denmark

Yes. As a rule, accompanying family members of a worker or student are granted the right to work full time in Denmark. The right is usually stated in the residence card decision letter. If the main permit ends, the dependent permit may also end, which in turn affects work rights.

What is the difference between accompanying family and family reunification

Accompanying family applies when you join a person who already has a temporary residence permit for work or study. Family reunification applies when you join a Danish citizen or a person with permanent residence. Family reunification has different and often stricter conditions, longer processing times, and additional post-approval requirements.

How long does the application process take

Processing times vary by category, the quality of the documentation, and case volume. Some accompanying family cases are decided within a few months, while family reunification can take longer. Always check the latest indicative times before applying and plan for possible delays.

Do I need to submit biometrics and when

Yes. After applying you must normally have your fingerprints and photo recorded within a short deadline. This is done at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad, an authorized visa application center, or a SIRI citizen center in Denmark. Missing the biometrics deadline can result in the case being closed.

Can I apply while in Denmark

In some categories you can apply from within Denmark if you are legally present. In other situations you must apply from abroad. The correct route depends on your nationality, visa status, and the type of permit. A lawyer can confirm the proper filing location and timing for your case.

What documents are usually required

Common items include passports, marriage or partnership certificates, birth certificates for children, proof of cohabitation for unmarried partners, proof of the main permit holder’s legal residence and scheme, passport photos, and receipts for paid fees. Foreign documents often need legalization and certified translation into Danish or English.

Will my child be able to attend school in Kalundborg

Yes. Children with residence in Denmark have access to public schooling. After you register your address and obtain a CPR number, the municipality can help with school placement. Younger children can enroll in daycare or kindergarten, which may include municipal fees.

Can I bring my parents or other relatives as dependents

Parents, siblings, and extended family are generally not eligible as accompanying family members. Limited exceptions exist in special circumstances, but they are rare and require strong documentation. Most people bring only a spouse or partner and minor children.

What happens if we separate, divorce, or the main permit ends

Dependent status is linked to the main permit holder. If the main permit ends or the family relationship ceases, the dependent permit may be withdrawn or require a change of basis. There can be options to remain in Denmark in certain situations, but these depend on your history and permit type. Seek legal advice immediately if your situation changes.

Additional Resources

SIRI - Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration for applications by accompanying family of workers and students. Danish Immigration Service for family reunification with Danish citizens and permanent residents. International Citizen Service centers for guidance and practical arrival steps. Kalundborg Municipality Borgerservice for CPR registration, health card, address registration, daycare, and schools. Danish Police and SIRI citizen centers for biometrics. Danish Tax Agency for tax registration after you receive your CPR number. The Danish Bar and Law Society for finding qualified immigration lawyers. Nonprofit legal aid providers and integration counseling services may also offer guidance depending on eligibility.

Next Steps

Clarify your path. Determine whether you are applying as an accompanying family member of a worker or student, or under family reunification with a Danish citizen or permanent resident. The route defines your paperwork, fees, and processing authority.

Map your timeline. Coordinate the filing for the main permit holder and dependents. Consider school start dates, leases, and travel plans. Avoid travel that conflicts with biometrics or document legalization.

Gather documents early. Secure passports with sufficient validity, marriage or birth certificates, proof of cohabitation for partners, and any court documents for custody. Arrange sworn translations and legalization if needed. Keep clear copies of everything you submit.

Budget for fees and living costs. Application fees and potential deposits can apply. Plan for temporary private health insurance until you register for public healthcare after receiving your CPR number in Kalundborg.

Complete the correct forms. Use the SIRI or Danish Immigration Service forms for your category and pay the case order fee in the correct step. Track your case receipt and biometrics deadline carefully.

Prepare for arrival. Book an appointment with Kalundborg Borgerservice to register your address and get your CPR number and health card. Choose a general practitioner, set up MitID and e-Boks, and contact local schools or daycare providers.

Seek legal assistance. If your case has complexity or you need peace of mind, consult an experienced immigration lawyer. Bring all documents and a short timeline of your situation to your consultation so you can receive precise guidance tailored to Kalundborg and your permit type.