Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Viby

About Dependent Visa Law in Viby, Denmark

Dependent visas in Viby, Denmark fall under Denmark's family reunification and residence permit rules. If you live in Viby or plan to bring a family member to Viby, the relevant rules are set by Danish national immigration law and applied by the national immigration authorities. Depending on the sponsor's status - EU/EEA citizen, Danish citizen, permanent resident, work permit holder, student, or holder of another temporary permit - the conditions, documents and processing path can differ. Many applicants refer to this process as family reunification. Local municipal services in Viby - as part of Aarhus Kommune - help with civil registration and integration once a permit is granted.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration and family reunification procedures often involve complex legal tests and strict documentation requirements. You may need a lawyer if you face:

- A refusal of a family reunification application and you plan to appeal.

- Application issues tied to the 24-year rule, the attachment test, or proving a stable cohabiting relationship.

- Criminal record complications for either the sponsor or the incoming family member.

- Special circumstances such as custody disputes, adoption, surrogacy, same-sex partnerships, or unclear paternity.

- Difficulty obtaining or correctly translating supporting documents from abroad.

- Urgent situations involving detention, deportation, or suspension of benefits while a case is pending.

- Need to coordinate with multiple authorities - national immigration agency, police for biometric residence cards, and local municipality for CPR registration and housing requirements.

Legal counsel can help prepare stronger applications, advise on exceptions, meet deadlines for appeals, and represent you in hearings or communications with Danish authorities.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points relevant for dependent visas in Viby include:

- Family reunification framework - The Danish Aliens Act and related regulations govern who qualifies for family reunification and the procedural rules for application and appeal.

- 24-year rule - In many spouse or cohabitation cases, parties must generally be at least 24 years old. There are narrow exceptions depending on nationality, length of residence, and other factors.

- Attachment requirement - Authorities may refuse reunification if the sponsor has closer ties to another country than to Denmark. Factors include nationality, employment, language skills, family ties, and length of residence.

- Housing and financial conditions - The sponsor may need to document adequate housing and the ability to support the incoming family member without relying on public assistance.

- Criminality and public order - Convictions or ongoing investigations can affect eligibility. Certain serious offences can lead to refusal or delays.

- Differences for EU/EEA nationals - Family members of EU/EEA citizens have different rights under EU free movement rules, often making reunification simpler than for third-country nationals.

- Work and social rights for dependents - Whether a dependent can work or access benefits depends on the type of residence permit and the rules attached to it.

- Appeals and review - Decisions can be appealed to the national immigration appeals board. Time limits and formal requirements for appeals are strict.

- Local administrative steps - After approval, family members must register with Aarhus Kommune for CPR number, health insurance card, and municipal integration services. They must also provide biometrics to authorities for residence cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is family reunification in Denmark and who is considered a dependent?

Family reunification allows certain family members to join a person lawfully residing in Denmark. Dependents commonly include spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners, and minor children. The exact list and conditions depend on the sponsor's residence status and nationality.

How do I apply for a dependent visa if I live in Viby?

You submit the application to the Danish immigration authority handling your case - typically Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration or the Danish Immigration Service. Applications require identity documents, proof of relationship, housing information, financial documentation, and any required translations and certifications. If you are already in Denmark, steps include applying for the correct permit type and registering with the municipality after approval.

What is the 24-year rule and how does it affect my application?

The 24-year rule generally requires spouses or partners to be at least 24 years old to qualify for family reunification. The rule aims to reduce forced marriages and limit immigration in certain categories. Exceptions exist but are limited and depend on nationality, long-term ties to Denmark, and other legal grounds.

What is the attachment requirement and how can I prove it?

The attachment requirement is a test to show the sponsor has stronger ties to Denmark than to the other country. Evidence can include length of residence in Denmark, permanent residence or citizenship, employment, Danish language ability, family ties in Denmark, and lack of strong ties to the foreign country. A lawyer can help assemble persuasive documentation for this test.

Can dependents work in Denmark once their permit is granted?

Whether a dependent can work depends on the type of residence permit granted. Some dependent permits include the right to work immediately, while others limit employment until certain conditions are met. Check the wording on the permit and confirm with authorities or a lawyer.

What documents are typically required for a family reunification application?

Common documents include valid passports, proof of relationship or marriage certificate, birth certificates for children, documentation of housing in Denmark, proof of income or means of support, criminal record certificates, and certified translations into Danish or English when needed. Specific cases may require additional evidence such as custody documents or proof of previous cohabitation.

What happens if my application is refused?

If an application is refused you usually have the right to appeal. Appeals must be filed within strict deadlines and follow formal requirements. A refusal notice will explain reasons and appeal steps. Legal representation can be crucial for lodging an effective appeal and preparing further evidence.

How long does the process usually take?

Processing times vary by case complexity, sponsor status and workload at immigration authorities. Simple cases may take a few months, while more complex or controversial cases can take longer or require appeals. Expect additional time for biometric appointments, municipal registration and travel arrangements.

Do I need certified translations and notarized documents?

Yes. Authorities will typically require certified translations into Danish or English for documents not in those languages. Some documents may also need authentication or legalization from the issuing country. Requirements vary so check with the authority handling your application or ask a lawyer to review your paperwork.

Where do I register once my dependent arrives in Viby?

After arrival and once the residence permit is in effect, the dependent must register with Aarhus Kommune to obtain a CPR number and health insurance card. They may also need to give biometrics for a residence card at a police or immigration office and register for integration services if applicable.

Additional Resources

Useful bodies and services to contact or consult for dependent visa matters include:

- The national immigration authority that processes applications and issues decisions.

- The immigration appeals board for information on appeal procedures.

- Aarhus Kommune - municipal citizen services for CPR registration, housing and integration help in Viby.

- The local police or biometric service point for residence card collection and biometric registration.

- The Danish Bar and Law Society for finding qualified immigration lawyers and checking professional credentials.

- Nonprofit organisations and legal clinics that assist migrants and families with information and sometimes free or reduced-fee legal help.

When seeking resources, ask for up-to-date guidance because rules and fees change over time.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a dependent visa in Viby follow these steps:

- Check your eligibility - Review the basic requirements for your category of family reunification and make a list of required documents.

- Gather documents - Collect identity papers, relationship evidence, housing proof and financial information. Obtain certified translations and any required legalisations.

- Contact Aarhus Kommune - Learn about municipal registration, housing standards and any local procedures for new arrivals in Viby.

- Consider specialist legal help - For refusals, appeals, criminal record issues or complex family situations, contact an immigration lawyer experienced in Danish family reunification.

- Prepare for timelines - Allow extra time for processing, biometrics and municipal registration. Note appeal deadlines if an initial decision is negative.

- Keep records - Maintain copies of all submissions, correspondence and receipts. Document any communications with authorities.

- Seek immediate help if urgent - If a family member faces detention, removal or immediate hardship, contact a lawyer or qualified legal aid organisation right away.

Finally, immigration law is detailed and can change. Use professional legal advice for case specific guidance and to protect your rights through the application and appeal processes.