The attachment requirement is one of the most difficult rules in family reunification cases — because it is a combined discretionary assessment without fixed thresholds. But that also means you can significantly influence the outcome through good documentation.
What does the rule say?
The couple must collectively have greater attachment to Denmark than to any other country. That means your ties to Denmark are compared with your ties to, e.g., the applicant’s country of origin or a third country where you have both lived.
Which factors are considered?
- How long has the resident lived in Denmark?
- Is the resident a Danish citizen? For how long?
- Where did the couple meet — and where have they lived together?
- How many times has the foreign spouse stayed in Denmark?
- Language skills of both parties.
- Education and employment in Denmark.
- Family in Denmark (parents, siblings, common children).
- Ties to the country of origin (permanent residence, employment, family there).
When does the requirement not apply?
The attachment requirement is suspended if the resident has held Danish citizenship for at least 28 years (or was born and raised in Denmark). It also does not apply if you apply under EU rules.
How to document attachment to Denmark
The resident’s side
- CPR history from the civil registry.
- Education certificates from Danish institutions.
- Employment contracts and payslips from Danish employers.
- Tax records and annual statements.
- Lease agreement or deed.
Shared attachment
- Documentation of visits to Denmark (flight tickets, hotel reservations, photos).
- Communication records (video calls, messages, social media — selective sample).
- Periods when you lived together in Denmark (lease, joint bills).
The foreign spouse’s side
- Danish language courses — including online or through language schools.
- Any education or work with Danish connections.
- Previous stays in Denmark.
Factors that weaken Danish attachment
Be aware that case law weighs certain factors as undermining:
- Many and long stays in the applicant’s country of origin.
- Close family and business network in the country of origin.
- Marriage entered into and cohabitation established in the country of origin.
Tip: Start documenting early
Attachment is built over time. Even if you are not about to apply for family reunification yet, it pays to save documentation continuously — flight tickets, message history, days of residence, etc. A well-organised dossier can be decisive.
If you are unsure about your combined attachment, we can assess the case before submission. Contact us.
Need help with family reunification?
We have more than 10 years of experience in Danish immigration law and have won more than 150 appeal cases at the Immigration Appeals Board. Get a non-binding first assessment of your case — we respond within 24 hours.
