Denmark Citizenship by Marriage: Spouse Visa, 24-Year Rule & Process

Denmark citizenship by marriage is not automatic, but marriage to a Danish citizen can create a pathway to residency and eventually naturalization.

Foreign spouses must first apply for family reunification, then meet language, integration, and residency requirements before citizenship can be granted.

This article covers:

• Am I eligible for a spouse visa?
• How long does Denmark spouse visa processing time take?
• What are the conditions for citizenship in Denmark by marriage?
• What rank is a Danish passport?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

Do you get citizenship if you marry a Danish citizen?

As mentioned, no—marriage to a Danish citizen does not automatically grant Danish citizenship.

Instead, a foreign spouse may first apply for family reunification, which provides the right to live in Denmark.  

Citizenship can only be obtained later, typically through naturalization, after meeting residence and integration requirements.

Does Denmark offer a spouse visa?

Yes, Denmark offers a spouse visa through its family reunification scheme, which allows the foreign partner of a Danish citizen or resident to live in Denmark.

Both partners must be at least 24 years old and fulfill requirements such as financial guarantees, adequate housing, and proof of a genuine marriage or relationship.

How long will it take to process a spouse visa in Denmark?

The processing time for a Danish spouse visa (family reunification permit) typically ranges from 8 to 12 months, depending on the completeness of the application and whether further documentation is required.

Applicants are usually notified by the Danish Immigration Service if extra information is needed, which can extend the timeline.

How long does it take to get Denmark citizenship by marriage?

It usually takes between 6 to 9 years of legal residence in Denmark for a foreign spouse to qualify for citizenship, depending on their circumstances.

• Standard requirement: 9 years of continuous legal residence.
• Reduced requirement: 6 years in some cases for spouses of Danish citizens, provided the couple lives together continuously and the foreign spouse shows strong integration (language, work, civic knowledge).

What is proof of relationship in Denmark?

To obtain family reunification with a Danish spouse or partner, you must convincingly demonstrate that your relationship is genuine, legally valid, and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.

The Danish Immigration Service uses several specific documents and criteria to assess this:

• Marriage or registered partnership documents — Must be legally valid under Danish law. Marriages solemnised by proxy, religious ceremonies without legal standing, or when one party was not present are not accepted. Both partners must have consented freely and been over 18 at the time of marriage.
• Cohabitation evidence — If not married, you must prove permanent cohabitation (typically at least 18 months), with documentation such as shared lease agreements or utility bills.
• Genuineness of the relationship — Authorities look at multiple indicators including:
  • The context and planning of the wedding (e.g., whether it was a mutual decision)
  • The duration and frequency of interaction before marriage or cohabitation
  • Communication language, family involvement, and personal background (e.g., work, education)
  • Any links to forced marriage risks, such as prior arranged marriages in the family
• Supporting documentation — You may also provide personal correspondence, photos, joint financial or social records to reinforce the authenticity of your relationship.

Denmark’s immigration policy is intentionally strict on this point to prevent marriages arranged primarily for facilitating family reunification.

What is the 24-year rule in Denmark?

The 24-year rule is a key condition in Danish immigration law that requires both spouses to be at least 24 years old before a foreign spouse can apply for family reunification in Denmark.

This rule was introduced in 2002 as part of Denmark’s efforts to limit forced marriages and immigration-driven marriages, particularly among younger individuals who may face family or cultural pressure to marry early.

By setting the age threshold at 24, lawmakers aimed to ensure that both partners are mature enough to make independent marital decisions.

In addition to the age requirement, the rule is often applied alongside other conditions, such as:

• Attachment requirement — The couple must demonstrate a stronger combined connection to Denmark than to any other country (though this has been relaxed in some cases, such as for Danish citizens who have lived in Denmark for many years).
• Financial and housing requirements — The Danish spouse or resident must prove financial stability and provide adequate accommodation.

While controversial, the 24-year rule remains one of Europe’s strictest family reunification conditions.

Critics argue it restricts the right to family life, but Danish policymakers maintain that it helps safeguard against marriages arranged solely for immigration purposes and protects vulnerable individuals from being pressured into unions at a young age.

Do you have to speak Danish to become a Danish citizen?

Yes. Language proficiency is a core requirement for naturalization.

Applicants must usually pass the Danish Language Test (Prøve i Dansk 3) or equivalent, demonstrating an ability to understand and communicate in Danish.

Can I move to Denmark if I marry a Dane?

Yes, marriage to a Danish citizen can make you eligible for residence through family reunification.

However, approval depends on meeting financial, housing, and integration requirements.

Marriage alone does not guarantee immediate relocation rights.

What are the rules for marriage in Denmark?

To summarize, the main rules governing Danish citizenship by marriage include:

• No automatic citizenship – A foreign spouse does not become Danish by marrying a Dane. They must first apply for residence through family reunification.
• 24-year rule – Both spouses must be at least 24 years old to qualify for reunification.
• Attachment requirement – The couple must demonstrate that their strongest ties are to Denmark, though this requirement is relaxed in certain long-term residency cases.
• Residency before citizenship – After being granted residence, the foreign spouse must live legally in Denmark for several years (usually 9 years, reduced to 7 years in some cases) before applying for Danish citizenship.
• Language and integration – To qualify for citizenship, spouses must pass Danish language exams and meet integration requirements, such as demonstrating knowledge of Danish society through the naturalization test.

These rules mean that while Denmark is internationally known for being an easy place to marry, it is not easy to obtain citizenship by marriage compared to other countries.

How strong is the Danish passport?

The Danish passport is strong and consistently ranks in the global top 5 for travel freedom and mobility.

• According to Henley Passport Index (2025), Denmark is tied for 5th place, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 destinations.
• Nomad Capitalist’s Passport Index (2025) ranks Denmark 13th, reflecting not only mobility but also taxation, perception, dual citizenship, and personal freedoms.
• Arton Capital’s Passport Index places Denmark as the 3rd, with visa-free access to 174 destinations and a very high mobility score.

Beyond rankings, Danish citizens benefit from:

• EU mobility rights, allowing free movement to live, work, and study in any EU/EEA country.
• Strong international reputation, ensuring smoother travel experiences worldwide.

Conclusion

While marrying a Danish citizen opens the door to residency, obtaining full citizenship requires time, compliance with strict rules, and integration into Danish society.

Denmark’s system prioritizes genuine relationships, stability, and cultural connection, which means foreign spouses should view marriage not as a shortcut but as the first step in a longer process.

For many, however, the eventual reward—EU rights, a world-class passport, and secure family life in Denmark—makes the journey worthwhile.

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