How to Apply for Denmark Residence Card as a Family Member of an EU Citizen: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Denmark Residency for EU Family Member

Are you considering applying for an EU residence permit or card in Denmark as a family member of an EU citizen? Or perhaps you are looking to move to Denmark from another European or Schengen country with your spouse to settle your family life in Denmark. Don’t worry, we have this comprehensive guide that will help you throughout the process and provide all the information you need to successfully submit your application for EU spouse residency in Denmark.

Let’s start the discussion of each point one by one

 

Step 1: Understanding the Requirements

First, you have to understand the basic requirements for EU family member residency in Denmark.

These are the two key requirements:

Relationship to EU Citizen: You must have a recognized relationship with an EU citizen, such as being a spouse, registered partner, child, or dependent.

Proof of Relationship: Provide documentation like marriage certificates, birth certificates, or evidence of cohabitation to demonstrate your relationship with the EU citizen.

 

Step 2: Registration in Denmark

If you move to Denmark with your spouse together, then you both have to register yourselves in the kommune where you want to live. For example, if you live in Ishøj, then you both have to register yourselves in Ishøj kommune.

If your spouse is already living and working in Denmark and you want to move there and start living with your spouse, then you just have to register yourself in the same kommune where your spouse is living. For example, if your spouse is living in Ishøj and you plan to apply for an EU residence card based on spouse, then you have to register yourself with the same kommune and then start the process of applying for an EU spouse-based residence card in Denmark.

 

Step 3: Gather the Documents

You should start collecting the necessary documentation, e.g.,

Passport Copies: Copies of passports for both the applicant and the EU citizen sponsor.

Completed Application Form OD1: This form will need to be filled out accurately and completely.

Basis for Residence Documentation: Depending on the circumstances, you may need to provide evidence of employment, self-employment, financial support, or student status.

 

Submission of Declarations 

Declaration of Maintenance: This confirms you’ll financially support the person you’re applying for. It’s common for family reunification or if the applicant relies on your financial help.

Declaration of Study Activity: If you’re studying in Denmark, you’ll need this. It shows your involvement in educational activities, including your course, institution, and study duration.

Declaration of Self-Sufficiency: If you’re financially independent, you’ll need to declare this. It proves you can support yourself without public assistance.

 

Why do EU family members need declarations?

These declarations help prove different parts of your application for an EU residence card in Denmark. They’re crucial documents that show you qualify for the specific category you’re applying under. Make sure you follow the guidelines from immigration authorities and fill out these declarations correctly when you apply.

 

Step 4: Completing the Application

Complete your application, and you can choose between filling out the form online or printing it yourself.  In both cases, you have to complete your application and attach all the documents with your application that are important for getting residency as an EU family member in Denmark, which we already discussed.

 

 Step 5: Submitting Your Application

In this step, you have to submit your application, which involves appearing in person at one of SIRI’s branches. Here’s what you need to know:

Make sure to book an appointment before visiting a SIRI branch.

Take all hard copies of all supporting documents with you to submit there and give biometrics during your visit.

 

Step 6: Waiting for a Response

After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for a response from SIRI.Here’s what to expect:

a. The immigration office may ask you to submit any additional documents or any missing information.

b. Immmgiriaon may call for an interview.

c. The immigration office issued the decision for your case.

 

Important Notes for Interview call

If an interview is requested, both you and your spouse should attend. The purpose of the interview is to gather more details about your relationship and family life to ensure accuracy and validity. We highly encourage you to give the interview properly, as it will effect the decision.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a family member of an EU citizen in Denmark?

Being a family member of an EU citizen in Denmark entails being registered as such, which involves meeting specific criteria. These criteria include being related to the EU citizen, who we’ll refer to as the ‘protagonist,’ and ensuring that the protagonist has an independent residence basis in Denmark according to EU rules.

 

Who can apply as a family member of an EU citizen in Denmark?

Eligible applicants include spouses, cohabitants with approximately 18 to 24 months of shared residency, and children under 21 years of age of either the protagonist or their spouse or cohabitant. Additionally, permanent cohabitants over 18 are considered akin to spouses. Other family members, like children over 21 and parents, may qualify under specific conditions.

 

Can I work during my EU spouse’s residency in Denmark?

If you have applied for residency based on your spouse and are awaiting a decision, you may have the right to work in Denmark under certain circumstances.

 

What documents are required to prove the relationship to Danish immigration?

Documentation such as marriage certificates for spouses or birth certificates for children is necessary to demonstrate the relationship to the main character. Any certificates from foreign countries must be translated into English or one of the Nordic languages if they’re not already in one of those languages.

 

What role does cohabitation play in the application process?

Cohabitation with the protagonist must be genuine and well-documented. Around 18 to 24 months of uninterrupted cohabitation in a shared residence is generally considered sufficient to establish a lasting attachment. Documentation supporting permanent cohabitation includes joint bills, leases, or residence registrations.

 

What does the term “cohabitation” mean for a residency application?

Cohabitation refers to the state of living together and having a shared residence with another person, typically in a romantic or domestic relationship. In the context of immigration and residency applications, cohabitation often pertains to couples who live together in a committed relationship but may not be legally married or in a registered partnership. The duration and stability of cohabitation can be important factors in demonstrating a genuine relationship, particularly when applying for residency as a family member of an EU citizen.

 

What does the term “protagonist” mean, particularly in EU residency applications?

In the context of EU residency applications, the term “protagonist” refers to the EU citizen who is the primary individual in the application process. This individual must have an independent basis for residence in Denmark according to EU rules, such as being an employee, self-employed, having sufficient funds, or being a student.

 

Can children under 18 apply for EU residency in Denmark without the other parent?

Children under 18 can apply for residency in Denmark with one parent’s permission, even if the other parent is not accompanying them. The parent applying with the child must provide consent for SIRI to process the application, along with proof of relationship and identification documents.

 

Can family members of Danish citizens apply for EU residence documents?

Special rules apply for family members of Danish citizens who have resided in another EU country. Generally, if the Danish citizen is not covered by EU rules, family members can apply for family reunification under the Aliens Act instead of EU residence documents.

 

What are the rights of EU residence permit holders in Denmark?

Family members have the right to stay, work, or study in Denmark upon meeting the conditions for a residence permit under EU rules. This includes the ability to work without restrictions and access public services. However, receiving certain benefits may impact the right of residence, necessitating careful consideration of the main person’s basis of residence.

 

Can my family members get a visa if I have dependent residency in Denmark?

A residence permit as a family member of an EU citizen isn’t an independent permit. Only family members of main persons with an independent residence basis can get an EU residence document. If your own residency basis is as a family member, your family can’t get an EU residence document based on you.

 

How does my family member get an EU residence permit in Denmark?

Sometimes, your family members can get an EU residence document through you. If you’re an EU citizen who initially got residency as a family member and now have permanent residency, you can transfer that right to your family members.

 

What happens if I get divorced from the EU citizen who sponsored my residency in Denmark?

If you get divorced from the EU citizen who sponsored your residency in Denmark, your basis for residence as their family member may cease, and vice versa.

 

What are the residency requirements for EU citizens entering Denmark?

If you are a EU citizen, you can freely enter into Denmark, and there are no entry restriction If your stay is less than 3 months, you don’t need an EU residence document. However, if your stay is longer than 3 months, you must apply for an EU residence document and meet the conditions for their permit, which is very common all over Europe.

 

Can EU citizens stay in Denmark for more than 3 months?

Yes, EU citizens can stay in Denmark for more than 3 months under certain circumstances. If an EU citizen moves to Denmark to work and begins searching for a job during their stay, they are allowed to remain in the country for up to 6 months while seeking employment.

 

How long does it take to process an EU residence application?

The processing time for a Denmark EU residence application as a family member of an EU citizen depends on immigration authorities, but it typically takes a maximum of 90 days.

 

What is the fee for EU family member residency in Denmark?

No, there is no fee associated with applying for Danish EU residence as a family member of an EU citizen. That means you do not have to pay any application fees.

 

What should be another option for EU family member residency?

You have many options to get EU Family member residence permit, e.g.

Poland’s EU Family Member Residence Permit.

Germany EU Family Member Residence Permit. 

 

Disclaimer

While we make an effort to offer accurate and current information, it is advisable to independently verify the details on the official Danish immigration website for absolute accuracy and clarity.

Disclaimer for Migrate with wisdom

Our blog’s objective is to offer helpful information and direction for completing the application process for the Denmark Residence Card as a family member of an EU citizen. It is important to rely on the official resources and procedures outlined by the relevant immigration authorities to ensure the most precise and up-to-date information for your application.

 

What do we hope from you?

We hope that this blog post helps you understand the process of applying for a Denmark Residence Card as an EU citizen’s family member.

If you have any questions to ask, you are welcome to leave a comment below or get in touch with us at support@migratewisdom.com.

 

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