Potential timebomb under Danish family reunification rules

The Danish government might be forced to re-examine some of its stricter immigration requirements

Since 2003, one of the cornerstones of Danish immigration and family reunification policy has been the ‘Tilknytningskravet’ – the requirements determining how strong a person’s attachment is to Denmark.

READ ALSO: Denmark to make family reunification easier … for Danes

Among other things, the rules say that in order to obtain family reunification the couple’s joint attachment to Denmark should be greater than that to any other country. Weight is placed on the length of time a couple have spent in Denmark compared to their homeland.

In an almost unprecedented step, Denmark’s Eastern High Court (Østre Landsret) has approached the European Court for an evaluation of the rules that apply to people of Turkish nationality. The outcome could result in thousands of cases having to be reopened, reports Politiken.

“It is not often that we consult the European Court in such cases. However, based on a number of decisions made by the court in recent years, we’re in doubt so we have asked the European Court for their opinion,” said Karen Hald, the high court judge.

Talking turkey
The problem lies in Turkey not being a member of the EU. It has had an association agreement with the EU since the 1960s, and that means it is treated as an EU member in many ways.

Between 2004 and 2015, more than 14,000 people were refused family reunification, with people from Turkey accounting for the largest share.

Lawyer Thomas Ryhl from Njord Law Firm, who represent clients seeking family reunification, estimates that the state could have acted illegally in 7,000 to 8,000 cases.

In the first instance, the rules may have to be amended for Turks. However, last time Denmark found itself in a similar situation, the Justice Ministry had to change the rules for everyone because it is not possible to treat people in a discriminatory fashion.

“It could also end up with us being in a situation in which the Tilknytningskravet requirements are ruled out for all citizens outside the EU,” said Rhyl.




  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees

  • Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Some of Denmark’s leading companies reported solid financial results for 2024, with Lundbeck, Demant, and Vestas seeing growth, while Pandora tackled rising production costs with price increases and cost-saving measures.

  • Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    These days, the Greenlandic institutions are approving two new norms to restrict, reduce, or ban the possibility for foreign citizens to buy real estate on the island, as well as for political parties to receive large amounts of money from foreign donors.