General information about the rules in force. Not legal advice. Last updated 10 October 2026.
A marriage entered into abroad can be the basis for family reunification in Denmark, but only if Danish authorities accept it as a valid marriage and the other conditions for the permit are met. This page explains how that assessment works in general terms.
- A foreign marriage can support family reunification in Denmark if the authorities accept it as valid.
- Udlændingestyrelsen decides first; Udlændingenævnet hears appeals against refusals.
- Marriage certificates and proof of the marriage are checked, and missing or unclear documents are a common problem.
- Recognition of the marriage is only one condition. The other conditions for family reunification still apply.
Why this matters
Many couples marry in the home country of one spouse and apply for family reunification afterwards. The marriage certificate is then the first document the authority looks at.
If the authority does not accept the marriage, the application fails at the first step. The other conditions are not reached. That is why recognition is worth understanding before you apply.
We explain the general rules here. We do not assess individual cases on this page.
Can a foreign marriage be recognised for family reunification?
In general, yes. Family reunification for a spouse is regulated in udlændingeloven - the Danish Aliens Act - with the main rule for spouses in udlændingelovens § 9. A marriage entered into abroad is not excluded just because it took place outside Denmark.
The authority asks two things. First, is this a valid marriage under the rules Denmark applies? Second, are the other conditions for a residence permit met?
The first question is about the marriage itself. The second is about the people involved, for example the person living in Denmark and the relationship between the spouses.
Who decides
The table shows which body handles which step in a family reunification case.
| Step | Authority | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| First decision | Udlændingestyrelsen | Assesses the application, including whether the marriage is accepted |
| Appeal | Udlændingenævnet | Hears appeals against refusals in family reunification cases |
Asylum appeals do not go to Udlændingenævnet. They go to Flygtningenævnet. Family reunification and permit appeals go to Udlændingenævnet.
What the authorities look at in a foreign marriage
The authority does not only read the certificate. It considers whether the marriage was entered into in a way that Danish rules accept. The points below describe the areas that usually matter.
- Whether the marriage was formally entered into in the country where it took place
- Whether both spouses were free to marry, for example not already married to someone else
- Whether both spouses entered the marriage voluntarily
- Whether the spouses met the age requirements that Danish rules set for marriage
- Whether the documents are genuine and can be traced to the issuing authority
A marriage that does not meet Danish requirements can be refused recognition, even if it is valid in the country where it took place. Marriages with more than one spouse are an example of a form that Danish rules do not accept.
Documents
The authority needs proof that the marriage exists. This usually means an official marriage certificate from the country where the marriage took place.
Documents from abroad often need further steps before a Danish authority accepts them, such as translation or confirmation that the document is authentic. Which steps apply depends on the issuing country. The official guidance is published on nyidanmark.dk.
If a document is missing, unclear or inconsistent with other papers, the authority can ask for more. A case can stall at this stage, even when the marriage itself is genuine.
Types of marriage and how they are generally treated
The table gives a general picture. It is not a prediction for any case.
| Situation | General approach |
|---|---|
| Civil marriage registered abroad | Assessed on the certificate and the conditions above |
| Religious ceremony only, with no official registration | The authority needs proof that the marriage is legally valid where it took place |
| Marriage by proxy, where one spouse was not present | Assessed case by case, with focus on voluntariness and local law |
| Marriage with more than one spouse | Not accepted under Danish rules |
| Marriage where a spouse was below the age Danish rules set | Can be refused recognition |
A couple that is not married follows a different route. We describe that in family reunification for unmarried partners.
Why the outcome varies
Two marriages certified by the same country can lead to different results. The factors below explain why.
- The country where the marriage took place and how its documents are verified
- The form of the marriage, civil or religious
- Whether both spouses were present at the ceremony
- Whether the documents are complete and consistent
- The age and marital history of each spouse at the time of the marriage
- Whether the other conditions for family reunification are met
Recognition of the marriage does not decide the case alone. A recognised marriage still has to meet the other conditions in the Aliens Act. A broader view of those conditions is in our guide to family reunification visas ranked by approval difficulty.
What happens if the marriage is not accepted
If Udlændingestyrelsen refuses the application, the decision is in writing and gives the reasons. Appeals in family reunification cases go to Udlændingenævnet.
Deadlines apply in this type of case. Contact a lawyer to find out which deadlines apply in your case.
The reasons in the decision show whether the problem is the marriage itself, the documents or another condition. That distinction matters, because each one is answered differently.
Does the sex of the spouses matter?
The rules on recognition of marriage apply to spouses of the same sex in the same way as to other spouses, in terms of the process described here. Specific points for these couples are covered in family reunification visas for same-sex couples.
What if the marriage ends later?
A marriage can end after the permit is granted. Divorce can affect the right to stay, and it also raises questions about division of assets and children. Our overview of divorce settlement options for foreign spouses explains how the process generally works.
FAQ
Is a marriage from another country valid in Denmark?
A foreign marriage can be accepted in Denmark, but the authority checks that it meets the requirements Danish rules apply. Being valid in the country of marriage does not settle the question alone.
Which authority decides if my foreign marriage is accepted for family reunification?
Udlændingestyrelsen makes the first decision. Udlændingenævnet hears appeals in family reunification cases.
Is a religious marriage enough for family reunification in Denmark?
A religious ceremony alone is not the starting point. The authority needs proof that the marriage is legally valid where it took place.
Does Denmark recognise a marriage with more than one spouse?
No. Danish rules do not accept marriages with more than one spouse as the basis for family reunification.
What documents prove a foreign marriage?
An official marriage certificate from the country of marriage is the main document. Further steps such as translation or confirmation of authenticity can apply, depending on the issuing country.
Does a recognised marriage guarantee a residence permit?
No. Recognition of the marriage is one condition. The other conditions for family reunification must also be met.
Does the same rule apply to same-sex couples?
The recognition process is the same in structure for spouses of the same sex. Specific questions are best discussed with a lawyer.
One last thing
The authority reads the whole file, not only the certificate. Dates, names and places have to match across every document. A small difference in a spelling or a date can lead to questions, so it is worth checking that the papers agree with each other before anything is submitted.
If your marriage took place abroad and you want to understand how the rules apply to your situation, Book a meeting with Globe Advokater at our Copenhagen office, or Contact us through the website at globeadvokater.dk.
Related guides
- Family reunification visas ranked by approval difficulty
- Family reunification for unmarried partners
- Family reunification for same-sex couples
- Divorce settlement options for foreign spouses
This article is general information about the rules and practice in force. It is not legal advice, it does not assess your specific case, and reading it does not create a client relationship.
Rules, deadlines and the practice of the authorities change. We accept no liability for errors or for changes after the update date. Always check the information with the relevant authority or contact a lawyer before you act.
If you have a specific case, you are welcome to contact Globe Advokater for an assessment.
Last updated 10 October 2026.