You live in Denmark, where you have built your family and career. However, your parents are getting older and miss you so much that you’re considering moving them here to join you. It’s possible to do this but the process is not easy. Whether you are an EU or non-EU national, it comes with several challenges.
You must first understand Denmark’s policies when relocating your parents to Denmark. In this guide, we will help you explain the required paperwork, budgeting, requirements, and some integration tips to make your parents’ transition to Danish culture easy. It is important to note that early planning and action will make the process so much easier for you and your parents.
Legal Framework and Immigration Rules
Although I will emphasize this repeatedly in the sections below, it is always a good rule of thumb to ask questions related to immigration to the Danish Agency of International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) and they can be contacted through this website. It is always better to contact them early in the morning through their contact number to avoid long queues as there are many people also trying to reach out to them.
Now for the applications it is always good to remember that the SIRI’s website for the application is very helpful and easy to navigate. Everything needed for the application and frequently asked questions are written there. Although it might look like a difficult process to handle, it is fairly easy. However, depending on whether your application is for EU or non-EU citizens, the process is slightly different. We will consider both separately.
EU Citizens
The application process is relatively straightforward for EU nationals, thanks to the Free Movement Directive, which guarantees the right to live and work freely within the EU. While the process is simpler than non-EU applicants, key requirements must be met to ensure a smooth transition to Denmark.
First, you will need a valid EU registration certificate and proof of residence in Denmark since these documents show your legal right to live here. By proof of residence, we mean your CPR number, which serves as a personal identification number. This is required to access public services such as healthcare, taxation, and social benefits. Your elderly parents will also need this after coming to Denmark.
Another thing you need before your parents come to Denmark is to show your financial stability. This can be verified in numerous ways, and most of the questions regarding this should be directed to SIRI as I have mentioned in the beginning.
Gathering all necessary documents in advance is highly recommended to ensure a smooth process. Other typically needed documents include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. Include any documentation that you think may help strengthen your case.
Non-EU Nationals
The process is more complex for non-EU citizens as it requires a more detailed application and additional supporting documentation. However these documentations vary depending on your residence permit type. All the differences between residence permit types are listed in this section of the website. But now let’s get into how to apply.
First of all, non-EU citizens are not eligible to enter Denmark without a visa. Depending on which country your family resides in, the visa application will differ. It is best to contact your local Embassy in Denmark to ask about the process there. Denmark either works directly with the embassy or works with private companies such as VFS Global depending on the country.
No matter the type of application, or your type of residence permit, some documents such as receipt for your paid application fee and passport will be needed. Furthermore, when you contact the Embassy of Denmark in your country they will also give you a checklist of documentations needed. As they can vary a lot it is best to ask them.
The additional documents needed depending on your residence permit type will be: a copy of your employment contract (if you are working), and pay slips for the last 12 months. If you are studying, a confirmation from your place of education will be needed. You will also require bank statements, rental agreements (if applicable) and medical records, no matter what your application type is.
As a quick side note, if you have a permanent residence permit or Danish Citizenship the process will be the same, since your family members are still considered non-EU citizens.
With any kind of application there are strict financial conditions to ensure that sponsors can fully support their parents without using the Danish welfare system. For instance, when your family members are granted residence permits, they will not be eligible to receive any benefits under the Active Social Policy Act. Hence, they are not considered to receive any financial support from the state and if they get such benefits SIRI can decide to revoke the Residence Permit
Applicants must meet specific requirements to prove they can independently support their family members. Usually, this is calculated by the number of days your parents are expected to stay here. However in some cases, for instance if you are a student sponsoring an applicant and you pay your own tuition fees, this is enough to show SIRI you have the financial stability to apply.
As with EU nationals, include any documentation that you think may help to strengthen your case.
When it is time to apply for the accompanying family members’ application from SIRI, be sure to remember that this process can take several months. So, applying as early as possible and ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete is highly recommended.
Your Parents Have Arrived: What Comes Next?
Denmark is consistently ranked among the world’s most desirable countries in which to live, as it offers its residents a high quality of life. Once your parents have been granted a residence permit, it’s essential to understand their rights and the services available to them.
Denmark’s most significant benefit is its excellent healthcare system, which internationals can benefit from whether EU or non-EU.
Healthcare
Denmark’s public healthcare system provides sufficient medical services for most people. However, there are some instances in which some individuals may want to get extra care through private healthcare. But before considering this option, it is important to know more about your rights regarding public healthcare.
Public Healthcare (Yellow Health Card)
After your parents register for housing and apply for their residence card, they will get a Yellow Health Card, which will also be assigned to a specific practitioner. This individual is specifically assigned to them so that when your parents want to consult about their medical concerns, they can get help from them. The practitioner can prescribe some medicines as well, and when they want to get them from the pharmacy, sometimes a small payment may be required for them.
Private Healthcare
Although Denmark’s public healthcare system is highly efficient, some families opt for private health insurance to supplement their coverage. Private insurance can provide faster access to specialists and cover treatments not included in the public system, such as dental care. Private insurance may be a beneficial addition if your parents need specialized treatment or wish to have broader healthcare options.
Elderly Care Services
Denmark also offers some elder healthcare assistance and nursing homes. Eligibility for these services differs from place of residence to immigration status. So, if your parents require such support, it is best to contact your local municipality to get detailed information.
How to Obtain Healthcare Benefits
Now that we have learned the benefits of having a yellow card in Denmark let’s discuss how to obtain one for your family. First, they need to have a CPR number. However, registration for the CPR number requires proof of residence. Before renting a house for them, it is always good to ask about their eligibility to apply for the CPR number.
Housing
Although Denmark offers a high quality of life, major cities like Copenhagen unfortunately face housing shortages. If your family will require housing, it is crucial to begin looking for this early on. Due to the shortages, there are many types of accommodation for which allocation is done by waiting lists. Therefore, the sooner the process is started, the better.
It is essential to be aware of scams. As in most cities in every part of the world, scammers also reside in Denmark. Before signing any agreements, viewing the property in person or requesting a video call with the landlord is a good idea. Additionally, it is always a good rule of thumb to ensure that the property is eligible for CPR registration, as without that, your parents cannot benefit from any rights mentioned.
For elderly parents seeking a nursing home, the best course of action is to contact the local municipality, which manages applications and placements in elderly care facilities.
Cultural Integration and Socialization for the Elderly
Once housing and legal matters are all settled, the next important step is cultural and social integration. For the mental well-being of your parents, it is good if they can adapt quickly to the new environment. Embracing the local culture significantly shapes one’s experience in a new country. There are many ways to help achieve this.
After your parents obtain their CPR number, the local municipality will reach out with information on how to apply for the free-of-charge Danish Language Courses. Learning Danish will make interactions with healthcare professionals, neighbors, and local services easier and help people understand the Danish way of living. Whilst it is not necessary to learn Danish to live in Denmark, attending a Danish language class may help your elderly parents to meet other new internationals and feel more of a sense of belonging in their new country. This is particularly important if they will be moving to a more rural area, which is mainly Danish speaking.
Beyond language learning, participating in communal dining events and entering public libraries to attend various events and workshops will also help them socialize. Nearly every kommune has public libraries that host multiple events and workshops designed to encourage engagement and foster connections within the community. These activities provide an excellent way for elderly newcomers to meet others, build friendships, and integrate into Danish society more effectively.
Practical Issues and How to Solve Them
It is good to remember that many people are going through this process alongside you. It makes sense to get in touch with others in a similar position and get tips. The most frequent issue will be delays in bureaucratic paperwork. Most of the applications and paperwork take lots of time to process. However, patience is the key. Everything is done smoothly and carefully, so although it is not fast, it is well done.
When you have more complex cases and questions, asking for guidance from legal professionals or immigration specialists experienced in Danish visas can be beneficial. SIRI is the official authority for immigration applications. There are also Borgerservice Centers in Kommunes that assist with CPR registrations. Additionally, online and in-person expat communities on Facebook and similar social media platforms help a lot, as many people have gone through the same process as yours.
Conclusion
Bringing your elderly parents to Denmark will be quite a journey. It is important to know how to apply for them and what to do before they arrive. However, it is possible to do! If you are embarking on this journey, hopefully the advice here will help the process to go as smoothly as possible and your parents will come to love Denmark as much as you do!
