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Spousal and Dependent Language Exam Requirements

Several European countries require your spouse to pass a language exam before they can join you on a family reunification visa. The requirements range from a basic A1 test to Denmark's notoriously demanding integration system.

Germany

Germany requires spouses to demonstrate A1 German before entering the country for family reunification. A1 is the lowest CEFR level: basic greetings, simple questions, reading short notices. The test can be taken at a Goethe-Institut or equivalent recognized institution abroad.

Significant exemptions apply. Spouses of EU Blue Card holders, researchers, and self-employed persons are exempt. So are spouses who are nationals of the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, Israel, South Korea, and New Zealand. Spouses of recognized refugees are also exempt, provided the family reunification application is filed promptly. Minor children under 16 are exempt from all language requirements.

The A1 test typically takes 3-6 months of preparation from zero. Budget EUR 200-300 for the exam plus course fees.

Denmark

Denmark has some of the strictest family reunification requirements in Europe. The sponsoring spouse in Denmark must have passed Prove i Dansk 3 (Danish Language Test 3, roughly B2 level) or demonstrate integration through other means.

The joining spouse must pass Danish Language Test 1 (A1 equivalent) or an English test at B1 level. After receiving the residence permit, the spouse is required to pass A1 Danish, then A2 Danish, within set deadlines.

The financial guarantee is DKK 61,709.34 (2026 level), reducible if the sponsoring spouse passes two Danish tests. Registration for Danish language tests costs DKK 3,275.40 per attempt (about EUR 440), steep compared to other countries.

As of July 2024, spouses with at least 5 years of employment in roles significantly involving Danish communication are exempt from formal language requirements.

Netherlands

The Netherlands requires family reunification applicants to pass the Civic Integration Exam Abroad before receiving an MVV (provisional residence permit). The exam tests Dutch language skills (approximately A1) and knowledge of Dutch society, covering practical topics like healthcare, education, and government services.

Exam results are valid for 1 year. The exam costs EUR 150 and is administered at Dutch embassies and consulates or through external providers registered with DUO.

Exemptions apply to nationals of the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican City, the UK, the US, South Korea, and Switzerland.

After arriving in the Netherlands, a separate civic integration process begins. Under the 2022 Civic Integration Act, newcomers must reach B1 Dutch within 3 years.

France

France takes a different approach. There's no pre-entry language exam for family reunification. Instead, spouses must sign the Contrat d'Integration Republicaine (CIR) after arrival, administered by OFII. The CIR includes a mandatory French language assessment. If the spouse tests below A1, OFII provides up to 600 hours of free French classes, plus a mandatory 6-month language and civic training course (as of 2025).

Residence permit renewal can be conditioned on completing these courses. France won't block initial entry over language, but continued residency depends on making progress. The sponsor must have been legally resident in France for at least 18 months (increased from 12 months in January 2025).

Countries with No Spousal Language Requirement

  • United States. No language requirement for spousal (CR-1/IR-1) or fiance (K-1) visas.
  • United Kingdom. No pre-entry language test for dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders.
  • Canada. No language requirement for spousal sponsorship.
  • Australia. No language requirement for partner visas (subclass 820/801).