Family Re-Unification + Increasing Language Requirements

There's a current trend to increase requirements around family re-unification, and I don't see the language requirements talked about too much. Previously, if you immigrated to a foreign country, you had to get a job, pass a language test for PR or naturalization, etc. But then when you brought your family over, under family re-unification laws, they often weren't subject to the same requirements as you.

Requirements are rising across the board, but I'm seeing fits and starts around the language piece as opposed to a consistent strategy, with many countries lacking a requirement altogether. Right now about 10 European countries require ~A1 level, and I definitely expect that to change.

Germany announced earlier this year that only ~60% of spousal visas were granted, with failure to pass the A1 exam as a major cause for rejection.

As of late last year in Slovenia, adults (18–60) renewing temporary residence permits for family reunification must show A1-level Slovenian (basic proficiency).

Denmark updated rules last year to allow family reunification applicants to either:

• Pass the "Prøve i Dansk 3" language test, or
• Show five years of work involving significant Danish communication.

So I see lots of movement in this space on the horizon, especially for those countries interested in reducing net migration and improving assimilation of existing immigrants.