02-09-2026
If you are in an international marriage and want to get divorced, you may be wondering whether you can apply for divorce in Denmark.
The answer depends on your connection to Denmark, including where you and your spouse live, whether you have previously lived in Denmark and, in some circumstances, your citizenship.
Being married in Denmark does not by itself mean that you can get divorced in Denmark.
Can foreigners get divorced in Denmark?
Yes, in some circumstances.
You do not generally have to be a Danish citizen to get divorced in Denmark. The key question is whether Denmark has jurisdiction over the divorce.
When can you get divorced in Denmark?
Denmark may have jurisdiction over your divorce if one of the following conditions is met:
Your spouse lives in Denmark
- - You will likely be able to get divorced in Denmark if your spouse is resident in Denmark.
You live in Denmark
- - If you are resident in Denmark, you can apply for divorce if you have lived here for the last two years or have previously been resident here.
You are a Danish citizen living abroad
- - You may be able to apply for divorce in Denmark if you are a Danish citizen and cannot bring divorce proceedings in the country where you live because of your Danish citizenship.
Both spouses are Danish citizens
- - If both spouses are Danish citizens, Denmark will most likely have jurisdiction if the other spouse does not object to the case being handled in Denmark.
You were previously separated in Denmark
- - If your divorce is based on a legal separation granted in Denmark within the previous five years, you may be able to apply for divorce in Denmark.
A special rule applies to certain same-sex marriages concluded in Denmark where neither spouse lives in a country with corresponding legislation.
Familieretshuset – Separation and divorce
Can you get divorced in Denmark if you were married abroad?
Yes.
The fact that your marriage was concluded in another country does not in itself prevent you from getting divorced in Denmark. The country where you got married and the country that has jurisdiction over your divorce do not necessarily have to be the same.
The opposite is also true: getting married in Denmark does not automatically give you the right to get divorced in Denmark.
What matters is whether the Danish rules on jurisdiction are fulfilled.
What if your spouse lives abroad?
It may still be possible to get divorced in Denmark if your spouse lives in another country.
For example, Denmark may have jurisdiction where one spouse is resident in Denmark, even if the other spouse lives abroad.
This can become more complicated if both spouses have strong connections to different countries. In such cases, it may be necessary to consider whether divorce proceedings could also be brought elsewhere.
Which country's law applies to an international divorce?
The question of where you can get divorced is not necessarily the same as which country's law applies.
Even if Denmark has jurisdiction over the divorce, Danish law does not automatically apply to every aspect of your financial relationship.
This can be important when dealing with assets, pensions, property or other financial matters.
A prenuptial agreement may also affect how the spouses' assets are treated in the event of divorce.
Read more about prenuptial agreements and separation of property in Denmark.
For example, the division of marital assets may need to be considered separately from the divorce itself.
Read more about divorce and the division of marital assets in Denmark.
If one spouse owns a business, the division of the company can raise additional questions.
Read more about the division of a company in a divorce.
How do you apply for divorce in Denmark?
Applications for separation and divorce are handled by the Agency of Family Law (Familieretshuset).
If you are unsure whether Denmark has jurisdiction over your divorce, it can be important to clarify this before submitting an application.
If both spouses agree to the divorce and its terms, they can generally apply for immediate divorce. If they disagree, different rules apply.
For example, either spouse has the right to separation, and after six months of separation, either spouse can obtain a divorce even if the other spouse disagrees.
Familieretshuset – Separation and divorce
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get divorced in Denmark if neither of us lives there?
In some circumstances, yes. Special rules apply, for example, to certain Danish citizens and to divorces based on a legal separation previously granted in Denmark.
Does getting married in Denmark mean I can get divorced there?
No. Where the marriage was concluded does not by itself determine where the divorce can be handled.
Can I get divorced in Denmark if my spouse does not agree?
Possibly. Whether you can obtain a divorce without your spouse's agreement depends on the circumstances and the applicable Danish rules.
Do you need advice about an international divorce?
If you or your spouse has a connection to another country, it can be important to clarify where the divorce can be handled and which rules apply before starting proceedings.
At Bremer Advokater, we advise on international divorce and cross-border family law matters.
Read more about how we can support you with your divorce and division of property.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
Author: Alexander May-Worre
Date: 27 August 2026
