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Denmark Start-Up Visa

Denmark · Europe

2.3
Editorial Score

Min Monthly Income

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Application Fee

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Processing Time

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Difficulty

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Duration

24 months

Path to Citizenship

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Overview

Foreign non-EU entrepreneurs can obtain a residence and work permit to establish an innovative, scalable business in Denmark for up to two years, renewable for three years at a time.

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
NationalityNon-EU nationals only

Self-employed non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens, as well as Danish citizens wanting to bring their family to Denmark. This program is not for EU citizens due to the free mobility within the EU.

Minimum IncomeNot specified
DependentsAllowed
Local Work PermittedYes
Permitted Employment TypesSelf-Employed
Health InsuranceNot required
Physical PresenceNot specified
Max Consecutive AbsenceNot specified
RenewableYes
Duration24 months
Leads to PRNo

Requirements Checklist

IDENTITY & TRAVEL

- Valid passport with at least 3-6 months validity beyond your intended stay

- Copy of passport biographical page

BUSINESS & FINANCIAL

- Comprehensive business plan (as specified in Startup Denmark application guide)

- Proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself during the visa period (specific amount not officially specified; contact Startup Denmark for current requirements)

- Business registration documents or proof of business establishment in Denmark (if applicable)

- Financial statements or projections supporting your business plan

PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION

- Curriculum vitae or resume demonstrating relevant experience

- Cover letter explaining your business concept and motivation

- Any relevant professional certifications or qualifications

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (if applicable)

- Documentation for dependents (spouse/children): birth certificates, marriage certificate, proof of relationship

- Proof of address in Denmark (lease agreement or housing confirmation)

- Criminal background clearance or police certificate (requirements not officially specified; verify with SIRI)

NOTE: Specific document requirements may vary based on your individual circumstances and business type. Review the detailed application guides on startupdenmark.info before preparing your submission. Contact [email protected] for clarification on any requirements.

📍 Application location: You apply in two stages to two different entities. First, submit your business plan to Startup Denmark by email at [email protected] for expert panel evaluation. Second, once your business plan is approved, you apply for the residence and work permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), which you can do online or through the Danish embassy or consulate in your home country. After receiving your permit approval, you travel to Denmark and complete in-country registration with the tax authority and municipality.

Tax Information

As a Start-Up Visa holder, you will become a tax resident in Denmark once you establish residence and begin business operations. Your worldwide income will generally be subject to Danish taxation. Denmark has a tax treaty with the United States, which may help prevent double taxation on certain income types. You must register with the Danish tax authority (SKAT) and file annual tax returns on your business income and any other income sources. Self-employed entrepreneurs in Denmark are subject to standard corporate and personal income tax rates. Consult with a Danish tax advisor to understand your specific obligations, as tax treatment can vary based on your business structure, citizenship, and income sources.

Work Permissions

·Local employment: Permitted
·Permitted work types: Self-Employed

Application Steps

  1. 1

    📋 Research eligibility and gather business plan requirements

    1-2 weeks

  2. 2

    📄 Develop and prepare your business plan

    2-4 weeks

  3. 3

    📬 Submit business plan to Startup Denmark for evaluation

    Same day (submission)

  4. 4

    ⏳ Await expert panel evaluation of business plan

    4-8 weeks

  5. 5

    📄 Receive business plan approval and prepare visa application

    1-2 weeks

  6. 6

    📬 Apply for residence and work permit through SIRI

    Same day (submission)

  7. 7

    ⏳ Await SIRI decision on residence and work permit

    4-12 weeks

  8. 8

    📋 Receive visa approval and travel to Denmark

    1-2 weeks

  9. 9

    🏛️ Register with Danish tax authority upon arrival

    1-2 weeks after arrival

  10. 10

    🏛️ Establish business registration and bank account

    2-4 weeks after arrival

  11. 11

    🏛️ Obtain Danish personal identification number (CPR)

    1 week after arrival

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Click any question to expand the answer.

The Denmark Start-Up Visa is designed for self-employed non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens who want to establish an innovative, scalable business in Denmark, as well as Danish citizens wanting to bring their family to Denmark. EU citizens cannot apply due to free mobility rights within the EU. Your business plan must be evaluated and approved by an independent expert panel before you can proceed with the visa application.
You must submit a business plan that demonstrates innovation and scalability to the Startup Denmark programme for expert evaluation. According to search results, your business should show significant growth potential and solid progress. The specific financial thresholds and detailed eligibility criteria are outlined in the official application guides available on the Startup Denmark website, which you should review thoroughly before applying.
While the structured data does not specify a minimum monthly income requirement, search results indicate you must possess sufficient funds to sustain yourself, with one source mentioning 150,000 DKK as a reference point. The exact financial requirements are not formally specified in the official programme documentation, so you should contact Startup Denmark directly at [email protected] for current thresholds.
Yes, dependents are allowed under the Denmark Start-Up Visa programme. However, the specific financial requirements for adding dependents are not specified in the official documentation. You should include information about your family situation in your application and contact Startup Denmark for guidance on dependent sponsorship requirements.
The Denmark Start-Up Visa is granted for up to 24 months and is renewable. The programme allows for extension for three years at a time after the initial period expires. This means you can potentially remain in Denmark for longer periods by applying for renewal before your current permit expires.
The structured data does not specify whether the Start-Up Visa leads to permanent residency or citizenship, nor does it indicate the timeline for obtaining either status. You should contact the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) or Startup Denmark to understand the pathway from this visa to long-term residency or citizenship.
Yes, local work is permitted on the Denmark Start-Up Visa. The visa includes a work permit that allows you to establish and run your business in Denmark as a self-employed entrepreneur. This is distinct from short-term tourist visas, which do not permit work without explicit authorization.
The process has three main stages: first, submit your business plan to Startup Denmark for approval by an independent expert panel; second, if approved, apply for a residence and work permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI); third, once fully approved, you receive guidance on setting up your business in Denmark. You must complete the business plan approval before applying for the visa itself.
The official Startup Denmark website requires you to review the detailed application guides for startups or branches before beginning your application, as requirements vary by business type. At minimum, you will need a comprehensive business plan, proof of identity, and documentation supporting your business concept. Specific document checklists are available in the application guides on startupdenmark.info.
Based on expat feedback, rejections typically occur when the business plan lacks evidence of significant growth potential or innovation, or when the applicant's experience and ambition alone are presented without a solid business foundation. The expert panel evaluates the business concept itself, not just the entrepreneur's credentials. Ensure your business plan demonstrates clear market opportunity, scalability, and realistic financial projections.
Yes, the Start-Up Visa is restricted to self-employed non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens cannot apply because they have free mobility rights within the EU. Danish citizens can also apply if they wish to bring their family to Denmark.
All communication with the Startup Denmark programme is conducted by email only at [email protected]. The programme is located at Langelinie Allé 17, 2100 København Ø, Denmark. Once your business plan is approved, you will apply for the residence and work permit through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

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At a Glance

Renewable✓ Yes
Dependents✓ Allowed
Leads to PR✗ No
Local Work✓ Permitted
Health InsuranceNot required
NationalityNon-EU nationals only
Admin Ease1.0/5

Last verified: May 13, 2026

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