Start-up Denmark

Start-up Denmark is an entrepreneur residence permit scheme that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to reside and work in Denmark to establish and run an innovative, scalable business or a Danish branch of an existing foreign company. The program is jointly administered by the Danish Business Authority, which evaluates business plans through an expert panel, and SIRI, which processes residence permits. A maximum of 75 foreign nationals may be granted permits annually.

• Must have a business plan approved by the Danish Business Authority's expert panel
• Business must be innovative, scalable, and with high growth potential in key industries: tech, cleantech, life science, food, maritime, or design and innovation
• Traditional businesses (restaurants, retail shops, small import/export) are generally rejected
• Applicant must be full or partial owner, play an active part in running the business, and their presence must be necessary for operations
• Sufficient self-support funds: DKK 153,240 for a single applicant; DKK 306,480 with spouse; DKK 356,904 with spouse and children; DKK 203,664 with children only
• Up to 3 entrepreneurs may apply jointly with a shared business plan

• Passport copies (all pages including covers)
• Fee payment receipt (DKK 3,060)
• Business plan approval letter from the Danish Business Authority's expert panel
• Bank statement demonstrating financial self-support (dated within 30 days, showing account holder name, currency, and balance)
• Company ownership documentation
• Documents not in English, German, Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish must include certified translations

Initial permit is granted for up to 2 years. Extensions of up to 3 years at a time are available, requiring reassessment by the expert panel. Extension applications must be submitted before the current permit expires — applicants may continue working while the decision is pending. Extension processing takes approximately 3 months.

Spouse (legally married), registered partner, or cohabiting partner (1.5-2 years documented cohabitation, both 18+) and children under 18 living at home may accompany the main applicant. Each family member submits a separate application (DKK 3,080 fee, ~2 months processing). Family members may work for any employer, run their own business, and study, but cannot work at the sponsor's company without a separate work permit. Family members must reside at the same address as the sponsor.

Residents (including those staying 6+ consecutive months) are fully tax liable on worldwide income under Denmark's progressive income tax system. A labour market contribution of 8% is levied on gross income. Companies may benefit from a 22% cash reimbursement of R&D-related losses (up to DKK 25 million tax value).

1. Submit a business plan to the Danish Business Authority for evaluation by the independent expert panel
2. If approved, apply to SIRI for a residence and work permit via nyidanmark.dk (form SD1)
3. Pay the DKK 3,060 processing fee
4. Provide biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) within 14 days at a Danish embassy or SIRI office
5. Receive decision by mail (approximately 1 month processing)

After arrival, register for a CPR number at the local municipality to access public health insurance and other services. Holders are entitled to free Danish language lessons.

The holder may only work in the specific business approved by the expert panel. Working for other employers or starting a new venture requires a fresh application and new expert panel approval. Unpaid voluntary work is permitted.

• Annual cap of 75 permits makes the program competitive
• Absence from Denmark exceeding 6 consecutive months causes the permit to lapse
• Since April 2023, foreign owners of existing companies may open Danish branches under the scheme, and entrepreneurs who established businesses under other residence grounds may transition to a Start-up Denmark permit
• Receiving social welfare benefits results in revocation of the permit
• Permanent residence requires Danish Language Test 2, minimum 30 hours/week self-employment, and average annual taxable income of DKK 346,156 for the 2 prior years