Denmark Startup Visa

The Denmark Start-up Visa scheme offers foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to establish and operate innovative growth companies in Denmark.

While it has no minimum investment requirement, the program requires a minimum self-sufficiency requirement of DKK 153,240. The visa provides initial residency for up to 2 years, extendable for 3-year periods, and has a path to Danish citizenship within at least seven years of continuous residence.

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Business Plan Approval

• Must submit a business plan to the Danish Business Authority’s expert panel

• Business must demonstrate innovative ideas and development potential

• Traditional businesses without innovative potential (e.g., restaurants, retail stores, smaller trade import/export businesses) are typically not eligible

• Business plan must show specific Danish business interests favoring the establishment

• Panel evaluation must be completed and approved before residence permit application

2. Ownership Requirements

• Must be full or partial owner of the company

• Ownership assessment considers:

• Percentage of company ownership

• Presence of other co-owners

• Distribution of tasks/roles among owners (up to 3 people can apply together using a shared business plan)

3. Active Participation

• Must demonstrate active involvement in business operations

• Physical presence must be necessary for establishment/operation

• Purely financial interests (e.g., being just a shareholder) are not sufficient

• Cannot be granted for holding companies – must be an active company with real activities

4. Financial Requirements

Must provide documented proof of sufficient funds for the first year, as follow:

• Single applicant: DKK153,240

• With spouse: DKK306,480

• With spouse and children: DKK356,904

• With children only: DKK203,664

• High safety
• English widely spoken
• No investment or donation requirement
• Short processing time
• Enhanced access to large economies
• Freedom of movement, but not settlement, within the Schengen area

Foreign nationals holding a Denmark Start-up Visa can pursue a path to citizenship through a multi-stage process. After maintaining 8 years of continuous legal residence in Denmark, visa holders become eligible to apply for permanent residence status, subject to meeting Danish language, employment, and self-support requirements.

Upon obtaining permanent residence (after 8 years), and provided all eligibility requirements continue to be met — including passing a Danish language exam (Prøve i Dansk 3), the Citizenship Test, and renouncing other citizenships — individuals may apply for Danish citizenship through naturalization after 9 years of total continuous residence. Denmark does not permit dual citizenship for naturalized citizens in most cases.

Note: Denmark generally requires naturalized citizens to renounce all other citizenships. Exceptions may apply for citizens of countries that do not permit renunciation.

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Applications for this program may be directed to The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).

Legislation upon which this program is based Executive Order No. 1548 of December 2019.