Start-up Denmark: Entrepreneur Residence Permit Explained

Start-up Denmark is Denmark's residence and work permit for foreign entrepreneurs who want to launch an innovative growth company. You first get your idea approved by an expert panel appointed by the Danish Business Authority, then apply to the Danish Immigration Service. The fee is DKK 3,060 (about €409), the first permit lasts up to 2 years, and only 75 foreign nationals can receive one each calendar year.

It is one of the few Danish routes that does not need a Danish employer. It is not a freelance or nomad visa, and restaurants, shops and import/export businesses normally do not qualify. Always check the official Start-up Denmark page before applying.

Who qualifies

You must be a non-EU/EEA citizen planning to start an innovative company, continue an existing self-employed business in Denmark, or run a Danish branch of a foreign self-employed business. You need to be a full or partial owner of the business, and the immigration service decides case by case whether you count as an owner. You must play an active part in running the company, and passive shareholders and holding companies do not qualify. Individuals, or teams of up to 3 people with a shared business plan, can apply.

Income and self-support requirement

You must show you can support yourself. The official page lists these amounts at 2025 levels:

• Single applicant: DKK 153,240 a year (about €20,500, or €1,708 a month).
• With spouse: DKK 306,480.
• With spouse and children: DKK 356,904.
• With children only: DKK 203,664.

The page labels the figures as 2025 levels, so check the current amounts. There is no fixed investment requirement on the page.

Documents you'll need

• A business plan and the panel approval of your idea.
• Evidence of ownership and your active role.
• Proof of self-support.
• Passport and photo, with biometrics recorded within 14 days of applying.
• Details for family members if they apply with you.

Step-by-step application

1. Prepare a business plan showing innovative potential and a role for you as an active owner.
2. Submit it to the expert panel and wait for the assessment.
3. After approval, apply to the Danish Immigration Service and pay the fee.
4. Record biometrics within 14 days, or the application may be rejected.
5. Wait for the decision, normally 2 months and up to 4 months.
6. Register in Denmark, get a CPR number and open a bank account.

Costs and timeline

The fee is DKK 3,060 (about €409 at the ECB rate of 7 October 2026). Processing is normally 2 months, up to 4 months if more information is needed. The initial permit lasts up to 2 years and can be extended by up to 3 years at a time. If you apply to extend in time, you may stay and keep running the business while the application is pending. The permit cannot run beyond 3 months before your passport expires.

Your permit lapses if you give up your Danish address or stay abroad for more than 6 consecutive months without dispensation. You must tell the immigration service of significant business changes. Starting a new business or taking a salaried job requires a new application.

Taxes once you're resident

You will be taxed as a Danish resident on business income. The flat researcher and key-employee scheme applies to employees recruited from abroad, not to founders. Talk to a Danish accountant before choosing a company form. See moving to Denmark for the general tax picture.

Family members and permanent residence

A permit can extend to your spouse, registered or cohabiting partner, and children under 18 living at home. Permanent residence takes 8 years of legal residence, or 4 if you meet all the supplementary requirements.

Alternatives

• Denmark work permit if you join a Danish employer instead.
• Sweden self-employed permit for self-employed founders in Sweden.
• Other European startup routes: see Austria Red-White-Red Card, which includes a start-up founder category.