Denmark Startup Visa: Complete Guide to Startup Denmark Program

Last Updated: December 2025

Denmark offers one of Europe's most accessible startup visa programs for non-EU entrepreneurs. The Startup Denmark program provides a straightforward path to launch an innovative business in one of the world's most digitalized and entrepreneur-friendly economies, with access to the entire European Single Market.

Denmark Startup Visa at a Glance

Feature

Details

Program Name

Startup Denmark

Launched

January 1, 2015

Visa Type

Residence and Work Permit (Self-Employed)

Initial Duration

Up to 2 years

Extensions

3 years at a time (renewable)

Annual Cap

75 permits per calendar year

Investment Required

None from applicant

External Funding Required

None required

Team Size

Up to 3 co-founders per application

Family Included

Yes – spouse/partner and children under 18

Path to Permanent Residence

8 years (or 4 years if meeting all supplementary requirements)

Path to Citizenship

9 years of residence

Schengen Access

Yes – travel freely within Schengen Area

Processing Time

Business plan: ~3 weeks; Residence permit: ~1 month

Program Overview

Startup Denmark is an official program developed jointly by the Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs and the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. It allows talented entrepreneurs from outside the EU/EEA to establish innovative, scalable businesses in Denmark.

Unlike many startup visa programs, Startup Denmark does not require external investment or minimum capital. Instead, it relies on an expert panel evaluation of your business plan. If the panel approves your concept as innovative and growth-oriented, you can apply for a residence and work permit to launch your venture.

The program is administered by:

As of July 2024, Danish citizens established abroad can also apply to bring accompanying family members to Denmark through this scheme.

Key Benefits

Immigration Benefits

No investment requirement

You don't need to secure funding before applying

Family inclusion

Spouse/partner and children under 18 can accompany you with full work and study rights

Schengen mobility

Travel freely across 27 European countries

Renewable permits

Extend your stay in 3-year increments with no apparent limit

Free Danish lessons

Your municipality provides paid language instruction

Healthcare and education access

Full access to Danish welfare benefits for you and your family

Path to permanent residence and citizenship

Clear route to settling permanently

Business Benefits

Best business environment in Europe

Denmark consistently ranks among top countries for ease of doing business

World-class innovation ecosystem

Strong R&D environment and collaboration between universities and industry

Access to European Single Market

Gateway to 450+ million consumers

Free public business support

Tailored counseling at public business development centers

Extensive funding opportunities

Access to public and private funding schemes once established

R&D tax incentives

22% cash reimbursement on R&D-related losses (up to DKK 25 million)

Highly skilled workforce

Productive, well-educated employees

Flexible labor market

Known as "flexicurity" combining flexibility with worker security

Digital infrastructure

One of the world's most digitalized societies

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply

Business Requirements

Your business idea must meet specific criteria:

Must Have:

Innovation and scalability – Your concept must be innovative with clear growth potential
Contribution to Danish economy – The business should benefit Denmark's business community
Active ownership – You must own a significant part of the company and actively run it
Necessary presence – Your physical presence in Denmark must be essential for the business

Priority Sectors (Higher Success Rates)

Will Be Rejected:

Personal Requirements

Financial Requirements (2025 Levels)

You must prove sufficient funds to support your first year in Denmark

You must prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself (and any accompanying family members) during your first year in Denmark. For a single applicant, the required amount is DKK 153,060 (approximately €20,500 or $22,000). If you are applying with a spouse, the required funds increase to DKK 306,120 (approximately €41,000 or $44,000). For applicants with a spouse and children, the required amount is DKK 356,580 (approximately €47,800 or $51,000). If you are applying with children only and no spouse, you must show DKK 203,664 (approximately €27,300 or $29,200). These amounts are indexed annually, so applicants should always verify the latest requirements on nyidanmark.dk. Acceptable proof of funds includes official bank statements clearly showing your name, the currency, the date of issue, and the available balance.

Application Process

The Denmark Startup Visa follows a structured approval and residence permit process.

01

Application & Business Plan Preparation

Prepare all required materials, including the completed online application form, a detailed business plan in English, a pitch deck (Word/PDF up to 10 pages or PowerPoint up to 15 pages), a video pitch of up to 5 minutes, and information about the founding team and their qualifications.

02

Submission to Danish Business Authority

Submit your application through the official Startup Denmark portal. Applications must be in English, as submissions in other languages are rejected. There is no fee for the business plan evaluation.

03

Expert Panel Evaluation Criteria

An independent expert panel evaluates your application based on innovation, scalability, market potential, and team competence. Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5, and an average score of at least 3.5 is required for approval.

04

Processing & Review Timeline

The expert panel usually completes the evaluation within approximately 3 weeks, though processing times may be longer during summer and Christmas holidays.

05

Approval Outcome

If approved, you will receive an official approval letter, which must be included with your residence and work permit application under the Startup Denmark scheme.

06

Rejection & Appeal Option

If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal to the Danish Business Authority. The appeal will be reviewed by different panel members than those involved in the original decision.

07

Case Order ID & Fee Payment

Create a Case Order ID on the SIRI website by selecting “Start-up Denmark” as the case type and providing personal details. Pay the application fee of DKK 2,490, which is non-refundable. The Case Order ID, fee payment, and application submission must all occur within the same calendar year.

08

Application Form, Biometrics & Submission

Complete the online application form SD1 and attach all required documents. Submit your biometric information within 14 days by visiting a Danish embassy, consulate, or a SIRI office if you are legally residing in Denmark.

09

Decision & Residence Card Issuance

Processing typically takes around one month. SIRI will notify you via email or SMS. If approved, your residence card will be sent to your registered Danish address.

Required Documents Checklist

For Business Plan Submission (Stage 1)

Completed online application form
Business plan in English
Pitch deck (max 10-15 pages)
Video pitch (max 5 minutes)
Team member backgrounds and qualifications
Market analysis and go-to-market strategy
Financial projections

For Residence Permit (Stage 2)

Payment receipt for application fee
Copy of all passport pages (including empty pages, front and back cover)
Letter of approval from Danish Business Authority expert panel
Bank statements proving sufficient funds (must show name, currency, date, balance)
Documentation of company ownership (if applicable)
Completed and signed application form SD1

Translation requirement

Documents not in English, German, Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish must include certified translations.

For Family Members

Costs & Financial Requirements

Application Fees

Fee Type

Amount (DKK)

Approximate EUR

Approximate USD

Business plan evaluation

Free

Residence permit (primary)

2,490

€335

$360

Residence permit (family member)

1,470

€200

$215

Extension (primary)

2,490

€335

$360

Extension (family member)

1,470

€200

$215

Permanent residence

10,330

€1,400

$1,500

Citizenship (naturalization)

3,800

€510

$550

Settlement Funds (2025)

As noted above, you must demonstrate funds for one year:

Business Costs in Denmark

Success Factors What Gets Approved

Strong applications typically demonstrate:

The venture presents a clear and compelling innovation that is currently absent from the Danish market, supported by a scalable business model with strong potential for significant growth. It targets a well-defined customer segment with a clear and actionable customer acquisition strategy, led by an experienced team possessing relevant industry expertise. The business is further strengthened by tangible evidence of market validation, including early customers, letters of intent, and pilot projects. It aligns closely with Denmark’s priority sectors and clearly articulates why Denmark is the ideal location for launching and scaling the company, considering its ecosystem, talent pool, and market opportunities.

Red flags that may lead to rejection

Applications based on traditional business models such as restaurants, retail, or basic consulting are typically less competitive, especially when paired with vague or generic business plans and no clear competitive advantage. Concerns also arise when the applicant appears to be an investor rather than an active operator, the market opportunity is not well researched, or the team lacks relevant experience. Additionally, applications submitted in a language other than English are generally not considered suitable.

Annual Cap Considerations

Only 75 permits are issued per calendar year (from January 1 to December 31), making early application critical to avoid cap limitations. Once the annual cap is reached, applicants must wait until the following year to apply again. Submitting a strong, well-prepared application early in the year significantly improves the chances of approval.

Denmark vs. Other Startup Visas

Feature

Denmark

Canada SUV

UK Innovator Founder

Investment Required

None

None from applicant

External Funding

Not required

Required from designated org

Not required

Initial Permit

2 years

Permanent residence

3 years

Business Plan Approval

Expert panel

Designated organization

Endorsing body

Annual Cap

75 10 per designated org

3-8 weeks

Processing Time

~2 months total

37-52 months

3-8 weeks

Family Included

Yes

Path to PR

8 years (4 fast-track)

Immediate

3 years

Language Requirement

Danish for PR/citizenship

CLB 5 English/French

English B2

Denmark's advantages:

Denmark's considerations:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need investment or funding to apply for the Denmark startup visa?

No. Unlike many other startup visas, Denmark does not require you to secure external investment before applying. The program evaluates your business plan’s innovation and potential rather than requiring proof of funding. However, you must demonstrate personal funds to support yourself and any family members for the first year (approximately DKK 153,060 for a single applicant in 2025).

What happens if my startup fails after I receive the visa?

If your business fails or changes significantly from your approved business plan, you cannot simply continue with your existing permit. You would need to either apply for a new residence permit based on the new business direction (subject to expert panel approval) or transition to a different visa category (such as employment-based). The permit is specifically tied to the approved business activity.

Can I work for other companies while on the Denmark startup visa?

No, you can only work in the business for which you received approval. If you want to take a sideline job or additional employment, you must apply for a separate work permit. You are allowed to do unpaid voluntary work without additional permits.

How competitive is the annual cap of 75 permits?

The cap makes timing important. Applying early in the calendar year (January-March) gives you the best chance of securing a spot. If all 75 permits are issued before your application is processed, you would need to wait until the next year. Strong applications in priority sectors (tech, cleantech, life sciences, food, maritime, design) tend to have higher approval rates.

Can I apply with a team or co-founders?

Yes. Up to 3 non-EU/EEA citizens can submit a joint business plan as a team. If approved, each team member must apply individually for their own residence and work permit. EU/EEA citizens can be part of your team but don’t need residence permits due to free movement rights.

What types of businesses get rejected?

The program explicitly excludes traditional businesses without innovation potential. Restaurants, retail stores, small import/export operations, and basic consultancies are typically rejected before reaching the expert panel. Your business must demonstrate clear innovation, scalability, and potential to contribute to Denmark’s economy.

How long can I stay in Denmark on this visa?

The initial permit is for up to 2 years. You can extend for 3 years at a time, with no apparent limit on renewals as long as your business continues developing according to plan. After 8 years (or 4 years on the fast track), you can apply for permanent residence.

Is there a Danish language requirement for the visa?

No Danish language requirement exists for the initial startup visa or extensions. However, you must pass Danish language tests to obtain permanent residence (Danish 2 test) and citizenship (Danish 3 test). Free Danish lessons are provided through your municipality, so it’s wise to begin learning early.

Can my family work and study in Denmark?

Yes. Your spouse/partner and children under 18 receive the same residence rights as you, including the ability to work and study. They have full access to Denmark’s education system and healthcare benefits.

What support is available for startups in Denmark?

Denmark offers extensive free support through public Business Development Centers, including personalized counseling, access to funding programs, and networking opportunities. All businesses can access these services regardless of visa status. The ecosystem is particularly strong for cleantech, life sciences, and technology ventures.

Can I travel to other EU countries on the Denmark startup visa?

Yes. Once you have your residence permit, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area (27 European countries) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays in other EU countries, you would need separate authorization from that country.

What is the expert panel looking for in business plans?

The panel scores applications on four criteria: innovation (how novel is your idea), scalability (can it grow significantly), market potential (is there demand), and team competence (can you execute). You need an average score of 3.5 out of 5 across all criteria. Strong applications include detailed market analysis, evidence of validation, and clear explanations of competitive advantage.

Ready to Start Your Danish Journey?

The Denmark Startup Visa offers a clear, merit-based pathway for innovative entrepreneurs to build businesses in one of Europe’s most supportive startup ecosystems. With no investment requirements, fast processing times, and access to world-class infrastructure, Denmark is an excellent choice for founders ready to scale across Europe.

Next steps:

Evaluate your business idea against Denmark’s criteria
Develop a comprehensive business plan in English
Prepare your pitch deck and video pitch
Submit to the expert panel at startupdenmark.info
Upon approval, apply for your residence permit through SIRI