Denmark Startup Denmark — Residency Program
🏠 OVERVIEW
Initial Duration
24 months
Renewable
Yes
(36 mo)
Residence and work permit for non-EU entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas approved by the Danish Business Authority. Focus on tech, cleantech, life science, food, maritime, and design.
📋 ELIGIBILITY
Min Age
18+
Criminal Record Check
Required
Health Check
Not required
Endorsement Required
Committee
Health Insurance
Not required
💼 WORK RIGHTS
Employment
Not allowed
Self-Employment
Allowed
Own Business
Allowed
Work Permit Included
No
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
Dependents Allowed
Yes
Spouse Included
Yes
Max Child Age
18
Parents Allowed
No
💰 TAX DETAILS
Tax Regime
Worldwide
Regime Name
Progressive income tax up to ~56%
Foreign Income Taxed
Yes
Capital Gains Taxed
Yes
🏆 PATH FORWARD
Permanent Residency
Yes
Years to PR
4 years
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Citizenship
Yes
Years to Citizenship
9 years
Language Required
B2
🌍 BENEFITS & MOBILITY
Schengen Access
Yes
Bank Account
Can open
Property Purchase
Allowed
Public Healthcare
Access granted
Primary Residence
Required
📝 HOW TO APPLY
Method
online
Processing Time
42–98 days
Apply from Abroad
Yes
📝 NOTES
Up to 3 founders per startup. Expert panel reviews within 6 weeks. Official self-support requirement is DKK 143,328 for a single applicant (2023 level), with higher amounts for accompanying family. Key industries: Tech, Cleantech, Life science, Food, Maritime, Design. Denmark allows dual citizenship since 2015.