Self-Employed Business Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

Closed to new applications — January 1, 2015

The self-employed business permit for non-EU nationals was closed to new applicants on 1 January 2015. Holders of permits granted before that date may continue to extend their permit under the old rules. New applicants wishing to establish a business in Denmark should apply via the Start-up Denmark scheme instead.

See replacement: Startup Denmark Visa

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 months

Estimated Cost

DKK kr 6,810

Stay Duration

Varies (Renewable upon business continuation)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Discontinued self-employed business permit (closed to new applicants 1 Jan 2015); existing holders may extend under old rules; apply via Start-up Denmark instead.

The Self-Employed Business Visa was a residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals establishing independent businesses in Denmark. It closed to new applicants on 1 January 2015. Holders of permits before that date may extend under the old rules. New applicants wishing to establish a business should apply via Start-up Denmark, which offers a modern pathway for innovative, scalable ventures.

Processing for existing extensions takes approximately 3 months. The visa required applicants to demonstrate their business was of significant interest to Denmark and proof of active, daily involvement in operations. This permit covered various business types provided they were viable and the applicant had necessary expertise and financial backing.

This visa is ideal for individuals holding permits granted before 2015 seeking to renew or extend their existing self-employed status in Denmark under the original rules.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

Must demonstrate that the business is of significant interest to Denmark (e.g., economic or cultural).

Must have a concrete business plan and sufficient capital to establish and operate the business.

Must play an active, daily role in the management and operation of the business.

Must provide documentation of professional qualifications or experience relevant to the business.

Must be able to support yourself financially from the business's earnings.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

153,240 DKK

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Detailed business plan.

Documentation of professional qualifications and experience.

Proof of sufficient capital to start and run the business.

Copy of all pages of a valid passport.

Documentation of business registration or intent to register in Denmark.

Proof of financial self-sufficiency.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Existing permit holders may renew under original rules without reapplying
Quick 3-month processing for extensions only
Spouse can work unrestricted in Denmark
Dependents (children under 18) allowed with work rights
DKK 153,240 savings requirement lower than Startup Denmark

Worth Knowing

Only available to existing permit holders renewing; no new applicants accepted
Processing time is 3 months for extension applications
Must demonstrate business is of significant interest to Denmark
Requires active daily involvement in business operations
Closed to new applicants since 1 January 2015 — new entrepreneurs must use Startup Denmark instead