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Startup Denmark Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 month

Estimated Cost

DKK kr 6,810

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Overview

Residence permit for non-EU entrepreneurs with expert-approved innovative business ideas; initial 2-year permit renewable for up to 3 years, dependents qualifying.

Start-up Denmark is a specialized residence permit for non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas. The Danish Business Authority's independent expert panel evaluates each business plan, ensuring only viable ventures with genuine growth potential advance to visa qualification.

The permit grants an initial 2-year stay, renewable and extendable for up to 3 years at a time. Application fees are DKK 3,060, with processing completed within one month. Spouses and children under 18 may accompany as dependents with unrestricted work rights for spouses. The visa supports dual intent and leads to permanent residency pathways if the business succeeds.

This visa is ideal for startup founders and entrepreneurs launching innovative, scalable tech or advanced services ventures in Denmark with family support.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2 years

Annual Cap & Quota

75 permits per year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Denmark

Pay Limit Scheme

ValidityDuration of contract up to 4 years

Processing1–3 months

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Denmark

Positive List Scheme

Validity4 years

Processing3–4 months

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Denmark

Fast-Track Work Scheme

ValidityVaries (Depends on employment contract length)

Processing1 month

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Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have an innovative business idea that is scalable and has growth potential for the Danish economy.

Business idea must be approved by an independent expert panel appointed by the Danish Business Authority.

Must be a full or partial owner of the company and play an active, daily role in running the business.

Must be able to support yourself financially during the first year in Denmark (specific amounts vary by family size).

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

Business must not be a traditional retail, restaurant, or small import/export venture.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

153,240 DKK

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Business plan

Proof of funds

Educational background

Professional references

Passport photo

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

No job offer needed — launch your own innovative, scalable business
Renewable 2-year permit with pathway to permanent residency
Spouse and children under 18 can accompany as dependents
Spouse can work without restrictions anywhere in Denmark
Fast approval: processing within 1 month
Modest application fee of only DKK 3,060
75 permits allocated annually — competitive but achievable selection odds

Worth Knowing

Expert panel must approve your business plan before visa application
Requires DKK 153,240 (~USD 20,500) in financial reserves for first year
Limited to innovative, scalable ventures — no passive investment, retail, restaurants, or traditional import/export
Business must operate actively in Denmark with your daily, hands-on involvement required