Denmark•EuropeStartup Denmark Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
60-90 days
Application Fee
6,810 DKK
Stay Duration
2 years
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Visa for non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. Expert panel evaluation required. Initial 2-year permit with 3-year extension options. Must establish and run business actively.
The Startup Denmark programme is an official initiative by the Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs and Ministry of Immigration and Integration. It targets non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs with high-impact, innovative business ideas.
The programme requires submission of a business plan evaluated by an independent expert panel. Approved entrepreneurs can then apply for residence and work permits as self-employed business founders.
Annual Visa Allocation
75 visas per year
The annual quota of 75 permits applies to the number of residence permits granted under the scheme per calendar year (January 1 to December 31).
No lottery system
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Savings
153,240 EUR
Investment Required
143,328 DKK
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Current and valid
Business plan
Detailed plan for innovative business
Proof of funds
DKK 143,328 minimum for solo, more with family
Educational background
Diplomas and credentials
Professional references
Business experience documentation
Passport photo
Recent biometric photo
Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- No passive investment required
- Focus on innovation and growth
- PR pathway available
- Can bring dependents
- Expert mentoring available
- Access to startup ecosystem
- Team of up to 3 founders allowed
Considerations
- Competitive expert panel review
- Business must be innovative and scalable
- Active business operation required
- Requires self-financing
- Must own significant business stake
- Certain business types excluded (retail, restaurants, imports)
Application Process
Prepare business plan
Detailed innovative business plan for Danish market
Submit to Startup Denmark
Online submission to Startup Denmark programme
Expert panel review
Independent expert evaluation of business viability
Plan approval
If approved, eligible to apply for residence permit
Apply for residence permit
With approved business plan and proof of funds
Permit issuance
2-year residence and work permit granted
Application Forms
Startup Denmark Application
Ready to Apply?
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