Individuals or teams of up to three people that want to start a business together in Denmark must apply for a startup Denmark visa. You must present a joint business plan to establish and run an innovative growth company.
Before SIRI (the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration) starts to process your application for the start-up scheme, you must have your business idea approved by the Danish Business Authority.
Conditions of the Denmark Startup Visa
Startup Denmark is dedicated to innovative businesses with growth potential. Businesses such as restaurants, retail shops, and small import/export enterprises usually get rejected during the evaluation process and are not presented to the startup panel of experts. Here are the conditions that you must fulfill to be able to apply for a Danish Startup visa
- The Danish Business Authority’s Panel must approve your Business idea.
- You must be able to support yourself financially.
- You must play an active part in running the business.
The Danish Business Authority’s Panel Must Approve Your Business Idea
Your business plan should include innovative ideas and have the potential to develop the Danish business community. The Danish Business Authority will appoint a panel of experts to approve your business idea. If your business idea gets approved, you can apply for a startup residence and work permit.
The expert panel will evaluate your business based on:
- How innovative is the business model?
- How attractive is the market?
- How scalable is the business?
- How capable is the applicant or team?
- Does the business fit the Startup Denmark program?
You Must Be Able to Support Yourself Financially
Provide proof that you have sufficient income to cover your first year in Denmark. If your family accompanies you, you must also provide proof that you are able to support them financially as well. The documents you provide must indicate you have the following funds:
| If you are in Denmark alone: | DKK 140,592 (appx. €18,900) |
| If your spouse will accompany you: | DKK 281,184 (appx. €37,800) |
| If your spouse and one or more children will accompany you to Denmark: | DKK 327,432 (appx. €44,000) |
| If one or more children (but not your spouse) will accompany you to Denmark: | DKK 186,840 (appx. €25,100) |
Documentation of your financial support can be in the form of a bank statement.
You Must Play an Active Part in Running the Business
Your presence is necessary for the establishment of your business. You must be present and play an active part in running the business.
How to Apply for a Denmark Startup Visa?
You have to apply for a Denmark Startup Visa on the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration website. Here’s how to apply for a Denmark Startup visa:
- Create Case Order ID.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee.
- Complete the Application Form.
- Register Your Biometrics.
- Submit the Required Documents for a Startup Visa.
- Receive an Answer.
Step 1. Create Case Order ID
The first thing you need to do is create a case order ID on the SIRI website. This creates a
Profile” on your visa application. Choose “Start-up Denmark” as the case type, and provide personal information (name, surname, email, etc.). Wait to receive your case number.
Step 2. Pay the Visa Application Fee
The fee for the application is DKK 1,890 (appx. €253). You must pay the fee on the SIRI website as well.
Step 3. Complete the Application Form
Use the SD1 application form to apply for a Startup Denmark visa. Follow the instructions on filling in the application and what documents you need. Make sure your documents are ready in digital form.
Step 4. Register Your Biometrics
Take your photo and biometrics within 14 days of your submission. You can record your biometrics at a Danish diplomatic mission abroad or in one of SIRI’s branch offices.
If you are residing legally, you can submit your biometrics to Denmark. You can also submit the biometrics to one of SIRI’s branch offices.
Step 5. Submit the Required Documents for a Startup Visa
The documents you must submit for your Danish Startup Visa application are:
- Proof of paid visa fee. Attach the payment receipt.
- Copy of your passport (all pages).
- Approvement by the Danish Business Authority’s panel of experts.
- Proof you can support yourself financially during your stay in Denmark.
- Documentation of company ownership (if relevant).
Step 6. Receive an Answer
The processing time for the Denmark Startup Visa is one month. SIRI will notify you via email or SMS.
After you receive your visa, you can launch your startup in Denmark. There are many public initiatives in Denmark that can assist you in growing your startup. Your first point of contact should be the local Business Development Centre.
Duration of a Denmark Startup Visa
Based on the startup scheme, you can be granted a residence and work permit for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension.
It is important to apply for an extension before your permit expires if you want to be allowed to stay in Denmark and continue to run your business.
What Are My Rights With a Denmark Startup Visa?
If you obtain a startup visa, you have the right to:
- Work. You are allowed to work in your business and do unpaid voluntary work.
- Residence. You can stay in Denmark until your permit expires.
- Danish lessons. Your municipality of residence will offer you paid Danish language lessons.
Do My Family Members Enjoy The Same Rights?
A residence and work permit based on a startup scheme allows your family to come with you to Denmark. The same rights in terms of living, studying, and working are granted to your family members as well. A permit based on the startup scheme can be granted to:
- Your spouse/partner.
- Cohabiting partner.
- Children under 18 living at home.
Can I Get Denmark Citizenship Through Investment?
Denmark does not have citizenship through investment program. The startup visa will give you a two-year residence permit with the possibility of extending for another three years. There are many strict requirements foreigners need to meet to gain Denmark citizenship, including a nine-year uninterrupted residency.