DENMARK
STARTUP.
75 visas a year. One expert panel. No minimum investment.
Denmark's government-run startup visa is decided not by an immigration officer, but by an independent panel of Danish industry experts — your idea is judged on merit.
75
Visas Per Year
per person, not per team
2 Yrs
Initial Permit
fully renewable
3.5/5
Panel Pass Mark
average across 4 criteria
5 Yrs
To Permanent Residence
then citizenship eligible
The World's Most
Digital Nation.
Denmark consistently ranks #1 globally for digital government services — you can register a company in minutes. The Startup Denmark program is a nationally managed pathway for non-EU entrepreneurs building innovative, scalable businesses here.
Unlike investment-based visas, there is no minimum capital requirement. Your idea is evaluated by a panel of Danish business experts on its innovation, market potential, scalability, and your team's capability.
The 5-Step
Process
From eligibility check to registering your company in Copenhagen. Based on official Startup Denmark, SIRI, and Danish Business Authority guidelines.
July Closure: No evaluations in July. Submit after June 14th and your application moves to August. The 75-person cap resets January 1 and fills fast — apply in Q1.
Check Eligibility
Open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals only. Apply solo or as a team of up to 3 co-founders. Each person counts individually toward the 75-person annual cap.
Restaurants, retail stores, and import/export agencies are explicitly excluded.
Prepare Your Pitch Package
Submit two documents in English: (1) a PDF Pitch Deck (max 15 pages) covering market analysis, GTM strategy, and why Denmark; (2) a Video Pitch (max 5 minutes) personally presenting your idea, scalability, and team.
No language certificate required — your video pitch IS the language assessment.
Expert Panel Evaluation
Submit on Virk.dk. After an initial screen, at least 3 independent Danish Business Hub consultants score your plan on 4 criteria. You need an average of 3.5/5. Typical review: 2–6 weeks. Closed in July.
No interview. The panel judges solely on your submitted documents.
SIRI Residence Permit
Upon panel approval, apply to SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration). Generate a Case Order ID, pay DKK 3,060, upload documents, and submit biometrics within 14 days. Processing: ~1 month.
Government fee: DKK 3,060 (~€410).
Arrive & Launch
Enter Denmark, register your CPR number, activate MitID (digital ID), and get your CVR company registration. Your initial permit is valid for up to 2 years.
Stay outside Denmark 6+ consecutive months and your permit is void.
Priority Sector
Home to Vestas & Ørsted.
The world's green energy capital.
The 4 Scoring Criteria
At least 3 independent consultants from Danish Business Hubs evaluate your pitch package. Each scores all 4 criteria from 1–5. You need a combined average of at least 3.5 out of 5.
There is no interview. The panel works exclusively from your pitch deck and video.
Innovation
How novel is your product, service, or business model? It must introduce something genuinely new to the market.
Market Attractiveness
How large and accessible is your target market? The panel looks for real, measurable demand.
Scalability
Can your business grow rapidly beyond Denmark's borders? The program targets companies with global ambitions.
Team Capability
Do the founders have the skills, experience, and resources to execute the plan successfully?
If Rejected
You receive a written panel statement with individual scores. You may appeal once to the Danish Business Authority (new panel, final decision), or substantially improve your plan and reapply as a fresh application.
Proof of Funds
Demonstrate sufficient funds for your first year in Denmark. Funds do not need to be frozen — they just need to appear on a recent bank statement.
153,240 DKK
~€17,000
306,480 DKK
~€34,000
356,904 DKK
~€43,000
203,664 DKK
~€22,500
Copenhagen cost estimates: Apartment rent ~€800–€1,300/month · Food & transport for two ~€400/month · Government fee DKK 3,060 (~€410) · Danish language classes: free after CPR registration.
Rights &
Restrictions
The Startup Denmark permit is a closed work permit. Understanding what you can and cannot do helps you plan your first two years correctly.
Work Permit Type
Closed permit — only the approved startup.
Side Work
8–15 hrs/week in a closely related role, with separate authorization.
Schengen Travel
Up to 90 days per 180-day period in Schengen countries, but no working.
Welfare Benefits
NOT eligible for Danish public welfare. Receiving any can void your permit.
Free Danish Classes
After CPR registration (18+), free Danish language courses are your right.
Voluntary Work
Unpaid volunteer activities are fully permitted.
Your Family Gets
More Freedom
Than You Do.
Your spouse/registered partner and children under 18 can join you with their own residence permits — and crucially, your spouse receives an Open Work Permit, meaning they can work full-time in any job without restrictions.
Who qualifies
Spouse/registered partner + children under 18 living with you.
Open Work Permit for spouse
Full-time, any sector, no restrictions — unlike the entrepreneur's closed permit.
Healthcare & education
Access to Denmark's free public healthcare and education system from day one.
75 Slots.
Every Year.
The cap applies per person, not per team. A 3-founder team uses 3 of the 75 slots. Real data: one approved team's permit numbers were 67, 68, and 69 — the cap was nearly full by mid-year.
Apply as early as possible — ideally Q1 of the calendar year.
Avoid submitting after June 14 — July is a full evaluation closure month.
Past fundraising success elsewhere does not guarantee approval. Fit with Denmark matters most.
Answer "Why Denmark specifically?" clearly in every part of your submission.
75
permits · per year
Typical cap utilization — fills before year end
Priority
Sectors
The Expert Panel is more favorably inclined toward businesses that address Denmark's national economic priorities. Pitching in these areas gives a strategic advantage — though exceptional ideas in other sectors can still succeed.
Cleantech & Green Energy
Wind, water management, waste-to-energy, carbon capture.
Life Sciences
Biotech, MedTech, digital health. Home to Novo Nordisk.
AI & Deep Tech
Machine learning, robotics, advanced SaaS platforms.
Fintech
Payments, WealthTech, InsurTech, RegTech.
Design & Software
SaaS, sound technology, sustainable design.
Food Tech
Alternative proteins, agri-efficiency, food safety.
Your Road to
Danish Citizenship
Year 1–2
Initial Permit
Launch your startup. Get your CPR, MitID, CVR. Attend free Danish classes.
Year 3–5
3-Year Extension
Extend your permit. Scale your business, hire locally, prove impact.
Year 5+
Permanent Residency
Apply after 5 lawful years. Pass Danish integration tests.
Year 9+
Danish Passport
Full EU citizenship. Visa-free access to 190+ countries.
FAQ
Is a language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL) required?
No formal language test is required. All documents must be in English. Your 5-minute video pitch is effectively the language assessment. Danish proficiency is not required to enter the program, but classes are free once you register your CPR address. 95%+ of Danes speak fluent English.
What if my application is rejected?
You receive a written panel statement with individual scores for each criterion. You may (1) appeal once to the Danish Business Authority — a fresh panel reviews, and the result is final; or (2) substantially improve your plan and reapply as a new application.
Can I change my business plan after arriving?
Minor pivots are fine. Significant changes — including starting an entirely new business — require a new residence permit application. You must always notify SIRI of material changes. You can start working on the new business as soon as you submit the new application.
Does the DKK financial requirement need to be frozen?
No. Funds do not need to be locked or earmarked. They simply need to appear on a recent bank statement. Many applicants present the funds briefly to obtain the statement.
What is the path to Permanent Residence?
After 5 lawful years in Denmark (initial 2-year permit + 3-year extension), you may apply for permanent residence, provided you pass the Danish integration tests. After several more years with PR status, you can apply for Danish citizenship — one of the world's strongest passports with full EU access.
Why does Denmark reject some successful startups?
Approval is about fit with Denmark's specific needs, not past success. Startups that raised capital in other markets have been rejected while early-stage startups in priority sectors were accepted. Clearly answer 'Why Denmark specifically?' in every part of your submission.
Regulatory Notice: All information is sourced from official Startup Denmark, SIRI, and Danish Business Authority documentation and is provided for informational purposes only. Visa Roads Inc. is a strategic business advisory firm — we are NOT an immigration law firm or recruitment agency. Panel approval does not guarantee a residence permit; final decisions rest solely with SIRI. Financial thresholds are subject to annual revision — always verify current figures at nyidanmark.dk.
Ready to Apply?
Build in Copenhagen.
Scale to Europe.
We audit your concept against the Expert Panel's 4 criteria and craft a pitch deck and video that speaks the language of the Danish ecosystem.