Start-up Denmark Visa
Start-up Denmark is a residence permit for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to launch an innovative business in Denmark. Your business plan must be approved by an independent expert panel before the permit is granted. It’s selective but offers a genuine path to building a company in one of the world’s best business environments.
Overview
Start-up Denmark is designed for non-EU entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that have growth potential. It’s not for traditional businesses (restaurants, shops, consulting) — the expert panel specifically looks for scalability, innovation, and market potential. The scheme grants a 2-year residence permit with the possibility of extension.
Requirements
- Non-EU citizen (EU citizens don’t need this — they can start a business freely)
- Innovative business idea with growth and scalability potential
- Approved business plan by the independent expert panel
- Sufficient funds to support yourself during the initial period (~145,000 DKK for 1 year)
- No criminal record
- Health insurance until CPR-based healthcare kicks in
The business plan
Your business plan is the core of the application. It must demonstrate:
- Innovation: What is new or different about your product/service?
- Scalability: Can the business grow beyond a local market?
- Market potential: Is there a clear target market and revenue model?
- Your qualifications: Why are you the right person to execute this?
- Financial plan: How will the business sustain itself and grow?
Traditional service businesses (restaurants, cleaning, retail), consulting, and lifestyle businesses are typically rejected. The panel wants tech startups, innovative products, or scalable service models with clear growth trajectories.
The expert panel
An independent panel of business experts reviews your plan. They assess viability, innovation, and your ability to execute. The panel meets regularly and decisions typically take 4–8 weeks. If rejected, you receive feedback and can reapply with an improved plan.
How to apply
Prepare your business plan
Write a detailed, professional business plan in English addressing all criteria above. Include financial projections, market analysis, and your background.
Submit to the expert panel
Apply through nyidanmark.dk. Your business plan goes to the expert panel for review.
Panel decision (4–8 weeks)
If approved, you receive a recommendation letter. If rejected, you can revise and reapply.
Apply for residence permit
With the approval letter, apply for the Start-up Denmark residence permit through SIRI. Provide financial documentation, passport, health insurance proof.
Arrive and register
Once the permit is granted, move to Denmark. Register for CPR, set up MitID, and register your business on virk.dk.
After approval
You are expected to actively work on building your startup. SIRI may follow up on your progress. You can hire employees, seek investment, and operate your business normally. Your family can join you through family reunification.
Duration and renewal
The initial permit is for 2 years. You can apply for extension if the business is active and showing progress. Eventually, you may qualify for the Pay Limit Scheme (if the business pays you a sufficient salary) or permanent residency.
Common problems
My business plan was rejected
Read the feedback carefully. The most common reasons: not innovative enough, not scalable, or insufficient market analysis. Revise and reapply — many successful applicants were rejected on their first attempt.
I need funding but am not in Denmark yet
You can apply from abroad. Some Danish incubators and accelerators (e.g., Copenhagen Fintech, DTU Science Park, Rainmaking) support Start-up Denmark applicants. Apply to these alongside your visa application.
Questions and answers
Can I work for someone else while running my startup?
The permit is specifically for running your approved startup. Working as an employee for another company is not permitted under this scheme.
What if my startup fails?
Your permit is tied to the business activity. If the business ceases, your permit basis may be affected. Contact SIRI to discuss options — you may be able to pivot or transition to a different permit type.
Is there funding available?
Start-up Denmark itself does not provide funding. But Denmark has a strong ecosystem: Innovationsfonden, Vækstfonden, and numerous private VCs and angel networks. Your approved status helps with credibility.
Sources
- nyidanmark.dk — Start-up Denmark scheme.
- startupdenmark.info — official programme information.