Denmark · Temporary Residence
Living in Denmark on a Start-up Permit
A Start-up Denmark permit is tied to one company. Founders can extend it for up to 3 years at a time, but they must keep a Danish address, avoid certain public benefits and report significant business changes to SIRI.
- Startup route
- Start-up Denmark
- Minimum capital
- Living funds from DKK 153,240 (single, 2025 level)
- Permanent residence
- 8 years; 4 if all supplementary criteria are met
- Citizenship
- 9 years' residence plus permanent residence
Start-up Denmark residence and work permit
Status: Subject to the 75-permit annual cap at first application
The first permit runs for up to 2 years and later extensions for up to 3 years each. An extension must be requested before the permit expires; a founder who applies in time may stay in Denmark and keep running the company while SIRI decides. The permit covers only the business it was granted for, so opening a new company or taking a salaried job needs a fresh application, although that work can begin once the application is lodged. Receiving public benefits under the Active Social Policy Act can lead to revocation. The permit lapses if the holder gives up a Danish address or stays abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, unless a dispensation applies.
- First grant
- Up to 2 years
- Extensions
- Up to 3 years each; apply before expiry
- Work rights
- Only in the company covered by the permit
- Absence limit
- Permit lapses after 6 straight months abroad
- Public benefits
- Active Social Policy Act benefits can trigger revocation
- Family funds
- DKK 306,480 with spouse; DKK 356,904 with spouse and children
Requirements
- Continued operation of the business for which the permit was granted.
- A Danish address kept throughout, with no stay abroad longer than 6 consecutive months without dispensation.
- No benefits received under the Active Social Policy Act.
- Notice to SIRI of any significant change in the business.
- A new application before starting a different business or a salaried job.
How to apply
- Track the permit expiry date and the passport expiry date, which caps permit validity.
- Apply to SIRI for an extension before the current permit ends.
- Continue running the business while the extension application is pending.
- Inform SIRI of any significant change in the business during the permit period.
Changing direction during the permit
Start-ups pivot, and the Danish rules allow for that within limits. If the original company closes and the founder starts a different one, a new residence and work permit application is required, and the founder may begin the new activity once that application has been submitted. The same applies to a move into salaried employment. The new application means the replacement venture is assessed in its own right. Founders also tell SIRI about significant changes in the business as they happen, which is a standing obligation for the whole permit period.
Questions and answers
Can the founder keep working while an extension is pending?
Yes, provided the extension is filed before the current permit expires. SIRI's guidance states that a timely application allows the founder to remain in Denmark and continue running the business until the decision. A late application does not carry that protection, which is why founders submit well ahead of the expiry date.
Can a Start-up Denmark holder spend long periods abroad?
Short trips are normal, but the permit lapses if the founder gives up their Danish address or stays outside Denmark for more than 6 consecutive months. A dispensation can be granted in some cases, so founders planning an extended stay abroad raise it with SIRI before leaving.
Is there a residence-by-investment option in Denmark?
No. Denmark has no golden visa or investor residence program. Founders who want to live in Denmark while building a company use Start-up Denmark or another work-based permit, and residence follows from running the business rather than from a capital investment.
Official sources
- Start-up Denmarkwww.nyidanmark.dk
- Workwww.nyidanmark.dk
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Denmark.
Startup visa
Start-up Denmark permit after expert panel approval of the business idea
02Temporary residence
First permit up to 2 years, then extensions of up to 3 years each
03Permanent residence
Permanent residence after 8 years, or 4 years if all extra criteria are met
04Citizenship
Naturalization by act of parliament after 9 years; dual nationality allowed