Startup Denmark is a national programme designed to attract entrepreneurs from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland to establish and grow businesses in Denmark. The purpose of the scheme is to strengthen entrepreneurship and promote new and scalable Danish companies that can contribute to growth, job creation, and competitiveness.
Under the Startup Denmark scheme, applicants can apply for a Danish residence and work permit by submitting a business plan. The business plan must be assessed by the Startup Denmark expert panel. Only applications that fulfil the program’s innovation and scalability criteria may be approved.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong business idea, an attractive and scalable market, and their own competencies and resources to deliver on their business plan. Businesses within the restaurant, retail, or small trading/import/export industries are not eligible for the scheme.
Each application goes through a thorough screening and evaluation process. The Startup Denmark Secretariat, anchored in the Danish Business Authority, manages applications and supports the assessment process. Only up to 75 residence permits can be issued annually under the programme.
It is important to note that Startup Denmark is not an advisory institution. Due to the Danish Public Administration Act, we are unable to offer personal guidance regarding your application, business plan, or immigration process. You may only contact us via email in case of technical or administrative questions.
If you wish to read the official legal basis for the scheme, you can find the Startup Denmark decree at retsinformation.dk.