How does Start-up Denmark work in Denmark, and who qualifies?

Start-up Denmark is the route for third-country entrepreneurs with an innovative, scalable business idea — applying alone or in a team of up to three people on a shared business plan. The defining step is that your business concept must be approved by the Danish Business Authority's expert panel before you apply for the permit.

To qualify, the business must be innovative with genuine growth potential (routine retail, restaurant or trading ventures are excluded), and you must be an owner who actively runs the business, not a passive investor. You also need documented funds to support yourself and any family during the stay. The scheme has a national annual cap, the official portal lists processing of about one month, and the indicative fee is DKK 3,060.

The approval criteria, cap and fees can change, so confirm the current details on nyidanmark.dk before applying. If you are shaping a business concept for Denmark, ACME can help you understand what the expert panel looks for and prepare the application.