By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly how to qualify for and apply to Denmark’s Startup Visa (Startup Denmark), plus tap into unique incentives—like R&D reimbursements, team applications, family reunification and sector-specific advantages—that most guides overlook.

What Is the Startup Visa (Startup Denmark)?

Denmark’s Startup Visa grants a residence permit to ambitious founders who want to build an innovative business on Danish soil. For full details on eligibility criteria, evaluation and application procedures, see the Danish Immigration Service’s Startup Denmark page.

Run by the Danish Immigration Service, the scheme evaluates applications based on the novelty and growth potential of your idea, your personal qualifications and your capacity to support yourself in Denmark.

Who Can Apply?

You must meet core requirements and prove your venture’s promise. Key eligibility points include:

• An innovative business plan evaluated by an independent expert panel
• At least one founder with relevant education or work experience in the industry
• Proof you can support yourself during the permit period (no state benefits)
• Sufficient funds to cover living and setup costs

Team Applications and Family Reunification

• Up to three founders (non-EU/EEA/Swiss or Danish citizens) may apply together
• Non-EU/EEA founders can partner with EU/EEA citizens (who don’t need a visa) to strengthen their plan
• Since July 1, 2024, Danish citizens who establish a startup abroad under this scheme can bring their spouse and children on family reunification grounds

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these stages to submit a complete file:

1. Draft your business plan and gather CVs for each founder
2. Complete the online application at nyidanmark.dk
3. Attach supporting documents (plan, financial statements, qualifications)
4. Pay the application fee
5. Wait for expert panel review (4–6 weeks on average)
6. Receive decision and, if approved, apply for your residence permit at a Danish mission

Beware the Evaluation Blackout

The expert panel doesn’t convene in July. Any applications submitted after June 15 are only reviewed in August, so plan accordingly.

Financial Requirements and Incentives

Aside from proving personal means, you can tap into Denmark’s generous R&D support:

• You must show funds to cover living costs (approx. DKK 125,000/year for one founder) as detailed in average annual living costs in Denmark
• Denmark offers a cash reimbursement of 22% on qualifying R&D expenses, capped at DKK 25 million annually, as explained in EY’s overview of Denmark’s 22% R&D cash rebate

This scheme can slash your effective cost of experimentation and product development.

Why Choose Denmark?

Beyond the visa, Denmark’s startup ecosystem delivers tangible advantages:

• Ranked 4th in the Global Innovation Index 2023 ranking
• World-class digital infrastructure and ease of doing business
• Sector clusters in sustainability, clean energy and life sciences, as highlighted in Invest in Denmark’s life sciences sector overview
• Access to public–private R&D partnerships via State of Green’s overview of Denmark’s public–private partnerships
• Startup hubs and incubators in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Aalborg, featured in EU-Startups’ guide to Denmark’s top incubators

“Denmark’s open society and research-driven culture create the ideal playground for bold entrepreneurs.” – Danish Business Authority statement

Your Blueprint for Danish Startup Success

You now have the full picture: core criteria, the step-by-step process, hidden incentives and strategic timing. Armed with this guide, you can craft a standout application, maximize available supports and join Denmark’s thriving community of innovators. Pack your idea, gather your team, and get ready to launch your venture where creativity meets structure.