Denmark is a Scandinavian country known for its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and thriving startup ecosystem. As a Schengen member state, it offers visa-free access to EU/EEA citizens and 90-day stays for many nationalities. While there is no dedicated digital nomad visa, Denmark offers a Startup Visa for entrepreneurs and Working Holiday programs for young citizens from select countries. The country consistently ranks among the happiest in the world and features world-class coworking spaces, fast internet, and a strong expat community in Copenhagen.
5
Visa Types
97
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C)
Short-stay visa for tourism, business visits, or visiting family in Denmark and the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
90 days
Duration
€135
$146 fee
+€77 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Access to all 29 Schengen countries with single visa
✓Tourism, business meetings, and family visits permitted
✓Can attend conferences and short training courses
✓Multiple entries possible within validity period
✓Valid for Denmark, Faroe Islands, and Greenland travel
📋 Requirements (10)
•Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond stay)
•Completed visa application form via ApplyVisa portal
•Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm)
•Travel medical insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR coverage
•Proof of accommodation in Denmark
•Round-trip flight reservation
•Proof of sufficient financial means (350-500 DKK per day)
•Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
•Employment letter or proof of income source
•Previous Schengen visas (if applicable)
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 15 calendar days, may extend to 45 days in complex cases
1Complete online application at ApplyVisa.um.dk
2Pay the visa fee online (90 EUR for adults)
3Book appointment at Danish embassy or VFS Global center
4Submit application with all required documents in person
Process: Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons. Apply at the Danish Immigration Service before your current visa expires.
Renewal: Schengen visas cannot be renewed. You must apply for a new visa for subsequent trips. After using 90 days in a 180-day period, you must wait outside the Schengen area.
💡 Pro Tips
•Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel, but not more than 6 months ahead
•Apply at the embassy of your main destination country
•Book refundable flights and hotels in case of visa denial
•Prepare a detailed travel itinerary to strengthen your application
•Previous Schengen travel history significantly improves approval chances
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work
Startup Denmark Visa
Residence permit for innovative entrepreneurs to establish and run high-growth startups in Denmark. Ideal for tech founders and scalable business ventures.
2 years
Duration
DKK 2,490
$2.7K fee
+DKK 2,490 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $147,912/per_year
Alternative: Higher amounts required if bringing family: 295,824 DKK with spouse, 344,496 DKK with spouse and children, 196,584 DKK with children only (2024 rates). Bank statements serve as proof.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Live and work in Denmark for 2 years (extendable)
✓Access to Danish healthcare and social services
✓Family members can accompany you
✓Path to permanent residence and citizenship
✓Access to Danish startup ecosystem and funding
✓Free advice at public business development centers
✓Travel freely within Schengen area
✓22% R&D tax credit available for qualifying businesses
📋 Requirements (10)
•Innovative business plan approved by Danish Business Authority expert panel
•Business must have growth potential and benefit Danish economy
•Must be in key industries: Tech, Cleantech, Life Science, Food, Maritime, or Design
•Proof of sufficient funds for first year (147,912 DKK for single applicant)
•Valid passport
•Clean criminal record
•Must play active role in running the business
•Business must be established in Denmark or have Danish branch
•Not EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (they have free movement rights)
•Maximum 3 founders can apply together with shared business plan
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Business plan evaluation: 6 weeks. Residence permit: approximately 1 month after approval
1Develop comprehensive business plan in English
2Submit business plan via startupdenmark.info portal
3Wait for expert panel evaluation (approximately 6 weeks)
4Receive approval letter from Danish Business Authority
5Create case order ID on SIRI website
6Pay application fee (2,490 DKK)
7Submit residence permit application to SIRI
8Provide biometric data at SIRI office or Danish embassy
Process: Extensions are granted for 3 years at a time. Must demonstrate continued business activity and growth. Apply before current permit expires through SIRI.
Renewal: After 6 years of continuous residence, you may apply for permanent residence. After 9 years, Danish citizenship is possible (subject to language and integration requirements).
💡 Pro Tips
•Focus on innovative, scalable tech or cleantech businesses
•Restaurants, retail, and traditional businesses are typically rejected
•Apply early in the year as 75 spots fill up
•Consider joining a startup incubator in Copenhagen
•Network at events like TechBBQ and Copenhagen Fintech Week
•Have sufficient runway funding before applying
Working Holiday Visa
WorkPopular
One-year visa for young citizens from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, and Chile to travel and work part-time in Denmark.
12m
Duration
DKK 2,490
$2.7K fee
+DKK 3,000 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱Approximately 3 months
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
DKKUSD
Required
Application feeApproximately 335 EUR. Japanese citizens are exempt.
DKK 2,490$2.7K
Additional (estimated)
Health insurance (required for some nationalities)Annual travel insurance, required for Argentina and Chile
DKK 3,000$3.3K
Required Total
DKK 2,490$2.7K
+ Additional (estimated)
DKK 3,000$3.3K
Estimated Total
DKK 5,490$6.0K
💱1 USD = 0.92 DKK•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Citizen of eligible country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, or Chile)
•Age 18-30 (18-35 for Australians and Canadians)
•Valid passport for duration of stay plus 3 months
•Return ticket or funds to purchase one (5,000 DKK)
•Proof of sufficient funds (15,000-24,000 DKK depending on nationality)
•Health insurance for duration of stay (required for Argentina and Chile)
•No dependent children accompanying
•First time applying for Danish Working Holiday
•Clean criminal record
•Primary purpose must be holiday, work is secondary
📝 Application Steps
1Check eligibility and quota availability on nyidanmark.dk
2Create case order ID on SIRI website
3Pay application fee (2,490 DKK, free for Japanese citizens)
No, Denmark does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa. However, there are alternatives: EU/EEA citizens can live and work freely. Non-EU citizens can use the Startup Denmark visa for entrepreneurs, Working Holiday visa (for eligible nationalities aged 18-35), or stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Note that remote work for a foreign employer on a tourist visa is technically not permitted in Denmark, though enforcement varies.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while staying in Denmark?
Technically, remote work requires proper authorization in Denmark. EU/EEA citizens can work freely. For non-EU citizens on tourist visas or visa-free entries, working (including remotely) is not officially permitted. The Startup Denmark visa allows self-employment if running an approved business. The Working Holiday visa allows limited work. Many digital nomads do work remotely during short stays, but this exists in a legal gray area. For full compliance, consider the Startup Denmark program or seek employment with a Danish company.
What is the 90/180 day Schengen rule and how does it apply to Denmark?
The Schengen rule allows visa-free visitors to stay up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period in the entire Schengen area (29 countries including Denmark). Days spent in any Schengen country count toward your 90-day limit. For example, if you spend 30 days in France and 40 days in Germany, you only have 20 days remaining for Denmark. Use online Schengen calculators to track your days. To reset the counter, you must spend 90 days outside the Schengen area.
How can I extend my stay in Denmark beyond 90 days?
Extensions are limited. For Schengen visa holders, extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances (force majeure, humanitarian reasons). EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely by registering at their local municipality. Non-EU citizens seeking longer stays should apply for: Startup Denmark visa (for entrepreneurs), work permit through Danish employer, student visa, or family reunification visa. The Working Holiday visa offers 12 months for eligible nationalities.
What is the Startup Denmark program and who is eligible?
Startup Denmark is a visa program for non-EU entrepreneurs wanting to establish innovative, high-growth businesses in Denmark. Requirements: innovative business plan approved by expert panel, focus on Tech/Cleantech/Life Science/Food/Maritime/Design sectors, proof of funds (147,912 DKK for single applicant in 2024), active role in business. Limited to 75 permits annually. Initial permit is 2 years, extendable for 3-year periods. Application fee: 2,490 DKK. Traditional businesses (restaurants, retail) are typically rejected.
What is ETIAS and when will it be required for Denmark?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an electronic travel authorization that will be required from mid-2025 for visa-exempt travelers visiting Schengen countries including Denmark. It costs 7 EUR, is valid for 3 years, and must be obtained before travel. ETIAS is not a visa - it is a pre-screening system similar to the US ESTA. Citizens of countries currently enjoying visa-free access (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) will need to apply online before traveling.
How do I open a bank account in Denmark as a foreigner?
Opening a Danish bank account requires a CPR number (civil registration number), which means you must be a registered resident. Requirements include: valid ID/passport, CPR number, proof of address, and often proof of employment or study. Non-residents face significant difficulties due to strict anti-money laundering regulations following the Danske Bank scandal. Alternatives for short-term visitors include digital banks like N26, Revolut, and Wise that work in Denmark without local residency requirements.
What are the Working Holiday visa requirements for Denmark?
Working Holiday visas are available for citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, and Chile. Age limits: 18-35 for Australia/Canada, 18-30 for others. Requirements include: valid passport, proof of funds (15,000-24,000 DKK depending on nationality), return ticket or funds for one, health insurance (required for Argentina/Chile). You can work up to 6 months during your 12-month stay, but not for the same employer more than 3 months. Fee: 2,490 DKK (free for Japanese citizens). Note: Argentina program currently suspended.
Do I need health insurance to visit Denmark?
Schengen visa applicants must have travel insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR medical coverage. Visa-free visitors are not legally required to have insurance but it is strongly recommended as healthcare is expensive for non-residents in Denmark. EU/EEA citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency care. Working Holiday applicants from Argentina and Chile must show proof of health insurance. Residents with a CPR number receive a yellow health card (Sygesikringskort) for free public healthcare access.
What is the cost of living in Denmark for digital nomads?
Denmark is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Monthly costs in Copenhagen: accommodation (10,000-15,000 DKK for 1BR apartment), coworking (2,000-3,500 DKK), food (3,000-5,000 DKK), transportation (500-1,000 DKK), entertainment (2,000-3,000 DKK). Total monthly budget: approximately 18,000-27,000 DKK (2,400-3,600 EUR). Aarhus and smaller cities are 15-20% cheaper. High costs are offset by excellent infrastructure, safety, work-life balance, and quality of life.
⚠️
Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2024