Denmark: all programs

Denmark at a glance

Denmark is a Scandinavian country in the European Union and the Schengen area with about 6 million residents. The capital is Copenhagen, and the other large cities are Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg. The language is Danish, and most people speak English fluently. The currency is the Danish krone, pegged to the euro, about 6.67 kroner per dollar on 6 October 2026.

The economy rests on pharmaceuticals, shipping, wind energy, food production and design. Wages and taxes are among the highest in the world, and in return the state provides free healthcare and education, generous benefits and a highly digital public service system.

Who the move suits

• professionals with a well-paid contract from a Danish employer;
• researchers and university teachers;
• founders of innovative start-ups;
• families who value safety, free schools and work-life balance;
• European Union citizens, for whom registration is enough.

It is harder for those who want to live on passive income or work remotely for a foreign company: Denmark has no separate status for that.

Entry rules and visas

Citizens of many countries visit Denmark visa-free for up to 90 days in 180, and others need a Schengen visa. Living and working require a residence permit, applied for before the move through the Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.

Rules for specific nationalities

Some rules in Denmark depend on the passport.

• Russia. Since November 2025 European Union countries have mostly issued single-entry Schengen visas to Russian citizens. There are no direct flights from Russia, connections run through Istanbul, Belgrade and other cities, and banks are cautious with Russian citizens.

Residence options

• The pay limit scheme - a contract with a Danish employer from 552,000 kroner a year, about $82,800, or 46,000 kroner a month, the threshold applying from 1 January 2026; for some cases a supplementary scheme has a threshold of 446,000 kroner, about $66,900;
• the positive list - work in a listed shortage occupation at no less than Danish standard pay;
• the fast-track scheme - for employees of certified companies, who can start work sooner;
• researchers and teachers - a separate category for universities and research centres;
• the start-up programme - after an expert panel approves the business plan, a residence permit for up to 2 years, renewable for up to 3 years.

We choose the basis for your contract or project, prepare the documents and support the family at every stage.

Family and children

The spouse and children under 18 of a work or start-up permit holder receive their own permits for the same period, and the spouse can work in Denmark without a separate permit. Public schools and universities are free for residents, while English-language international schools charge fees. Kindergarten is partly subsidised by the state, and a quarterly child benefit is paid. Family reunification with a Danish spouse is stricter and needs separate preparation.

Taxes

Income tax combines an 8% labour market contribution, municipal tax of about 25% and state rates, with a top marginal rate above 50%. Highly paid foreign specialists and researchers can use a special regime for up to 7 years: 27% plus the labour market contribution, about 32.8% in total. Corporate tax is 22% and VAT is 25%. You become a tax resident by living in Denmark for more than 6 months or having a home there for permanent living.

Cost of living

Rent in Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg is noticeably lower than in the capital. Groceries and restaurants are expensive, but healthcare and schools are free and kindergarten is partly subsidised.

Property for foreigners

Denmark is one of Europe's most closed markets to foreign buyers. People who have lived in the country for 5 consecutive years and European Union citizens moving to Denmark can buy a permanent home without permission. Others need permission from the Ministry of Justice, and seaside summer houses are almost off-limits to foreigners. A purchase carries a title registration fee of 1,850 kroner, about $278, plus 0.6% of the price, and a new system of annual property taxes has applied since 2024. We find the property and obtain the permission if needed.

Permanent residence and citizenship

Permanent residence is usually granted after 8 years of legal residence, or after 4 years if extra conditions are met, with a level 2 Danish exam required. Citizenship comes after 9 years of residence and requires a level 3 Danish exam, a citizenship test, employment and a clean record. Denmark has allowed dual citizenship since 1 September 2015.

Daily life

After registration you receive a personal number that links healthcare, banking, taxes and a digital signature, and almost everything is done online. The climate is maritime: 18-22°C in summer, around 0°C in winter, windy and dark from November to February. Cycling is the main way to get around cities. Banks open accounts once you have the personal number. We help with a personal account and company registration.