How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Denmark Through Investment?

Entrance

With its emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic stability, Denmark stands out as one of Europe's most investment-friendly countries. Thanks to its developed infrastructure, transparent tax system, and integration with the strategic EU market, Denmark offers an attractive environment for both individual investors and foreign entrepreneurs. Within this context, to obtain a residence permit , as per the relevant legislation.

However, unlike classic "Golden Visa" systems, this process is based on stricter oversight and an investment plan. This article will examine in detail the process of obtaining a residence permit in Denmark through investment, its legal framework, application steps, assessments for Turkish investors, and points to consider.

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1. Legal Basis

In Denmark, residency permits through investment are generally regulated under the following legislation:

• Udlændingeloven (Foreigners Act)

• Bekendtgørelse om opholdstilladelse til udlændinge (Regulation on Residence Permits for Foreigners)

• Start-up Denmark Program regulations

• SIRI (Styrelsen for International Rekruttering and Integration) applications

This system adopts a model of obtaining residency not through direct monetary investment, but by establishing a company based on an innovative and sustainable business idea

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2. Investment-Based Residence Model: Start-up Denmark

a) The Aim of the Program

Start-up Denmark aims to make Denmark a hub of innovation for international entrepreneurs. The program enables foreign entrepreneurs to establish a new business in Denmark, contributing to the local economy and becoming established within the country.

b) Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must:

• Having an innovative business idea with growth potential

• To establish a new company to operate in Denmark

• In Denmark, he/she needs to actively implement the business plan
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3. Application Process and Stages

Stage 1: Business Idea Approval

The business plan prepared by the applicant the Start-up Denmark Panel .

Required Documents:

• Detailed business plan (in English or Danish)

• Financial projections

• Innovative aspects of the business model

• Market research

If the business idea is deemed suitable, the applicant a Start-up Denmark approval letter .

Step 2: Residence Permit Application

Along with the confirmation letter, SIRI .

Required Documents:

• Passport

• Approved business plan

• Company incorporation documents (CVR number)

• Personal financial sufficiency statement (minimum 140,000 DKK for subsistence in the first year)

• health insurance policy

• criminal record

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4. Financial Terms and Investment Amount

The Start-up Denmark program is not an "investor visa," but it does require the applicant to meet the following conditions in order to establish their business and support themselves:

• the company's capital ; however, the required capital must be clearly stated in the business plan.

• The entrepreneur must demonstrate sufficient financial assets to cover their personal expenses.

• For the first year, a minimum individual subsistence standard of 140,000 DKK is generally accepted.

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5. Duration and Renewal of Residence Permit

The initial residence permit for up to 2 years . After that;

• The initiative needs to be active,

• The continuation of physical presence in Denmark,

• Fulfillment of tax and legal obligations

It can be extended for up to 3 years , subject to certain conditions . After that, an application for indefinite residence permit can be made.

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6. Session for Family Members

The applicant must:

• His wife,

• Children under 18

The entrepreneur can apply for a residence permit in Denmark together with the family member. Family members can benefit from education and health services, and obtain the right to work, during their valid residence permits.

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7. Rejection Decisions and Appeal Process

a) Reasons for Rejection

• The business idea is not considered innovative enough

• Failure to demonstrate financial sufficiency

• Missing or inconsistent documents

• Security concerns (criminal record, deportation history, etc.)

b) Right to Appeal

Applicant against SIRI's refusal decisions:

• They can appeal within 8 weeks

• The appeal the Immigration Appeals Board (Udlændingenævnet) .

• If the refusal decision is found to be unlawful, to the Administrative Court and, if necessary, the European Court of Human Rights are also open.

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8. Evaluation from the Perspective of Turkish Citizens

a) The Impact of the Ankara Agreement

Denmark is a party to the 1963 Ankara Agreement with Türkiye, but it does not grant any direct exemption from the provisions of this agreement for investors. Nevertheless, Turkish citizens;

• Doing business in Denmark,

• In the processes of applying for indefinite leave to remain and citizenship

the ECJ rulings, they may benefit from certain advantageous interpretations.

b) Application with Documents from Türkiye

For applications made by Turkish citizens from Turkey, documents such as company activity history, bank statements, and tax certificates must be submitted with sworn translations and notarized certifications

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9. Tax and Business Environment in Denmark for Investors

• Company types: APS (Limited), IVS (No new registrations accepted), A/S (Joint Stock Company)

• Corporate tax: Approximately as of 2024 %22

• VAT rate: 25% (general)

• Company registration: Possible digitally via CVR number within 1-5 days

• The labor market is highly skilled and digital services are well-developed

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10. Naturalization

in Denmark for at least 8 years can apply for citizenship under the following conditions:

• No criminal record

• Danish language proficiency (Danskprøve 3)

• Passing the Danish citizenship test

• Proving that you are self-sufficient

• Constitutional oath of allegiance

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Conclusion

It is possible to obtain a residence permit in Denmark through investment, but this system is subject to a much stricter and more rigorous process than classic "visa for money" models. Denmark expects investors to initiate genuine commercial activity and make a sustainable economic contribution. Originality of the business idea, financial soundness, and compliance with legal procedures are vital for a successful application.

For Turkish investors, proper planning of the process, submission of complete documentation, and seeking professional advice when necessary will be crucial for both visa approval and long-term settlement plans.