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| Field | 🇩🇰DenmarkStart-up Denmark Residence Permit 2026 |
|---|---|
| Country | Denmark (DK) |
| Route | Start-up Denmark Residence Permit 2026 |
| Route family | Other |
| Route type | startup visa |
| Summary | The innovative business idea must be approved by the **Danish Business Authority expert panel before applying to SIRI**. The founder must own all or part of the business and **actively participate** in its operation. |
| Last verified | 2026-09-20 |
| Official/supporting source count | 5 |
| Route guide | Open full guide → |
| Program availability | ActiveSource 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5 |
| Best-fit work models | Startup founder, Business ownerSource 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5 |
| Income requirement | SIRI requires sufficient disposable funds for the first year, including accompanying family. Its current public page still labels the amounts as 2025 level: DKK 153,240 alone; DKK 306,480 with spouse; DKK 356,904 with spouse and child(ren); DKK 203,664 with child(ren) and no spouse. SIRI has not published a 2026 replacement figure on the cited page; confirm current amounts directly before relying on these values. A bank statement in the applicant's name is an example of proof.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Savings requirement | The route requires documented disposable funds for the first year rather than a recurring income minimum. The published amounts are explicitly labeled 2025 level by SIRI; obtain confirmation of the current amount before applying.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Investment requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Government fees | The published SIRI application fee is DKK 3,060. Check the current fee schedule and any exemption before applying.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Processing time | SIRI lists normal processing of two months, up to four months if further information is required. The expert panel's business-plan approval is a separate prerequisite and may add time before the immigration application can be filed.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Validity | The initial residence and work permit may be granted for up to two years. It begins on the grant date, may be shortened by passport expiry, and may lapse if the holder abandons the Danish address or stays abroad for more than six successive months without dispensation.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Renewal | An extension may be granted for up to three years at a time. Apply before expiry; a timely application allows the founder to remain and continue operating the business while SIRI decides. Significant business-plan changes, closing and starting a new business, taking a salaried job or starting another business require a new application.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Family inclusion | An eligible spouse, registered/cohabiting partner and children under 18 living at home may apply for accompanying-family residence. The sponsor must document funds to support accompanying family, and each family member files an individual application. Family applicants must satisfy relationship, co-residence, passport and other permit conditions.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Spouse work rights | An accompanying spouse/partner generally has the right to work in Denmark under the family permit, but must obtain a separate work permit to work for the sponsor's same or closely related company. The family member's own permit conditions control.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Local-work rules | The founder may work only in the approved business and may do unpaid voluntary work. A new business or salaried job requires a new permit; sideline employment requires separate permission. The scheme requires an innovative business with Danish economic interest, expert-panel approval, full or partial ownership and an active operational role. Teams may include up to three people on a shared plan, and no more than 75 foreign nationals may receive permits under the scheme per calendar year. The permit does not authorize work in other Schengen countries.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Application location | First submit the business plan to the Danish Business Authority-appointed expert panel and obtain approval. Then create a case order ID, pay the SIRI fee and file online using form SD1 with proof of panel approval, passport, business ownership and self-support. Record biometrics within 14 days at a Danish mission/application centre abroad or a SIRI branch if legally present in Denmark.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Permanent-residence pathway | Start-up Denmark is temporary and does not itself grant permanent residence. A holder may later apply under the separate Danish requirements, generally after eight years of legal residence or four years in specified cases, subject to additional conditions.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Citizenship pathway | The Start-up Denmark permit is not citizenship. Danish naturalisation is a separate process with its own residence, permanent-residence, self-sufficiency, language, knowledge and parliamentary approval requirements.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
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