Denmark Digital Nomad Visa

Andy Stofferis

Freelance Writer

Last update 30 October, 2023

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Denmark Digital Nomad Visa Overview

Denmark does not currently offer a Denmark nomad visa. Digital nomads wishing to visit Denmark can apply for a 90-day Schengen tourist visa. Young citizens of some countries can apply for a one-year working holiday visa. Denmark also has a startup visa program that may appeal to some digital nomads.

The working holiday visa is the best option for digital nomads who qualify for the program as it offers the most flexibility when it comes to working while traveling.

While you will need to pay income tax on anything earned locally, in most cases you will not have to pay tax on international income.

While the startup visa allows you to stay in Denmark for longer, the requirements around establishing a business with significant growth potential are strict.

Who Can Apply for a Visa for Denmark?

The visas that you may be eligible for as a digital nomad wishing to spend time in Denmark depend on the passport that you hold.

If You Are a United States Citizen

If you are a United States citizen, you do not qualify for the working holiday scheme. You can enter the Schengen area as a tourist and do not need to apply for a visa before you travel. You will receive the visa upon arrival.

This allows you to stay in the Schengen area, which includes Denmark, for a total of 90 days within any 180 days.

If You Are an EU Citizen

EU and EEA citizens, plus citizens of Liechtenstein and Switzerland, do not need a visa to travel to Denmark and can also work there without a work permit. However, if you stay in the country for longer than three months you need to register as a resident with the Danish authorities.

Contact your local Borgerservice (citizen service center) and follow the instructions on their website. You will need to provide proof of a permanent address. You will then be issued with a Danish Civil Registration (CPR) number.

If You Are a US Green Card Holder

If you are a US green card holder, you must apply for a visa to visit Denmark based on the nationality of your passport.

However, to apply for a visa you must be legally resident in the country from which you are applying, so you will be able to apply for your visa from a Danish diplomatic mission in the United States. You can find a full list of Danish missions in the US here.

If You Are a Citizen from Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

Citizens from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand between the ages of 18 and 36 (31 in New Zealand) can apply for a working holiday visa to live and work in Denmark for up to one year.

Citizens of these three countries also do not need to pre-apply for a Schengen tourist visa. You will receive the visa upon arrival in the region and this will allow you to stay for up to 90 days in any 180 days.

If You Reside in Any Other Country

Young citizens of Argentina, Chile, Japan, and South Korea, between the ages of 18 and 31 can apply for a one-year working holiday visa to visit Denmark.

All other citizens should consider traveling on a Schengen tourist visa. To find out whether you need to pre-apply or can travel visa-free, consult this list.

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Visa #1: Schengen Tourist Visa

The most accessible visa for most digital nomads wishing to visit Denmark is a Schengen Tourist Visa. This allows you to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 days.

While Schengen might appear appealing for a short-term remote work visa, it’s crucial to note that working in Denmark, even remotely, is illegal without a valid work permit. Therefore, view this option as a chance to visit and become familiar with the country before obtaining an official digital nomad visa or a more fitting visa option.

Citizens of many countries do not need to pre-apply for a visa and will be granted the visa upon arrival in the region. Citizens of other countries do need to pre-apply and provide documentation. You can find a full list of countries and their related visa requirements here.

You can apply online by registering on the website, filling in the online application form within six months of your planned travel date, and paying the visa fee via the online portal using Visa, Mastercard, Dankort, or JCB. The current visa fee is DKK598 (US$85).

You then need to print and sign the application letter generated by the system and make an appointment at your local embassy or consulate to submit your application. You will also need to bring your passport and supporting documentation. Your biometrics (photo and fingerprints) will also be collected during this embassy appointment.

You can find a full list of Danish embassies and consulates abroad here. In some cases, where there is no embassy, you may be directed to make an appointment at the Norwegian or Swedish embassy.

It should take between 15 and 30 days for your visa to be processed, but it can take longer in some countries.

Visa #2: Denmark Working Holiday Visa

Young citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea can apply for a Working Holiday Visa that allows them to live in Denmark for up to one year, and work for a period of time to support their travels. You cannot apply to bring family members with you on this visa.

The specific terms and conditions of the visa depend on which country you are applying from. These are reciprocal visas and match the terms and conditions for Danish citizens in that country.

The primary variables are how much money you need to have available to you upon arrival to support yourself, how many months of the 12 months you spend in Denmark you can work, and whether you need to purchase health insurance. You should provide evidence of your available funds and health insurance as part of your application.

All applications require that you purchase a return ticket, or prove that you have funds available to cover the cost of your ticket.  The minimum available funds required is DKK5,000 (US$715).

Argentina and Chile also have a quota for how many people can apply each year. Once the quota is reached, applications are closed until the following year.

See a summary of the relevant terms and conditions for each country in the table below.

The fee for the working holiday visa is currently set at DKK2,115 (US$300) and you must pay within the same calendar year as you submit your application. You can expect an outcome to your application within three months of applying.

See full instructions for how to make an application further down in this article. You can find a downloadable PDF for the form here.

Visa #3: Denmark Startup Visa

Denmark’s new Startup visa scheme is targeted at talented entrepreneurs who want to grow high-impact businesses in Denmark. The visa is granted for two years in the first instance and is extendable in three-year increments if you can show evidence of satisfactory business progress and growth.

Becoming eligible for the visa relies on presenting a business plan for a business that has the potential for growth and will be based in Denmark or have a branch in Denmark. Up to three non-EU citizens can submit a business plan as a team.

You can find full details on how to put your business plan together and submit the plan to the panel for assessment here. The application must be submitted in English and the assessment usually takes about three weeks. There is no fee for submitting the application.

If your business plan is approved, you can then apply for a work permit to live and work in Denmark. To qualify for this, you must own a significant part of the company and be active in the running of the company. Your presence in Denmark must be required for the business.

If you meet these criteria, you can make a visa application following the steps given further down in this article.

Your visa application should include the letter of approval for your business, proof of ownership of your business, and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Denmark. How much you need depends on who is traveling with you, as explained in the table below.

The fee for the visa application is currently set at DKK2,115 (US$300) and you must pay within the same calendar year as you submit your application. You can expect an outcome to your application within three months of applying.

How to Apply for a Denmark Visa – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create a Case Order ID

The first step is to create a case order ID on the Denmark immigration website. This will give you a case number to use throughout the application. This will also generate a payment request.

Step 2: Pay the Fee

You will be given a variety of options to make your visa payment fee. You can pay online through the portal using a credit or debit card, make an online bank transfer, or make a direct deposit at a bank or post office.

The current fee for visa applications is DKK2,115 (US$300) and you must pay within the same calendar year as you submit your application.

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

Gather the documentation required for the application. In addition to the specific documents required for your visa given above, you will need to provide evidence that you have paid the fee and copies of all pages of your passport including all empty pages and passport’s front and back cover.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Next, you should log onto the Danish immigration website with your case ID and complete the online application form. If you want to submit your application online, that can be done here.

In some countries, you may need to print out your application and submit it personally at your closest embassy. You will need to book a local appointment. You can see a list of diplomatic missions and application centers here.

Step 5: Register your Biometrics

If you make your application online, you have 14 days to register your biometrics (photo and fingerprints). If you make your application in person, this will be part of the process.

You will need to book a local appointment. You can see a list of diplomatic missions and application centers here.

Step 6: Wait for an Answer

Wait for the outcome of your application, which you should receive via email within three months of submitting your application. Immigration services will get in contact with you if they need additional information to process your case.

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Timeline for Applying for a Danish Visa

The current processing time for most Danish visas is three months. If your waiting time is expected to be longer, you will be advised of this when making your application.

How Much Does Applying for a Danish Visa Cost?

The current application fee for Danish visas is DKK2,115 (US$300). Some applications are exempt from fees, such as Japanese applicants to the working holiday visa scheme. You can find more information about exemptions here.

Paying Danish Taxes

If you work locally in Denmark, you will need to pay income tax on what you earn locally. For national taxes, you can expect to pay 12.09% on your personal income. This rises to 15% if you earn over DKK568,900 (US$81,255). On top of this, you will need to pay municipal taxes, which vary depending on where you live. The average rate is 25.018%.

If you live in Denmark for more than 183 days, you will also become a resident for tax purposes, which means that your worldwide income becomes taxable in Denmark.

However, Denmark does have double taxation agreements with 70 countries, including all of the countries included in the working holiday visa scheme. Find full details of Denmark’s double taxation agreements here.

If you register your business in Denmark, you will also need to pay taxes. The standard corporate tax rate is 22%.

If you receive dividends from shares that you hold in your company or any other shares, these are also taxable at a rate of 27%.

Denmark Visa Denial

If your visa application is denied, you can appeal the decision by sending a letter or an email to the Immigration Appeals Board in Copenhagen, udln@udln.dk.

To appeal you must create a new case ID and pay the fee again. You have eight weeks from the time you receive your decision to submit an appeal.

Living in Denmark as a Digital Nomad

The warmest of the Nordic countries, Denmark is a former Viking territory and the homeland of the famous Ragnar Lothbrok. It often ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and Denmark has a booming tech and innovation sector.

While Denmark has a relatively high cost of living and no specific digital nomad visa Denmark, it is still attracting remote digital talent from around the world thanks to its excellent infrastructure, rich history, and good quality of life.

Capital Copenhagen

Form of Government Constitutional monarchy/Parliamentary representative democracy

Population 5.857 million

Climate Mild winters/cool summers, average temperature 8.3℃

Language Danish (86% of Danes speak English as a second language)

Currency Danish Krone DKK, DKK1=US$0.14

5 people in Denmark!

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As a digital nomad in Denmark, you can expect to benefit from the country’s excellent Wi-Fi infrastructure and find lots of innovative coworking spaces where tech entrepreneurs are developing their next big idea. There are lots of interesting historical sites to discover and natural wonders to explore.

Attractions and Best Places to Visit

You can stay in Denmark for a year and still not feel like you have seen it all. But these are the attractions that should be at the top of your list!

Copenhagen
The nation’s capital is rich in things to see and do. Visit the colorful Nyhavn Harbor, the famous little mermaid statue, and the world’s second-oldest amusement park at Tivoli Gardens. Here you will also find the fascinating Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum, National Museum, Design Museum, Thorvaldsens Museum, and more.

Royal Castles
Since Denmark has a royal family, you can also expect lots of stunning castles across the country. Among the best are Frederiksborg Castle, situated on three islands, Kronborg Castle, the setting for Hamlet, Egeskov Castle, the best-preserved moat castle in Europe, and Rosenborg Palace, home to the crown jewels.

Historic Towns
Denmark is full of small towns that retain their historic feel. Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark and has a fascinating Viking museum. Dragor is a classic fishing village and is only 12 kilometers from Copenhagen. Aeroskobing is a fairytale town over 750 years old situated on an island. Skagen is the country’s most northerly town.

Wadden Sea National Park
These natural tidal flats are a unique nature reserve of global significance. More than 10 million migratory birds pass through the park twice a year.

Stevns Klint
These dramatic white cliffs are 65 million years old and provide a visible record of the mass extinction that occurred at the end of the Cretaceous period when an asteroid hit the Earth in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Jelling
Jelling may be a quaint little town, but it is home to some of the most important Viking age rune stones and other prominent Viking monuments.

Digital Nomad Hotspots

There are many fantastic cities and towns for digital nomads to make their home base while living in Denmark, but below are our top three picks.

Copenhagen

City in Denmark

Copenhagen is unique in that it manages to be both a bustling metropolis and a cozy haven at the same time. You can split your time between working in the invitingly warm cafes of Nyhavn and innovative coworking spaces spotted around the city.

The cobblestone streets of the old city will transport you back in time, while avant-garde designs pop out and surprise you. Despite the juxtaposition, they seem to sit comfortably side by side. The city is also super clean and super green.

There are historical sights like Rosenborg Castle, fascinating cultural venues such as the Design Museum, culinary delights and Michelin-star restaurants, and a surprisingly wild nightlife. There is also a pretty good festival scene including events such as the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Distortion Music Festival, and Copenhagen Pride.

For coworking spaces try Talent Garden Rainmaking, UMA Workspace, Spaces Ny Carlsberg Vej, Nomad Workspace, SOHO, and Founders House. If you prefer cafes, try Cafe Atelier September and the Coffee Collective. You can also work at the Copenhagen Central Library or the Copenhagen Business School Library.

Aarhus

City in Denmark

If you prefer a slower pace, set down in Aarhus on the Jutland Peninsula where you will find great modern infrastructure layered on top of a rich history that makes Aarhus feel like a living museum.

Aarhus was founded by Vikings, and it is still a great place to have a drink with fellow warriors. During the day, there is a warm and inviting coffee culture. It was named the European Capital of Culture in 2017.

For coworking spaces try Lynfabrikken and Respace coworking portal. If you prefer cafes, try Loves Bog- og Vincafe, where you can get coffee or wine, or any shop in the Baresso chain. The new public library Dokk1 is also a great choice.

Odense

City in Funen, Denmark

Odense is the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson and feels like it belongs in a fairytale. It is located on Funen, between the islands of Zealand and Jutland. It is a great place to find a cozy corner at a local cafe and work in the quiet ambiance while sipping a fresh brew.

With only around 200,000 inhabitants, the city recently received a DKK30 billion redevelopment so the city feels modern and fresh while hanging onto its Viking roots. It is considered a diverse city with 155 different nationalities registered.

For coworking spaces, try Coworking Plus or Dronningegarden. If you prefer working in cafes, try Velodrom Kaffebar, Baboon Coffee, or Cafe Fleuri.

Benefits Of Staying in Denmark as a Digital Nomad

There are many very good reasons to choose Denmark as one of your next digital nomad destinations.

Digital Infrastructure

Denmark is ranked among the top countries on the Digital Quality of Life Index with great internet infrastructure and a vibrant and innovative digital community. Some of the digital giants that have their headquarters in Denmark include Skype, Unity, JustEat, and ZenDesk.

English is Widely Spoken

While Danish is a very difficult language to learn, most Danes learn English at school from a young age. Most Danish people, especially in the cities, are fluent in English.

Hygge

The Danish concept of Hygge refers to a cozy and comfortable atmosphere and a focus on life’s simple pleasures. It is woven into Danish society and makes the cold winter months something special.

Transport

Danish cities are built to accommodate bicycles and they are the best way to get around. Copenhagen also has one of the most efficient metro systems in the world. There are many train, bus, and ferry options if you want to travel around the country. Copenhagen airport is also well connected to the rest of Europe.

Safety

Denmark is so safe that it is not uncommon for parents to leave their babies bundled up and sleeping in strollers outside cafes and restaurants while they sit inside. But this means that you should also be conscious of following local rules.

What about the negatives? Of course, there are some downsides to Denmark for digital nomads. Principal among them is that it is relatively cold all year. This can be a shock to the system for people from warmer countries. Rent is also very expensive in Denmark, even if other things are more affordable.

Cost of Living

First and foremost, accommodation in Denmark is expensive. While you might be able to find a room in a shared home for around US$600 per month, you should expect to pay closer to US$1,000 per month for a place of your own. You can expect to pay US$200-$250 on top of that for bills each month.

In addition to all this, you can generally expect to pay a deposit worth three months’ rent, and sometimes you are asked to prepay rent for the first three months as well. This means you need several months’ worth of rent in hand before you move in.

Day-to-day expenses are also high. A simple lunch meal can cost around US$20, while an evening meal for one person is closer to $50. Add another US$7 on top of that for a beer. Groceries are much more affordable if you choose to eat at home.

Transport is also relatively affordable, and you can get a monthly pass for about US$70 per month. You can expect to pay another US$35 per month for a good internet connection.

Prices for different cities do vary but are generally high. Prices don’t tend to be lower outside of the cities due to related transport costs. You can see a summary of essential expenses in the table below.

While rents in Denmark are a little bit higher than in the United States, all other costs are estimated to be around 25% lower in Denmark than in the US.

Digital Nomad Essentials

Internet (speed) 197.50 Mbps median broadband download speed

Time Zone GMT+2

Socket Type types E and K

• SIM Providers: Lebara and Lycamobile

Getting a local SIM card can be a major hassle, especially if you only intend to stay in a country for a limited time. There are often strict ID requirements and canceling the SIM when you are done can be challenging. A better option is to download an eSIM, which you can do before you travel and have data when you arrive.

You can find eSIMs from a huge range of regional and global providers that cover all countries, including Denmark, in the Citizen Remote all-in-one app. Have reliable connectivity as soon as you land and don’t rely on sketchy public Wi-Fi!

Book Your Flights to Denmark

Denmark is an exciting destination for digital nomads, especially those in the tech innovation sphere. There is so much going on, and in Copenhagen, you can be at the heart of it.

While Denmark has a relatively high cost of living, it can be worth it if you value a high quality of life and comfortable and safe spaces. Denmark is also fascinating to explore with its rich Viking history, striking natural landscapes, and Nordic atmosphere.

If you are eligible for a working holiday visa, apply while you still can!

FAQs About the Danish Digital Nomad Visa

Does Denmark Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Denmark does not currently offer a digital nomad visa, so most digital nomads will need to visit on a Schengen tourist visa, which only allows you to stay in the Schengen region for up to 90 days at a time. Just keep in mind, you're not permitted to work. If you are a young citizen from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, or South Korea, consider applying for the excellent Danish working holiday visa.

What Is the Length of the Denmark Digital Nomad Visa?

There is no specific digital nomad visa for Denmark. If you travel on a Schengen tourist visa, you can only stay in the Schengen region for up to 90 days at a time. However, if you qualify for a working holiday visa, you can stay in Denmark for up to one year.

Is It Possible to Extend a Danish Startup Visa?

If you qualify for the Danish Startup visa, it will be granted for two years in the first instance. If you can show that your business is growing, you can renew the visa for three years at a time.

Will You Get a Refund for Visa Application If You Are Denied?

Your US$300 visa application fee for a Danish visa covers the cost of reviewing your application. The fee is not refundable if your visa is denied. If you want to appeal a denied visa, you must pay the fee again to have your application reviewed.

How Much Money Do You Need Per Month in Denmark?

You probably need at least US$2000-$2500 per month to live comfortably in Denmark. This is mostly due to very high rents. You may also need additional funds when you first arrive as many landlords require that you pay three months' rent as a security deposit, and may need you to pay a few months' worth of rent in advance.

Is There a Digital Nomad Community in Denmark?

Due to tight visa restrictions and the high cost of living, Denmark does not have a large expat or international digital nomad community. However, the local startup and digital entrepreneur community is strong, and they are supported by many coworking spaces and innovation hubs that digital nomads can also use.

Which of Denmark’s Neighboring Countries Issue Visas for Digital Nomads?

Many European countries are now issuing digital nomad visas, including in the Nordics. Iceland currently has a six-month digital nomad visa, and nearby Estonia has a well-established digital nomad visa and e-residency program. Norway also has a digital nomad visa for those interested in living on the island of Svalbard.

Author

Andy Stofferis

Freelance Writer

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Andy Stofferis is a digital nomad blogger: www.andysto.com

He is a contributing writer for various organizations and media involved in the digital nomad industry (AllWork.Space, e-Residency Estonia).

Andy has been running a fully remote digital marketing agency over the past nine years while traveling to more than 50 destinations.