Overview of the Startup Visa or Denmark Investor Visa
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to settle abroad, consider Denmark’s Startup Denmark Visa program. This initiative by the government enables skilled entrepreneurs to relocate and establish highly successful startups in Denmark. The visa targets entrepreneurs aiming to launch innovative and scalable businesses with strong growth potential.
What is the Startup Denmark or Denmark Investor Visa?
The Startup Denmark visa program is designed for entrepreneurs who are not residents or citizens of EU/EEA countries. Applicants must submit a detailed business plan as part of their application, which will be evaluated by an independent panel of experts to assess its feasibility and economic impact on Denmark. If your business plan is approved, you will be eligible to apply for a work and residence permit in Denmark as a self-employed entrepreneur. Initially, the visa is granted for a duration of two years, with the possibility of extending it for three-year periods thereafter, subject to approval.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Startup Denmark Visa?
To qualify for a residence permit under the Startup Denmark program, you must meet the following conditions:
– You must be self-employed or have a viable plan to start your own business.
– You should not be a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA).
– Submit a detailed business plan outlining your proposed venture.
– The business plan can be submitted individually or as a team (up to three members).
– EU/EEA citizens can be part of your team, but the primary applicant must be a non-EU/EEA citizen.
– Your business plan must be approved by an expert panel after independent review.
– Your proposed business should be innovative, scalable, and demonstrate clear potential for growth.
– If accompanied by a spouse or partner, provide documentation proving the relationship.
– Documents may include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or equivalent.
– All accompanying family members, including children under 18, must reside at the same address as the primary applicant.
– All family members must hold valid passports.
– Demonstrate sufficient funds to start and sustain your business in Denmark, as well as support yourself and your family.
– Once granted a permit, you can apply for public and private funding.
– You must be financially self-sufficient during your stay in Denmark and are not eligible for social welfare benefits under this visa.
Benefits and Features of Startup Denmark Visa
Once you’ve been deemed eligible and granted the Start-Up Denmark Visa, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
Work Authorization: You can work in a business for which you have a permit, including voluntary positions.
Starting a New Business or Employment: If you plan to start a new business or take salaried employment, you’ll need to apply for a new permit.
Additional Jobs: For extra jobs, a different permit application will be required.
Schengen Area Work Restrictions: While you can’t work in other Schengen countries on this visa, you can live in a Schengen country for up to 90 days.
Residence in Denmark: You can stay in Denmark for the duration of your visa’s validity.
Residence Duration: Avoid living outside Denmark for more than 6 months.
Long Absence: If planning an extended stay abroad, apply for dispensation.
Danish Language Lessons: Eligibility for partially subsidized Danish language lessons.
How to Apply for Denmark Investor Visa
Follow these steps to successfully apply for the Startup Denmark Visa:
Step 1: Create Your Case Order ID
– Provide your identity information, case type, and fee to create a case order ID.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fees
– Register your Case Order ID and pay the required fees before January 1st of any year to avoid rejection.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
– Gather required documents and ensure certified translations if not in English or Danish.
– Proof of fee payment
– Copies of all passport pages (with empty pages) and front/back covers
– Business plan approved by Danish Business Authority experts
– Documents demonstrating financial capability to sustain yourself and your family in Denmark
– Ownership documentation if relevant to your application
Step 4: Complete the Application Form (SD1)
– Access the SD1 application form and complete all necessary steps. Prepare required documents in digital form for attachment.
Step 5: Provide Biometric Information
– Attend a biometrics appointment after applying for a residence permit. This involves capturing your facial photo and fingerprints, stored on a microchip in your residence card.
Step 6: Await Decision
– Submit your application details, ensuring completion of case order ID creation, fee payment, visa application, and biometric recording.
– Wait for an answer regarding your residence and work permit.
Step 7: Launch Your Business in Denmark
– Once you’ve obtained your residence and work permit, proceed to launch your startup in Denmark.
– Seek assistance from a Business Development Center if needed.
– Apply for a Numida secure login and register your business in Denmark.
FAQs from Indian Investors Considering Denmark
Only non-EU or EEA citizens can apply for the Startup Denmark visa program. However, if applying as a team, EU or EEA citizens can be part of the team.
Startup Denmark is designed for businesses that are scalable, innovative, and show clear potential for growth.
The expert panel consists of experienced business consultants who evaluate each business proposal under the Startup Denmark visa scheme for viability and profitability.
You can invest in either new or established businesses related to sectors such as:
– Real estate & construction
– Technology & Research
– Life sciences
– Shipbuilding and Maritime
– Food & Beverages
– Wind Energy
– Automotive industry & Machinery
No prior investment is required to apply for Startup Denmark. However, if your business plan is approved by the expert panel and you have submitted your application for a residence permit, you’ll need to provide sufficient documentary proof of funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members for at least a year in Denmark.
Startup Denmark does not directly provide financing. If you are approved through this program, you will need to secure capital independently. However, Denmark offers numerous funding opportunities for new businesses.
You can apply for a residence and work permit once your business plan has been approved by the panel of experts under the Startup Denmark visa scheme.
Yes, once your business plan is approved, you are eligible to bring your family with you under the Startup Denmark visa.
Yes, there are several public initiatives aimed at assisting new businesses launch in Denmark. You can contact the Business Development Centre in the area where you plan to establish your business. These centres support the launch of both public and private initiatives and offer free, professional guidance tailored to the potential and needs of your business.
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