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Business visa rules that affect people who want to visit or do business in Brabrand operate within Danish national immigration law and Schengen visa rules. Short visits for meetings, conferences, trade fairs or contract negotiations are usually handled through the Schengen short-stay visa for business - commonly called a business visa - which permits stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Longer-term business activity that involves working, being paid by a Danish employer or establishing and operating a company from within Denmark generally requires a Danish work and residence permit rather than a short-stay business visa.
Brabrand is a district of Aarhus, so practical steps like address registration, collection of residence cards and local municipal services are handled by Aarhus municipal offices and the regional police and authorities. National bodies set the substantive rules on visa and permits and decide applications and appeals.
Immigration and business rules can be technical and have strict documentation and procedural requirements. You may need a lawyer in the following situations:
- Your case involves a long-term work or residence permit application rather than a short stay - for example if you will be employed by a Danish company or intend to set up a business and live in Denmark.
- You face a refusal, revocation or risk of deportation and need representation for an appeal or administrative complaint.
- Your application depends on complex rules such as intra-company transfers, company ownership while seeking residence as a self-employed person, or Start-up Denmark and other business-based permit schemes.
- You have a criminal record, prior immigration refusals, or other complicating factors that can affect admissibility.
- You need help proving your case with translations, certified documents, properly drafted contracts, viable business plans or financial evidence.
- You need advice on concurrently meeting Danish employment, tax and social security obligations when moving staff to Brabrand.
This overview highlights the key legal and administrative areas you should understand when considering business-related travel or relocation to Brabrand.
- Schengen short-stay rules - For visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period, a Schengen business visa may be sufficient. The visa does not generally allow taking up employment or receiving a salary from a Danish employer.
- Danish work and residence permits - For stays longer than 90 days or for taking up employment or conduct of economic activity on a regular basis, you normally need a Danish residence permit tied to employment, self-employment or a special scheme. Each permit type has specific criteria on job offer, salary, qualifications, business viability and documentation.
- Company registration and commerce - Business activities in Denmark typically require company registration with the Danish Business Authority and obtaining a CVR number for tax and VAT purposes. Local commercial rules and reporting obligations apply to companies operating from Brabrand.
- Tax and social security - If you work in Denmark or run a Danish company you will interact with the Danish tax authority and social security system. Registering for a CPR number and the Danish health insurance card is essential for long-term stays.
- Municipal and police formalities - On arrival for residence, you must register your address with the Aarhus Municipality and follow rules for obtaining a CPR-number and health insurance. Residence cards and biometric matters are handled through national systems and local police stations.
- Data, documentation and translations - Denmark requires certified or officially translated documents in many immigration cases. Failing to follow documentary requirements is a common reason for denial.
A Schengen business visa allows short stays for business activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiations for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It does not permit taking up paid employment in Denmark. A Danish work and residence permit is required for longer stays, for work paid by a Danish employer, or for living and operating a business in Denmark. The requirements, documentation and processing authorities differ between the two.
Yes. Short-stay business visas generally permit attending meetings, conferences, training and negotiations. You must show an invitation or proof of business purpose, travel insurance, sufficient funds and ties to your home country. You must not start paid employment in Denmark while on a business visa.
Generally no. Non-EU/EEA nationals who want to live in Denmark and run a business usually need a residence permit that allows self-employment or a specific business residence scheme. Simply registering a company from abroad is possible, but operating the business in Denmark while living there typically requires the correct permit and compliance with tax and registration rules.
Typical documents include a completed application form, passport, passport photos, travel itinerary, invitation from Danish hosts or conference organizers, proof of ties to your home country, proof of sufficient funds, travel medical insurance and payment of visa fees. Specific requirements may vary by nationality and embassy handling the application.
Processing times vary. Short-stay Schengen business visas are often decided within a few weeks but may take longer depending on the consulate. Work and residence permit processing can take several weeks to several months depending on the permit type, complexity of the case and supporting documentation. Allow additional time for gathering documents, translations and possible requests for additional information.
Family reunification rights depend on the type of permit you hold. Many residence permits permit certain family members to apply for residence, but there are eligibility criteria and documentation requirements such as proof of relationship and adequate housing. Family members visiting for short stays may use a Schengen visa if eligible.
If your application is refused you will receive a written decision explaining the grounds and the procedure for appeal or administrative complaint. Time limits for appeals are strict. A lawyer can help assess the refusal grounds, prepare an appeal, gather additional evidence and represent you in the appeals process.
If you move to Brabrand with a residence permit you must register your address with Aarhus Municipality and apply for a CPR-number. Registration enables access to health care, tax registration and other municipal services. You may also need to apply for a residence card and comply with any fingerprinting or biometric procedures.
If you operate a business from Denmark you will likely need a CVR number and register for tax and possibly VAT. The specific obligations depend on the type of business, turnover and whether you employ staff. It is important to get taxation advice early to understand payroll, VAT, and reporting duties.
A local lawyer experienced in Danish immigration and commercial law can advise on the correct type of permit, prepare or review applications, draft business plans or contracts, represent you in appeals, liaise with the authorities, and help you navigate municipal registration and tax compliance. Local counsel can also recommend trusted translators and other local professionals.
The following Danish authorities and organizations are the main points of contact and sources of official rules and procedures - consult them for up-to-date requirements and forms.
- The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration - the national authority that processes most residence and work permit applications.
- The Danish Immigration Service - for national immigration policy and rules.
- Aarhus Municipality - for local address registration, CPR-number and municipal services relevant to Brabrand residents.
- Local police stations - for residence card collection and biometric procedures.
- Danish Tax Agency - for tax registration, VAT and employer obligations.
- Danish Business Authority - for company registration and corporate rules.
- The Danish Bar and Law Society - to find accredited lawyers who practise immigration and business law.
- Local chambers of commerce and business support organizations in Aarhus - for commercial guidance and local business networks.
Use accredited translators and certified copies where required. If you need cost estimates or representation, consult a qualified immigration lawyer who will explain fees and likely timelines.
If you need legal assistance with a business visa, work permit or business start-up in Brabrand, follow these steps to proceed in an efficient manner:
- Clarify your purpose and time-frame - decide whether your trip is a short business visit or will involve residence and work in Denmark.
- Identify the correct permit type - short-stay business visa, work permit, self-employment permit or another special scheme. This determines the documentation you will need.
- Gather documents - collect passports, invitations, employment contracts, financial evidence, certificates, translations and any required legalised or certified documents.
- Seek a consultation with a local immigration or business lawyer - a focused consultation will identify risks, missing documents and likely outcomes. Ask the lawyer about fees, expected timelines and success factors.
- Submit the application through the appropriate channel - usually the Danish embassy or the national agency for residence permits. Keep copies and track deadlines for biometrics and follow-up requests.
- Prepare for municipal and tax registration if approved - arrange housing, register with Aarhus Municipality, obtain a CPR-number and sort out tax and social security issues.
- If refused - obtain the refusal decision immediately, note appeal deadlines and contact a lawyer to evaluate an appeal or alternative routes.
Reminder - this guide provides general information and does not substitute for professional legal advice. Immigration and business rules change. For a case-specific plan, consult a qualified lawyer or authorized advisor experienced in Danish immigration and commercial law.
