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Many people use the term Golden Visa to describe residency-by-investment schemes. Denmark does not operate a standard Golden Visa program like some other countries. Residency in Denmark, including in Brabrand - which is part of Aarhus Municipality - is governed by national immigration law and by specific residence permit categories. These categories include work permits, self-employment or start-up permits, family reunification, student permits and other special schemes for highly skilled workers. Investors who want to live in Denmark typically need to qualify under one of these established residence routes - for example by creating a genuine business under the Start-up Denmark or self-employment rules - rather than relying on a formal investment-for-residence shortcut.
If you plan to move to Brabrand, you will also need to follow local administrative steps after you obtain a permit, such as registering with Aarhus Municipality to get a civil registration number, tax registration and access to health services. Local practical matters - housing, municipal registration and integration services - are handled at the municipal level in Aarhus.
Immigration and residency matters intersect with tax, company law, property rules and administrative law. A lawyer can help in many common situations, including:
- Determining which residence permit category best fits your situation - work, start-up, self-employment, family reunification or student permit.
- Preparing and reviewing complex application packages and supporting evidence so they meet the rules under the Aliens Act and SIRI requirements.
- Advising on company formation, shareholder agreements and how a Danish business can satisfy immigration requirements for investor-driven residency.
- Navigating property purchase rules and clarifying whether you need special permission to buy real estate in Denmark.
- Handling appeals and complaints if a permit is refused or if administrative decisions require challenge before the Immigration Appeals Board.
- Coordinating immigration steps with tax planning, social security and permanent residence or citizenship strategy.
- Advising on family reunification, employment contracts, and local registration duties in Aarhus and Brabrand.
Key legal and administrative points relevant to an investor or prospective resident in Brabrand include:
- National immigration framework - Residence permits and immigration procedures are governed by Danish immigration law (the Aliens Act) and implemented by national agencies. There is no separate municipal immigration law for Brabrand.
- Residence permit routes - Common routes to live in Denmark include work permits (Positive List, pay limit, intra-company transfer), startup and self-employment schemes, family reunification and student permits. Each route has specific eligibility criteria, documentation needs and conditions on work and income.
- Business immigration - If you want to obtain residency through a business activity, your business must be genuine and viable. Programs such as Start-up Denmark are designed for entrepreneurs with scalable tech or knowledge-based businesses. Self-employment permits require solid business plans and evidence of relevant experience and finances.
- Property and purchasing rules - Buying property in Denmark does not automatically give the right to residence. Non-residents and non-EU/EEA citizens may face restrictions or need permission to acquire real estate. Purchasing property in Brabrand will also require local registration and tax considerations.
- Registration requirements - After you obtain a residence permit, you must register with Aarhus Municipality to receive a civil registration number (CPR), a health insurance card and a tax card. You will also need a MitID to access many public and private services online.
- Tax and social security - Tax residency is determined by factual residency and connections to Denmark. Moving to Brabrand can trigger Danish tax obligations. Early tax advice is important to plan for income tax, corporate tax and social security contributions.
- Appeals and administrative review - Refusals of residence permits or municipal decisions can often be appealed to national appeal bodies. Time limits and formal requirements apply to appeals.
No. Denmark does not offer a Golden Visa program in the way some other countries do. Residency is granted under established residence permit categories such as work, start-up or family reunification. Any investor interested in living in Brabrand must apply under the appropriate national residence route and meet its specific requirements.
Buying property in Denmark does not automatically grant residency. Non-EU/EEA buyers may face purchase restrictions or require permission. If your goal is residency, you should pursue a qualifying residence permit and treat property purchase as a separate matter.
Start-up Denmark is a national scheme designed to attract entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable companies. If your application is approved, you can get a residence permit to establish and run the start-up. Brabrand could be your local base, but approval depends on national criteria about innovation potential and business viability.
Processing times vary by permit type and case complexity. Simple employer-sponsored work permits may be decided in weeks to a few months. Entrepreneurial or self-employment applications with extensive documentation can take longer. Always check current processing time estimates with the relevant national agency and plan for additional time for municipal registration in Aarhus.
Family reunification rules depend on the permit type and your circumstances. Many permits allow spouses and children to join, but specific income, housing and dependency requirements may apply. A lawyer can assess eligibility and prepare the family application to improve the chance of success.
Common documents include a detailed business plan, financial projections, proof of funds, CV and evidence of relevant experience, corporate registration documents, housing details, and identification documents. Requirements differ by permit type, so tailor your package to the chosen route.
Buying a Danish company is usually possible without special permission, but the purchase may not by itself grant a residence permit. If you plan to operate the business as the basis for residency, you must satisfy the relevant immigration criteria and demonstrate genuine business activity.
Tax residency in Denmark is typically based on actual residency - living in Denmark for more than six months or maintaining a permanent home in the country can make you tax resident. Danish tax rules are detailed and may include worldwide income taxation. Consult a tax advisor early to coordinate migration and business plans.
After arriving with a valid residence permit, you must register with Aarhus Municipality to obtain a civil registration number (CPR), a health insurance card and a tax card. You should also set up a Danish bank account and obtain MitID. Local language and integration programs are available through the municipality.
Hire a lawyer early if your case is complex or if you rely on business activities to qualify for residency. A lawyer is especially helpful for preparing the application, structuring a business to meet immigration rules, advising on tax consequences, and handling refusals or appeals. For straightforward work or student permits you may still benefit from legal review to prevent delays or refusals.
Below are the types of public bodies and local offices that can help you get authoritative information and complete required administrative steps:
- The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration - national authority for work and residence permits for non-EU citizens.
- The Danish Immigration Service and the Immigration Appeals Board - handle broader immigration rules and appeals.
- Aarhus Municipality - Borgerservice - for civil registration, CPR number, health card and local integration services in Brabrand.
- The Danish Business Authority - for company registration and business rules if you plan to found or buy a company in Denmark.
- The Danish Tax Agency - Skattestyrelsen - for tax registration, tax cards and guidance on tax residency.
- Local integration, language and employment centres in Aarhus that help newcomers settle and find work or training.
If you are considering moving to Brabrand and need legal assistance, follow these practical steps:
- Clarify your objective - residency through employment, start-up, self-employment, family reunification or study. This determines the legal pathway.
- Gather preliminary documents - identity documents, CV, business plans, financial statements and housing details. Early document preparation shortens delays.
- Schedule an initial consultation with a Danish immigration lawyer or law firm experienced in business immigration and cross-border tax. Ask about experience with Start-up Denmark, self-employment permits and municipal registration in Aarhus.
- Request a written plan - a lawyer should outline eligibility, likely evidentiary needs, timelines, costs and risks for your chosen route.
- Prepare and submit the national residence application to the relevant authority. Coordinate timing so you can register locally in Aarhus as soon as your permit is granted.
- After arrival, register with Aarhus Municipality - get your CPR number, health card and tax registration, and obtain MitID. Your lawyer or an adviser can help you coordinate these steps with local authorities.
- If the application is refused, consult your lawyer promptly about appeal options and deadlines.
Moving to Denmark involves both national immigration law and local practical steps in Brabrand and Aarhus. A lawyer experienced in Danish immigration and business law can reduce risk, shorten delays and help you make an informed plan that aligns with Danish legal requirements.
