Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Denmark does not operate a traditional residence-by-investment or golden-visa program that grants residency solely in exchange for a passive financial investment or a property purchase. Residence and work rights in Denmark are governed by national immigration rules that apply across the country, including Brabrand, which is a neighborhood in the municipality of Aarhus.
People seeking to live in Brabrand on the basis of economic activity normally rely on alternative legal routes - for example employment-based permits, the EU Blue Card, start-up or entrepreneur schemes, or company formation that creates significant business activity in Denmark. Purchasing residential real estate in Denmark generally does not by itself create a right to residency unless other immigration conditions are met.
Immigration and residence matters intersect with several areas of law - immigration law, company and commercial law, real estate, tax law, and administrative law. A lawyer can help you understand which path is available, meet strict documentary requirements, and reduce the risk of refusal.
Common situations where legal assistance is useful include preparing business-plan based applications such as Start-up Denmark, structuring and documenting investment and source-of-funds evidence, handling family reunification filings, appealing denials, navigating restrictions on property acquisition by non-residents, and ensuring compliance with Danish tax and anti-money-laundering obligations.
A lawyer with Denmark-specific immigration experience can also coordinate with local authorities in Aarhus Municipality and with national agencies to speed processing, and can advise on permanent residence and citizenship pathways once initial residence is established.
Key legal frameworks and practical rules relevant to someone seeking residency in Brabrand include the following:
Udlændingeloven - the Danish Aliens Act: This is the primary national law that sets out the grounds for residence permits, family reunification, temporary residence, and conditions for work permits. It defines eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and grounds for refusal.
Business immigration schemes: Denmark offers specific business-oriented routes such as the Start-up Denmark scheme for innovative founders, and more general work permit routes including the Pay Limit scheme and the EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers. Each scheme has defined criteria for salary levels, business plans, or qualifications.
Real property acquisition rules: Acquisition of real estate in Denmark is regulated. Non-EU/EEA citizens may need permission to purchase real property if they are not already resident in Denmark. There are special controls on purchase of second homes, agricultural land, and forest land. Permission requirements vary depending on your nationality and residency status.
Tax and residency law: Tax residency is determined by factual ties such as permanent home and length of stay. Becoming resident in Denmark typically triggers tax obligations, including income tax and reporting requirements. Proper tax planning and timely registration with the Danish tax authorities is important.
Anti-money-laundering and source-of-funds rules: Financial institutions, lawyers, and real estate agents must comply with AML rules. When investment or property purchase is involved, expect detailed checks and the need to document where funds come from.
Municipal registration and welfare registration: Once you have the right to reside, you must register with Aarhus Municipality to obtain a CPR number and access health care and local services. Municipal tasks include local administration of certain residence-related formalities.
Appeals and administrative remedies: Denials of residence permits may be appealed to the national immigration appeal body and judicial review may be available. Time limits for appeals are strict and procedural requirements must be followed precisely.
No. Denmark does not offer a golden-visa program that grants residency in exchange for a passive investment or property purchase alone. Residence is granted under specific immigration rules such as employment, entrepreneurship, the EU Blue Card, family reunification, or study.
Purchasing property in Brabrand does not by itself give you the right to reside in Denmark. Non-EU/EEA buyers may need permission to acquire property, and you still must qualify under an applicable immigration route to obtain a residence permit.
Relevant business-related routes include the Start-up Denmark scheme for founders with innovative business concepts, work permits tied to employment contracts, the Pay Limit scheme for high earners, and the EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers. Each route has specific criteria such as business plans, salary thresholds, or qualifications.
Yes. Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland enjoy freedom of movement and can generally live and work in Denmark without the same permit requirements as third-country nationals. They must, however, register with the municipality if they stay long term and comply with local registration rules.
Processing times vary by route and complexity. Simple work or family reunification cases may take a few weeks to several months. Start-up or business-related applications can take longer due to business-plan reviews, and appeals processes add additional time. Always check current processing times with the competent authority and allow extra time for document collection and translations.
Common requirements include a detailed business plan, proof of funds and source-of-funds, company registration documents, identification and passport copies, CVs of principals, contracts or offers of employment where relevant, proof of accommodation, and certified translations when documents are not in Danish or English.
Physical relocation to Denmark often triggers tax residency. Denmark determines tax residency based on factors such as having a permanent home in Denmark or spending more than six months in the country. Tax implications can be significant - consult a tax advisor early to understand obligations and double-tax agreements that may apply.
Family reunification rules allow close family members to apply to join a residence permit holder, subject to conditions. Eligibility and requirements differ depending on the type of permit the primary applicant holds. Financial capacity and accommodation standards may be examined.
If a permit is refused, you generally have the right to written reasons and to appeal the decision within strict deadlines. Appeals are typically submitted to the relevant immigration appeal body. Legal representation is highly advisable when preparing an appeal to improve prospects of success.
Look for lawyers or law firms experienced in Danish immigration law, business immigration, and cross-border matters. Check professional credentials with the Danish Bar and Law Society, ask for references and case examples, clarify fee arrangements up front, and choose a lawyer who communicates clearly in a language you understand.
Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration - the national authority that handles many residence and work permit applications. This is the primary agency for filing and tracking immigration applications.
Udlændingenævnet - the immigration appeals board that hears appeals of certain immigration decisions.
Aarhus Kommune - the municipality responsible for local registration, obtaining a CPR number, and local services for residents in Brabrand.
Danish Tax Agency - for guidance on tax residency, registration, and reporting obligations upon moving to Denmark.
Danish Business Authority and Start-up Denmark - for information about company formation, business rules, and the specific start-up scheme.
Danish Land Registration and local property authorities - for rules on real estate acquisition and registration requirements.
Danish Bar and Law Society - for lists of licensed lawyers and guidance on choosing qualified legal counsel.
1. Clarify your objective - decide whether your plan is employment, entrepreneurship, family reunification, study, or another route. The legal path depends on your goal.
2. Gather preliminary documents - passports, CVs, basic financial evidence, and any business documentation. Early organization shortens processing time.
3. Consult a Denmark-based immigration lawyer - seek a lawyer with relevant experience in business immigration, property acquisition rules, and tax implications. Ask for a clear scope of work and fee estimate.
4. Verify property permission requirements - if you plan to buy property in Brabrand, confirm whether you need permission to acquire land and factor in the time and documentation required.
5. Prepare and submit the application - your lawyer can help assemble the application package, obtain certified translations and notarizations, and submit to the competent authority.
6. Register with Aarhus Municipality after arrival - obtain your CPR number, register for health care, and meet local residency formalities.
7. Plan for taxes and compliance - consult a tax advisor to arrange tax registration and ongoing compliance, and keep thorough records of source of funds for investments.
8. If refused, act quickly - meet appeal deadlines and consider legal representation to prepare and submit an appeal.
If you are unsure where to start, begin with a short consultation with an experienced Danish immigration lawyer who can assess your situation, explain realistic options, and outline expected timelines and costs specific to your case in Brabrand and Denmark.
