The short answer is yes, you can — but only if you fulfill all the legal requirements for permanent residency and later for Danish nationality.
As of 2025, the rules state that to qualify for permanent residency, you must:
- Have at least three and a half years (3.5 years) of full-time work in Denmark.
- Pass the Danish Language Test PD3 or a higher-level Danish exam.
Once you meet these conditions, you can apply for permanent residency.
After holding a permanent residence permit for two years, you can then apply for Danish nationality (citizenship).
If You Have a Danish Startup Visa
When you hold a Startup Denmark visa, you are essentially employed in your own company. This means:
- You must pay yourself a full-time salary, typically between DKK 34,000 and DKK 40,000 per month.
- You must maintain this employment and salary level for at least three and a half years.
- You must also physically live in Denmark during this time.
The Danish authorities will verify your presence in the country through your:
- Phone and utility bills
- Rental agreement
- Grocery or shopping records
- And other proof of daily life in Denmark.
Residency and Absence Rules
By law, while you are holding a residence permit, you are not allowed to stay outside Denmark for more than six consecutive months.
Once you receive permanent residency, you may stay outside Denmark for up to one year — but only if you notify and receive permission from the Danish Immigration Service beforehand.
If you stay abroad longer than allowed without permission, your permanent residency can be revoked.
In Summary
When you have your own startup visa, you enter Denmark to establish and run your company.
As your business grows and you start earning revenue, you can begin paying yourself a full-time salary.
After three and a half years of consistent work and residency — and after passing the PD3 Danish language test — you can apply for permanent residency.
Two years later, once you meet the additional requirements (such as passing the Danish citizenship test and the Danish history test), you can apply for Danish nationality.
Hopefully, this article has answered your question about how to move from a Danish startup visa to permanent residency and, eventually, Danish citizenship.