Property
Denmark — Property: Foreign Ownership
Non-EU/EEA buyers without Danish domicile or five years of residence need government permission, EU/EEA citizens can buy a year-round home without it.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceLife in Denmark — Purchasing real propertyLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Why this matters
Understanding the rules for foreign ownership is essential for compliance and avoiding legal issues when purchasing property in Denmark.
Key facts
- Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland need permission unless they have Danish domicile or have lived in Denmark at least 5 years.
- Permission for a permanent home is granted for a specific property only, and applications can take up to 4 weeks.
- A holiday home needs particularly strong ties to Denmark.
- EU/EEA citizens may buy without permission if the property is their all-year home or needed for self-employment.
Steps
- Register as a foreigner — Register with the municipality where you will be living in Denmark.
- Get a Danish address — Provide a Danish address for the property, as required by Danish law.
- Understand local property taxes — Be aware of the property tax (pensumafgift) which is levied on all property owners, regardless of nationality.