Buying property in Denmark as a foreigner

How the purchase process works

• Step 1: Legal eligibility check - we confirm whether you need a permit and assess your eligibility.
• Step 2: Permit application to Civilstyrelsen (if required) - typically 4 weeks.
• Step 3: Review of the purchase agreement with a lawyer's reservation clause (advokatforbehold).
• Step 4: Negotiation of terms with the seller's estate agent.
• Step 5: Preparation and digital registration of the deed (skøde) with the Land Registry.
• Step 6: Settlement statement and handover of keys.

The core rule: The five-year residency requirement

The Danish Property Acquisition Act (erhvervelsesloven, LBK nr 265 of 21 March 2014, § 1) sets out the fundamental rule: if you do not currently have residence in Denmark and have not previously had residence in Denmark for a total of at least five years, you need a permit from the Danish Civil Law Authority (Civilstyrelsen) to purchase real property.

Two situations allow you to buy freely:

• You currently live in Denmark with registered residence (folkeregistreringsadresse) and actually reside here.
• You have previously lived in Denmark for a cumulative total of at least five years (the periods do not need to be consecutive).

The five-year rule applies to everyone regardless of nationality - including Danish citizens who have never lived in Denmark for five years.

EU and EEA citizens: Special rules for primary residences

EU and EEA citizens have an important exemption: they can purchase a residential property (helårsbolig) in Denmark without a permit from Civilstyrelsen, provided:

• The property will serve as their actual primary residence in Denmark, AND
• They either hold an EU residence certificate, are employed in Denmark, or are establishing self-employment or providing services here.

This exemption requires a declaration on oath (tro og love-erklæring) to be registered with the property deed. Globe Advokater ensures the declaration is correctly drafted for the land registry.

This EU exemption does NOT apply to holiday homes (sommerhuse). Even EU citizens must comply with the five-year residency rule to purchase a holiday property in Denmark.

Applying for a permit from Civilstyrelsen

If you do not meet the residency requirement and do not qualify for the EU exemption, you must apply for a permit before proceeding with a purchase. Civilstyrelsen assesses applications individually, weighing:

• Family ties to Denmark: spouse, children or parents with residence here.
• Professional, business or cultural ties to Denmark.
• History of previous residence in Denmark.
• Specific ties to the property itself (e.g. inherited family holiday home).

Processing time is typically around four weeks. A permit is granted for a specific property only - not as a general permission to buy Danish real estate. Globe Advokater prepares the application and supporting documentation to maximise your chances of approval.

Holiday homes: A near-total restriction

Denmark negotiated a special protocol when joining the EU, allowing it to maintain restrictions on the purchase of secondary residences (holiday homes) by non-residents. In practice, even EU citizens cannot use the freedom-of-movement rules to buy a Danish holiday home. Civilstyrelsen grants permits for holiday homes only in cases of particularly strong ties to Denmark.

Can I buy a flat in Copenhagen as a non-EU national?

Yes, if you currently live in Denmark or have lived here for a cumulative total of at least five years. If not, you need a permit from Civilstyrelsen. Permits for primary residences are generally granted if you have lawful residence in Denmark and will actually live in the property.

Do I need a lawyer for a property purchase in Denmark?

It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended - especially for foreign nationals navigating the additional requirements of the Property Acquisition Act. Your estate agent represents the seller, not you. Your lawyer is your only independent adviser.

What is the deed registration fee?

The fee for registering a deed (tinglysningsafgift) is a fixed amount of DKK 1,850 plus 0.6% of the purchase price (2025 rate). These are government fees paid to the state, not part of your lawyer's fee.