Denmark has some of the most restrictive rules in Europe on property acquisition by foreigners. Before you sign anything, you need to know whether you are legally permitted to buy, and under what conditions. At Globe Advokater, we advise foreign nationals through the entire property purchase process, from the initial eligibility assessment to registration of ownership in the Danish land registry.
BUYING PROPERTY IN DENMARK AS A FOREIGNER
STEP 1
Free Case Assessment
We carry out a free assessment of your case and review the individual conditions. The assessment can be done in person, by email, by telephone or through an online meeting.
STEP 2
Sending an offer – Fixed Price
If both parties decide to proceed mutually with the application process, we will send you a quotation for our consultancy, including the onuses of the consultancy. Our fee is fixed, which means that you know your cost in advance.
Step 3
Starting the case – With you all the way
We will assist you in completing the application correctly, as well as assisting you in providing the necessary documentation. We will handle all communication with the relevant authorities, and continuously follow up on your case.
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.
Fees
Buyer’s legal advice – standard purchase
From DKK 8,900 incl. VAT
- Review of the purchase agreement and all other documents related to the transaction
- A telephone meeting for a joint review of the transaction documents
- Drafting of an approval letter to the estate agent, including reservations
- Negotiation with the estate agent and seller on the legal terms of the transaction
- Preparation and registration of the deed (skøde), if applicable
- Preparation of the settlement statement and coordination with the bank
Start case
Buyer’s legal advice – foreign national without at least 5 years’ residence
From DKK 10,000 incl. VAT
- Everything in the standard package, plus:
- Assessment of whether you require a permit under section 1 of the Property Acquisition Act
- Preparation and submission of the application to the Danish Civil Law Authority (Civilstyrelsen)
- Preparation of supporting documentation and a statement of personal ties to Denmark
- Ongoing communication with Civilstyrelsen until the permit has been granted
Start case
Seller’s legal advice – with an estate agent
From DKK 7,900 incl. VAT
- Review of the estate agency agreement and terms of sale
- Advice on the seller’s disclosure obligations and review of the buyer’s reservations
- Assistance with completion of the transaction and coordination regarding the sale proceeds
Start case
Seller’s legal advice – without an estate agent
From DKK 12,900
- Drafting of the purchase agreement and collection of relevant documents
- Advice on the seller’s disclosure obligations and rights
- Review and assessment of any reservations raised by the buyer
- Management of correspondence with the buyer through to completion
- Preparation and registration of the deed and settlement statement
Start case
ℹ️ All fees are indicative. A fixed fee is agreed individually following a review of your case. Legal expenses insurance may cover part of the costs.
Key information before buying property in Denmark
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).
ℹ️ 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.
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.
Over 20 years of practical experience in handling cases
Highly professional and customer centric. We are efficient and always on the client’s side
Fixed Prices. Credible. Transparent
At Globe Advokater, we make a difference for our clients
Confidence
As the client's trusted adviser, lawyers play a very special role in society. We help people in important, difficult, and sensitive situations. The rules and requirements in the field of immigration can be complicated to understand. Complex and incomprehensible rules require specialised legal advice.
Service
As a smaller law firm, we value offering our clients specialist knowledge, dignity, and availability. Our advice is based on the highest degree of professionalism. If you need to talk more, don't hesitate to contact us. We are available and it is non-binding and free to contact us.
Experience
We know immigration law both in detail and in depth. We have over 20 years of practical experience in handling immigration law cases. We have worked in all relevant offices in the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. This makes us one of the professionally strongest law firms within our field.
Start case today
Do you need help?
Contact one of our lawyers who can help you further with your case.
