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Køberguide
30 June 2026
2 min.

Can foreigners buy property in Denmark? Your comprehensive guide

Navigating the Danish property market as a foreigner can seem complex, but with the right guidance, it is absolutely possible to find your dream home or investment. Denmark welcomes international residents and investors, but specific rules and requirements apply depending on your nationality and residency status. This guide from your trusted Buyer Agency in Denmark aims to demystify the process, providing you with clear, actionable information to help you understand how foreigners can buy property in Denmark.
At Bomae, we specialize in assisting international clients with their property acquisition journeys, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience from initial search to final purchase.

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The general rule: Permission required for non-residents

Foreigners can buy property in Denmark, but often with specific restrictions and, for most non-EU/EEA citizens, a requirement for prior permission. The primary legal framework governing this is the Alien Acquisition of Real Property Act.

Under the Danish Acquisition of Real Property Act, individuals who do not have an established domicile in Denmark generally need permission from the Danish Civil Affairs Agency before purchasing real estate. These rules are intended to protect the Danish property market and ensure that properties are primarily available to people with a genuine connection to Denmark. Understanding these requirements is the first important step in your property-buying journey.

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Who needs permission? Understanding the domicile requirement

Non-EU/EEA citizens who do not have an established domicile in Denmark generally require permission from the Danish Civil Affairs Agency to purchase real estate. Under Danish law, domicile refers to your primary and permanent place of residence, where you genuinely live and have the centre of your personal and financial interests.

As a general rule, you are considered to have established domicile if you have lawfully resided in Denmark for at least five consecutive years. If you meet this requirement, you are generally treated in the same way as Danish citizens when purchasing property and will not normally need separate permission from the Danish Civil Affairs Agency. However, you must still be able to document your domicile during the purchase process, typically through your Civil Registration Number (CPR) and your registered address history.

Exceptions to the rule: EU/EEA citizens and companies

Generally, EU/EEA citizens and companies benefit from broader rights regarding property acquisition in Denmark due to the principle of free movement within the European Union and European Economic Area.

For EU/EEA Citizens: If you are an EU or EEA citizen and are employed, self-employed, or operate a business established in Denmark, you generally do not need permission from the Danish Civil Affairs Agency to purchase property intended for year-round residence. Instead, you will typically submit a declaration to the Danish Land Registration Court (Tinglysningsretten) confirming your eligibility and the purpose of the purchase. This declaration forms part of the standard property registration process and ensures compliance with Danish property acquisition rules.

However, if you intend to purchase a holiday home or a property that is not connected to your employment or business activities in Denmark, different rules may apply.

For EU/EEA Companies: Companies established within the EU/EEA that have a permanent establishment or are operating a business in Denmark also generally do not need special permission to acquire commercial real estate necessary for their operations.

Buying a permanent residence vs. a holiday home

Different rules apply depending on whether you intend to purchase a permanent residence for year-round living or a non-permanent dwelling, such as a holiday home.

Permanent residences: For individuals who qualify (e.g., Danish citizens, those with domicile, or qualifying EU/EEA citizens), purchasing a permanent residence involves standard legal procedures. The property must be registered to your CPR address.

Holiday Homes: The purchase of holiday homes by foreign nationals is subject to significantly stricter rules than the purchase of residential property. Even EU/EEA citizens, who generally enjoy greater freedom to purchase property for year-round residence, are subject to restrictions when buying holiday homes.

As a general rule, individuals who are not permanently domiciled in Denmark must obtain permission from the Danish Civil Affairs Agency before purchasing a holiday home. Such permission is granted only in exceptional cases where the applicant can demonstrate a particularly strong connection to Denmark. Examples may include having previously held Danish citizenship, having lived in Denmark for a significant period, or having close family ties in the country.

These restrictions are intended to protect the Danish holiday home market by helping to ensure that holiday homes remain accessible to people with a genuine connection to Denmark and to limit excessive foreign ownership.

The application process for acquiring property

The application process for acquiring property in Denmark varies based on your specific situation, particularly whether you need permission from the Danish Civil Affairs Agency. Here’s a general step-by-step guide:

  1. Determine if you need permission: Based on your nationality, residency status, and the type of property you wish to buy, ascertain whether you require permission from the Danish Civil Affairs Agency. Our experts can help you make this initial assessment.
  2. Gather necessary documents: This typically includes your passport, visa/residence permit, CPR number (if you have one), documentation of your employment or business in Denmark (for EU/EEA citizens), and proof of funds.
  3. Prepare the application (if needed): If permission is required, you must submit a detailed application to the Danish Civil Affairs Agency. This application must clearly state your reasons for purchasing the property and include all supporting documentation.
  4. Engage a lawyer: It is highly advisable to engage a specialized Danish lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the property purchase. They will ensure all documents are correct, review the purchase agreement, and manage the registration with the Land Registration Court.
  5. Leverage a buyer agency: For foreign buyers, partnering with a dedicated Buyer Agency like Bomae is invaluable. We act as your advocate, providing unbiased advice, negotiating on your behalf, navigating legal complexities, and streamlining the entire process. Our local expertise helps you avoid pitfalls and secure the best terms. Discover how a professional Buyer Agency in Denmark can support your journey by visiting our homepage.
  6. Realistic timelines: The process for obtaining permission from the Danish Civil Affairs Agency can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your case and the agency's workload. The overall property acquisition process, from finding a property to final registration, can typically range from 2 to 4 months.

Financial considerations and transaction costs

When planning to buy property in Denmark, it is essential to budget for various costs beyond the purchase price. Denmark's property market, especially in major cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, has seen consistent growth. 

Mortgage options for foreign buyers: Foreign buyers can access Danish mortgage loans and traditional bank loans. Danish mortgage loans are typically characterized by lower interest rates but stricter approval criteria, often requiring a substantial down payment (at least 5% from a bank loan on top of the mortgage). Banks will assess your financial stability, income in Denmark, and residency status. Having a stable job and a good credit history in Denmark will significantly strengthen your application.

Read more about mortgage options

Key Costs and Fees:

  • Purchase Price: The advertised price of the property.
  • Transfer Tax: A registration fee paid to the Land Registration Court (Tinglysningsretten) when the title deed is transferred. This typically consists of a fixed fee (currently DKK 1,850) plus 0.6% of the purchase price (or public assessment, whichever is higher).
  • Legal Fees: Fees for your lawyer who handles the legal aspects, contract review, and registration. This can vary but expect around DKK 10,000 – DKK 25,000 or more, depending on complexity.
  • Mortgage Registration Fees: If you take out a mortgage, there's another registration fee (currently DKK 1,850 plus 1.5% of the loan amount).
  • Valuation Fees: Some lenders may require a property valuation.
  • Building Survey: Optional but highly recommended reports on the property's condition, costing DKK 6,000 – DKK 10,000+.
  • Property Tax: Annual taxes based on the property's public assessment value (grundskyld) and a separate tax on the property value for the property owner (ejendomsværdiskat). These are ongoing costs.

Taxation on property ownership for foreigners: If you become a resident homeowner, you will be subject to Danish property taxes. If you are a non-resident owner (e.g., owning a holiday home without a domicile in Denmark), specific tax rules apply, often involving a limited tax liability on the property. It is crucial to consult with a tax advisor to understand your individual tax obligations.

Why expert guidance is crucial when buying property in Denmark

Navigating the Danish property market, especially with the added complexities for foreign buyers, requires specialized knowledge and guidance. The legal framework, application processes, and financial considerations can be daunting.

At Bomae, we offer an unparalleled level of expertise and support. As an independent buyer agency, we work exclusively for you, the buyer, ensuring your interests are always prioritized. We provide:

  • Unbiased advice: We offer impartial guidance on property choices, market conditions, and legal requirements.
  • Legal understanding: We help you understand the nuances of Danish property law, including the intricacies of the Alien Acquisition of Real Property Act and permissions from the Danish Agency for Family Law.
  • Market insight: We provide access to a broader range of properties, including off-market opportunities, and insightful analysis of local property values.
  • Streamlined process: From initial property search and viewings to negotiations, legal review, and final closing, we manage every step, making the process efficient and stress-free for you.

Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and secure in your investment, knowing that every aspect has been handled with professional care.

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