Buying real estate in Denmark can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar labyrinth, especially when you’re a foreigner navigating a new legal system, foreign language, and local bureaucracy. Whether you’re an expat relocating for work or a non-resident investing in Danish property, the process is anything but straightforward. Overall, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Danish real estate market is highly regulated, and that laws differ significantly depending on your citizenship, residency status, and the type of property you’re buying. No wonder so many newcomers find themselves overwhelmed and need the best property and real estate lawyers in Denmark for foreigners.
Also, did you know that in Denmark, non-EU/EEA citizens generally need permission from the Ministry of Justice to acquire property? Or that over 95% of Danish real estate transactions involve some level of legal assistance, making it virtually impossible to buy or sell a home without understanding the legal nuances? This is why having a qualified property and real estate lawyer by your side is essential in the process of buying property in Denmark.
Here are the key points we cover in this guide:
- Foreigners, especially non-EU/EEA citizens, need legal permission to buy property in Denmark.
- Danish real estate law is highly regulated, requiring due diligence, title checks, and proper contract review.
- Most contracts are in Danish, so working with a bilingual lawyer is essential to avoid misinterpretation.
- Legal support is crucial for understanding taxes, zoning laws, and ownership structures that differ from international norms.
- The best property law firms for foreigners include NJORD Law Firm, Moltke-Leth, Gorrissen Federspiel, and others mentioned above.
- Additional related services, such as immigration law or tax consultation, are often needed by expats investing in Denmark.
If you’re looking for specific advice on how to buy property in Denmark or real estate agents in Denmark, we also have separate guides that dive into those topics in more detail.
Why You’ll Need To Work With Property and Real Estate Lawyers in Denmark
Navigating a Different Legal Landscape
Danish real estate law is complex, and it differs noticeably from that of many other countries. Additionally, property in Denmark can be acquired under a freehold or leasehold system, involves detailed due diligence, and often includes negotiations through realtors, banks, and municipalities. Since most of the contracts, official correspondences, and legal documents are in Danish, navigating the process is a serious challenge if you’re not fluent.
Moreover, foreign investors face an extra layer of legal scrutiny. EU/EEA residents may buy homes more easily, but if you’re from outside those areas, you’ll need to apply for special permission to purchase property. This legal maze is where a skilled property lawyer becomes invaluable. Besides, they handle applications, ensure compliance, verify ownership rights, and translate jargon-laden legal documentation into clear, actionable advice.
Mitigating Risks and Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Foreigners often underestimate the scope of local legal practices. A simple oversight—like misinterpreting zoning rules or overlooking local tax obligations—can lead to unforeseen costs or even the invalidation of your property purchase. For example, failing to register ownership with the Land Registration Court (Tingbogen) means the purchase is not legally valid.
An experienced property lawyer will vet the contract, perform a title search, and check for any outstanding debts or disputes tied to the property. Furthermore, knowing you’ve got an expert to enforce your rights can relieve a significant burden and help you avoid expensive missteps.
Language Barriers and Local Bureaucracy
Even if you’re well-experienced with property law in your own country, Danish bureaucracy has unique characteristics. In addition, many authorities still prefer paper-based workflows. Municipalities might take weeks to respond. Document submission deadlines can be strict. And if your Danish isn’t fluent, getting through all this red tape alone is daunting, if not impossible.
What’s more, this is why many expats and international buyers turn to real estate law firms that specialize in servicing non-Danish speakers. These firms often offer services in English, German, French, and even Arabic, making the legal journey much smoother.
Ensuring Your Investment is Protected
Whether you’re buying a cozy flat in Copenhagen, a holiday home on Bornholm, or a commercial property in Aarhus, this is a major financial commitment. With the average house price in Copenhagen hovering around DKK 40,000 per square meter, buyers must be methodical in ensuring they’re not only compliant but also making a sound investment. Also, a property lawyer will represent your interests when dealing with real estate agents, banks, and sellers—protecting you at every step.
Common Scenarios Where Foreigners Need Legal Help
1. Buying a Home as an Expat in Denmark
Whether you’re on a work contract or permanent residency, the lawyer will guide you through the legal requirements for expats, confirm your eligibility, and manage documentation.
2. Purchasing a Holiday Home
Non-residents must apply to the Ministry of Justice for permission. Additionally, lawyer can prepare your application, including a justification letter that significantly increases your approval odds.
3. Investing in Commercial Property
International investors looking at office buildings or retail space face zoning laws and commercial leasing challenges, which require in-depth legal expertise to manage properly.
4. Inheriting Family Property
If a foreign resident inherits property in Denmark, things get tricky with taxes, transfer titles, and legal clearances. Moreover, a lawyer will ensure compliance and efficient handling of the estate.
5. Co-Buying or Divorce Settlements
Property division between co-buyers or divorcees (especially if only one party is a Danish resident) involves legal intricacies that only an expert can untangle.
A Legal System Built Around Transparency, Yet Still Complicated
Denmark is consistently ranked among the world’s most transparent and least corrupt countries. However, transparency doesn’t always mean simplicity. The legal frameworks work in Danish, rely on complex codes and procedures, and demand proper compliance for all property-related actions.
Besides, this is especially true for foreigners, many of whom quickly realize that trying to save money by skipping legal assistance often ends in more headaches—and higher costs—later. That’s why even locals regularly engage experienced property lawyers when dealing with real estate, and for international buyers, it’s arguably even more critical to hire the best property and real estate lawyers in Denmark for foreigners.
What to Know Before Looking for Property and Real Estate Lawyers in Denmark
When it comes to purchasing property abroad, having the right legal representation is as crucial as choosing the right location. In Denmark, where specific laws and requirements apply to foreigners buying property, a knowledgeable property lawyer acts not only as your legal advisor but often as your translator, negotiator, and guardian against unforeseen pitfalls.
1. Residency and Purchase Eligibility
Denmark restricts non-residents from buying property without prior approval. If you’re not a resident or citizen of the EU/EEA, you must obtain permission from the Danish Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, legal professionals specializing in real estate for foreigners will be experienced with this application process and can help you draft the necessary justifications to improve your chances.
If you do have EU/EEA citizenship but are not living in Denmark permanently, you still need to fulfill certain residency criteria. In addition, your lawyer will confirm whether you meet the qualifications—or what steps you need to take if you don’t.
2. Legal Language and Documentation
Danish real estate contracts (such as purchase agreements and tenancy documents) are typically drafted in Danish. Even if your seller or real estate agent is fluent in English, the documents are legally binding only in Danish. What’s more, Danish property lawyers who offer bilingual services ensure you understand every clause before signing and can provide certified English translations.
3. Local Laws and Tax Obligations
Foreign buyers may not be fully aware of Danish property tax laws and inheritance rules. For instance, Denmark has an annual property tax of 1.6% on property values over a basic threshold, plus a municipal land tax that varies by location. Also, your lawyer reviews your purchase to make sure you’re aware of your ongoing tax obligations and helps structure your ownership in the most cost-efficient way possible.
4. Legal Structure of Ownership
Should you purchase as an individual, in joint ownership, through a holding company, or in the name of a spouse? Each has legal and financial implications in Denmark, and a skilled real estate lawyer will help evaluate the best structure based on your circumstances, planned usage, and financial goals.
5. Due Diligence and Risk Management
Legal due diligence is not just a box to tick in Denmark—it’s a vital part of securing your investment. Your property lawyer will examine the public registers, including the land registry (Tingbogen), to verify that the seller has the right to sell, that there are no hidden easements or mortgages, and that the property is compliant with municipal zoning laws.
Top Property & Real Estate Law Firms in Denmark for Foreigners
Finding a well-reviewed legal partner with experience in serving international clients can make all the difference. Based on client testimonials, international presence, language capabilities, and legal qualifications, here are the leading firms foreigners trust when buying property in Denmark.
1. NJORD Law Firm
Best for: Full-service bilingual support across Denmark, ideal for both residential and commercial property transactions
With offices in Copenhagen and Aarhus, NJORD is one of the largest Scandinavian law firms and has a strong focus on international clients. They offer legal services in over 10 languages including English, German, French, and Swedish. Their real estate division is known for carrying out thorough due diligence, drafting complex contracts, and managing regulatory compliance for foreigners. They also specialize in cross-border property acquisitions.
Why foreigners recommend NJORD: Multinational expertise, fast turnaround times, and excellent legal translators.
2. Advokatfirmaet Moltke-Leth
Best for: British, American, and other English-speaking clients seeking residential property in Copenhagen
Advokatfirmaet Moltke-Leth is an English-friendly law firm based in the capital. They have extensive experience assisting expats, foreign retirees, and international employees buying homes or investing in Copenhagen real estate. Their boutique size allows for highly personalized service, and they work closely with notaries and public registrars to register ownership titles without delay.
Noteworthy services: Property inspection coordination, contract review, and Ministry of Justice applications.
3. Gorrissen Federspiel
Best for: High-net-worth individuals and commercial real estate investors
As one of Denmark’s “Big Four” law firms, Gorrissen Federspiel is frequently chosen by international investors and businesses entering the Danish property market. With a real estate team that specializes in transactions exceeding DKK 20 million, they are the go-to firm for corporate clients buying hotels, commercial buildings, or development projects.
Why choose them: In-depth legal strategy, tax structuring, and experience with multinational transactions.
4. Sunset Legal Group
Best for: Expats and digital nomads buying summer homes or affordable property
This smaller, client-focused firm is known for helping foreigners buy second homes or plots for summer houses—especially in Jutland or smaller islands like Bornholm. They offer fixed-fee legal packages starting from DKK 8,000 and provide services entirely in English, French, and Spanish. They also help with post-purchase services like tax registration and municipal filing.
Standout feature: Transparent fees and step-by-step online consultations.
5. Bech-Bruun
Best for: Foreign corporations or institutions buying state or municipal property
Another major Danish law firm, Bech-Bruun works often with embassies, universities, and pension funds seeking property in Denmark. Their expertise includes Danish compliance law, zoning regulations, and public procurement. If you’re part of an organization making a large-scale investment, they bring unmatched experience in regulatory adherence and high-value negotiations.
In their favor: Experience with institutional buyers and complex acquisition processes.
6. Dansk Boligadvokat (Danish Housing Lawyer Network)
Best for: Cost-effective legal coverage for expats buying apartments, homes, or land
This nationwide network includes over 100 independent lawyers registered with the Danish Bar and Law Society. They specialize solely in real estate law and offer standardized legal service packages for homebuyers. Many members of the network offer consultations in English and are used to dealing with expats moving to Denmark. Prices are transparent, often starting at DKK 9,500 for complete buying assistance.
Unique offering: You can choose a lawyer based on region, price, and language skills via their online interface.
Related Services for Foreigners Moving to or Investing in Denmark
When you’re navigating real estate purchases in a foreign country, it’s rarely just about signing the contract. Understanding Danish property law is important, but there are several related services that go hand in hand with the property buying journey—especially for foreigners who have recently moved to Denmark or plan to live here long-term. Expats and foreign investors often require support with areas such as immigration law, cross-border tax planning, relocation assistance, and municipality services. Thankfully, many of the legal firms that offer property law services also have partnerships or in-house experts for related areas, making it easier to coordinate everything with one trusted service provider.
If you’re currently exploring the best property and real estate lawyers in Denmark for foreigners, you may also want to look into these top six related service categories:
- Immigration and residency lawyers – Essential for getting your CPR number, legalizing long-term stays, or applying for permanent residency
- International tax advisors – Important for understanding Danish property taxes, capital gains, and double taxation agreements
- Relocation and settling-in services – Help with finding temporary housing, school registration, and integration support
- Notary and translation services – Required for validating contracts and providing certified legal document translations
- Real estate buyer’s agents – For foreigners who want impartial support in finding and inspecting local properties to buy
- Inheritance and estate planning lawyers – To ensure your property and assets in Denmark are properly passed on to heirs according to your home country laws
FAQs About Property and Real Estate Lawyers in Denmark
1. Can a foreigner legally buy property in Denmark?
Yes, but only in specific cases. EU/EEA citizens who live in Denmark can buy property without restrictions. Non-EU/EEA citizens (and even some EU citizens who are not Danish residents) must obtain permission from the Ministry of Justice.
2. How much does the best property and real estate lawyers in Denmark for foreigners cost?
Legal fees vary depending on the law firm and complexity of the transaction. Expect to pay from DKK 8,000 for basic services, going up to DKK 30,000 or more for full legal representation in complex cases.
3. What’s included in the services of the best property and real estate lawyers in Denmark for foreigners?
Typical services include contract review, title verification, due diligence, negotiation support, Ministry of Justice applications, and post-purchase registration. Some firms also offer tax and inheritance planning.
4. Can I buy property in Denmark through a company?
Yes, foreign investors sometimes choose to establish a company (such as an ApS) to purchase property. A lawyer can help set up the legal entity and structure the acquisition based on Danish law.
5. Can the best property and real estate lawyers in Denmark for foreigners help me rent out my Danish property?
Yes, many law firms also provide assistance with rental contracts, tenant laws, and income reporting obligations for foreigners renting residential or commercial property.
