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Small Share, Major Impact. The Power of Foreign Investment in Denmark

When it comes to foreign direct investment, Denmark proves that we are a premier place for foreign investments to thrive! Foreign owned companies represent just 3 percent of all firms in Denmark’s market-oriented sector. Yet they account for around 15 percent of total employment1. In 2023, 13,800 foreign-owned firms employed 374,000 people across the country.
When 19.02.2026
What
Business Conditions Life Sciences Cleantech Food Tech
That is not just a statistic. It is a statement about Denmark’s role as a trusted European base for international business.

Ownership of companies in Denmark, 2023

Ownership of companies in Denmark, 2023
Source: Statistics Denmark (IFATSF20 and GF14) and Invest in Denmark's calculations

A strong footprint in trade and value creation

The impact goes well beyond jobs. Foreign-owned companies accounted for 26 percent of Denmark’s total goods exports2 and 36 percent of goods imports in 2023, according to Statistics Denmark.

In other words, international companies in Denmark are not operating on the margins. They are fully integrated into global value chains, using Denmark as a platform for European and international growth.

These companies bring more than capital. They bring technology, specialised know-how and cutting-edge business solutions that strengthen Denmark’s competitiveness and technological edge. For international firms, this means access to a highly skilled workforce, advanced digital infrastructure and a business environment built on transparency and trust.

 

A European gateway with strong neighbours

Who is investing in Denmark? Primarily our closest neighbours. Sweden accounts for 20 percent of all foreign-owned firms in Denmark, while Germany and Norway each represent 10 percent. Together, neighbouring countries make up around 40 percent of foreign ownership.

This underlines Denmark’s position at the heart of Northern Europe. From here, companies gain seamless access to the EU Single Market, strong logistics links and a stable, predictable regulatory framework.

Country of ownership of foreign-owned companies in Denmark, 2023

Country of ownership of foreign-owned companies in Denmark, 2023
Source: Statistics Denmark and Invest in Denmark's calculations

Why Denmark continues to attract global business

Foreign-owned companies choose Denmark because it offers:

  • A stable and transparent regulatory environment

  • Efficient public administration and strong rule of law

  • A highly educated, English-speaking workforce

  • Close collaboration between business, academia and government

  • A strategic location connecting the Nordics and continental Europe

For international companies looking to establish or expand in Europe, Denmark offers both stability and a strategic advantage.

 

Sources: 

1 Or 20% if considering the headcount number of employees, rather than FTE equivalents, specifically for private-sector urban business jobs, as Eurostat and Statistics Denmark do e.g. in Udenlandsk ejede firmaer 2023

2 NYT: En fjerdedel af vareeksporten er udenlandsk ejet - Danmarks Statistik
Udenlandske firmaer i Danmark - Danmarks Statistik

NYT: Flere firmaer i branchen Videnservice i 2023 - Danmarks Statistik

Statistikbanken

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Denmark’s track record shows that foreign investors thrive here. The question is not whether international companies can succeed in Denmark. The data already answers that.

The question is how your company can leverage Denmark as a springboard for European growth.

Get in touch with our experts to explore how we can support your expansion:

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