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

Insight

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

Insight

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, but account for around a quarter of the persons employed*. 

When

That is not just a statistic. It is a statement about Denmark’s role as a trusted European base for international business.

Foreign-owned firms in Denmark, by share of firms (left) and share of employment* (right), 2024

Source: Statistics Denmark (IFATSF10 and REGN50) and own calculations

*Note: Number of full-time-equivalents in foreign-owned firms, relative to the number of full-time-equivalents employed (“årsværk beskæftigede”) in private urban industries (“private byerhverv”), i.e. excluding e.g. agriculture. 

A strong footprint in trade and value creation

The impact goes well beyond jobs. An analysis from Statistics Denmark has shown that foreign-owned companies accounted for 26 percent of Denmark’s total goods exports and 36 percent of goods imports in 2023.

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.

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: 

The following Statistics Denmark statistics and publications and own calculations: REGN50, IFATSF10, NYT: En fjerdedel af vareeksporten er udenlandsk ejet - Danmarks Statistik

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Let’s build your European growth story

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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