Starting a business in Greenland: foreigner's guide (2026)

All businesses in Greenland register through the Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen) via the virk.dk online portal, receiving a CVR number. Foreigners without a Danish MitID digital identity may submit registration by email to the CVR office. There is no separate registration fee for obtaining a CVR number.

100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors. A proposed FDI screening act would require mandatory prior approval for foreign investors acquiring ≥25% ownership or voting rights in entities operating in critical infrastructure, raw materials, hydropower, IT/classified data, and Self-Government-owned companies. The bill cleared a first parliamentary reading in November 2025 but was withdrawn in early 2026 for revision and is not in force.

At least one director of a Greenlandic LLC or PLC must be resident in Greenland or hold Danish or other Nordic country citizenship. This is a practical barrier for non-Nordic foreign founders who cannot easily satisfy the requirement remotely.

An LLC (ApS equivalent) requires a minimum share capital of approximately DKK 125,000 (~USD 19,000) with 1 shareholder and 1 director. A public limited company (A/S equivalent) requires at least DKK 500,000 (~USD 75,000) and a minimum of 3 directors.

Nordic citizens may freely settle and work in Greenland without a permit. All other foreign nationals must obtain a valid work and residence permit before they can operate or be employed in a business in Greenland, adding an administrative step prior to company formation.

Only companies with a legally registered office in the EU, USA, Canada, or a Nordic country are eligible to establish a branch office in Greenland. Foreign entities from other jurisdictions must incorporate a full local subsidiary.