Greenland (GL)
Greenland is the world's largest island and an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, known for its vast ice sheet, dramatic fjords, and indigenous Greenlandic (Kalaallit) culture.
Capital: Nuuk
Region: Americas
Language: Greenlandic
Currency: DKK (kr)
Cost of living: Very expensive (index 95)
Emergency: 112
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Business Setup
Start a business or go freelance in Greenland.
🧑💻 Freelancer / Self-Employed Guide
Steps to register:
- 1 Confirm your immigration status explicitly permits self-employment in Greenland — a Greenland residence/work permit is required for most non-Nordic workers.
- 2 Choose a business structure and register with the Danish/Greenlandic business registration system (Virk.dk).
- 3 Register with the Greenland Tax Agency (AKA at aka.gl) to obtain a tax card and set up advance tax payments.
- 4 Open a business bank account in Greenland or Denmark, preparing full source-of-funds and KYC documentation for the bank.
- 5 Price freight, travel, Arctic weather disruption and limited local substitutes into every contract before quoting.
- 6 Review whether activity creates a permanent establishment for any overseas employer or client.
Tax registration
Greenland Tax Agency — Akileraartarnermut Aqutsisoqarfik (AKA) at aka.gl. Register for income tax, request a tax card and confirm advance tax payment obligations. Sole traders and partnerships file personal tax returns; companies file corporate returns.
VAT threshold
Greenland does not operate a standard VAT system. There is no VAT registration threshold. Import duties, excise duties and freight costs can substantially raise the cost of goods. Confirm sector-specific fees or levies with AKA before quoting project prices.
Invoicing
Use DKK-denominated invoices with your legal business name, registration number, address, date, clear scope description, payment terms and bank details. Public-sector and mining clients may require electronic procurement formats.
Social security
Self-employed residents must arrange their own income protection, pension, professional liability, health insurance and medical evacuation cover. Public benefits may be limited by residence registration, contribution history and specific Greenlandic rules.
💡 Greenland rewards reliable local relationships and long-term commitment. Build shipping delays, weather windows, limited specialist substitutes and seasonal logistics into every project plan.
🏢 Business Structures
Enkeltmandsvirksomhed · Enkeltmandsvirksomhed / Selvstændig
Sole Trader / Self-employed
None required
Min. capital
1–4 weeks depending on permit, tax and sector licences
Setup time
Liability: Unlimited personal liability
Setup cost: Low; registration and advisory costs typically DKK 2,000–10,000
Best for: Small consulting, tourism support, creative and local services where immigration status explicitly permits self-employment.
I/S · Interessentskab
General Partnership
None required
Min. capital
1–3 weeks
Setup time
Liability: All partners bear unlimited joint and several liability
Setup cost: Low to moderate; a written partnership agreement is strongly advised (DKK 5,000–20,000 in legal costs)
Best for: Small professional collaborations and joint ventures where all partners accept unlimited liability.
ApS · Anpartsselskab
Private Limited Company
DKK 40,000 minimum registered capital under Danish-style company law applied in Greenland
Min. capital
2–6 weeks
Setup time
Liability: Limited to company capital; personal guarantees may be required by banks or landlords
Setup cost: DKK 5,000–25,000 including formation, registered office and adviser fees
Best for: Higher-risk trading, employing staff, contracting with public or private clients, and separating personal from business liability.
A/S · Aktieselskab
Public Limited Company
DKK 400,000 minimum capital
Min. capital
1–3 months
Setup time
Liability: Limited to company capital
Setup cost: High; legal, audit and registration costs typically DKK 30,000–100,000+
Best for: Larger commercial projects, regulated industries and investment structures requiring public company governance.
Branch · Branch of Foreign Company
Branch Office
Parent company-backed; no separate capital requirement
Min. capital
1–3 months
Setup time
Liability: Foreign parent company bears full liability
Setup cost: Medium to high; adviser, registration and compliance costs DKK 15,000–50,000+
Best for: Foreign companies delivering Greenland contracts or projects with local payroll and tax obligations.
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