Can a foreigner inherit a summer house in Denmark?
Family transfers follow their own rule.
Short answer
A foreigner who inherits a property in Denmark does not need permission from Civilstyrelsen. The same applies when you receive the property as a gift from relatives in a direct line, such as parents, grandparents or children. If the transfer is only partly an inheritance or gift and you also pay for part of it, you do need permission. This matters for families where children live abroad and take over the summer house from their parents.
Why
- Inheritance does not need permission under the Acquisition Act.
- Gifts are exempt only from relatives in a direct line.
- A part-purchase turns the transfer into a sale that needs permission.
Details
Property taken over in an undivided estate or in the division of a joint estate is also exempt from the permit rule.
Tip
If parents want to pass on a summer house to children abroad, make it a full gift or inheritance rather than a part-sale, or apply for permission in time.
What may differ
A gift from siblings, nieces or nephews is not a direct-line gift, so the answer may differ there.
Common misconception
Foreign heirs have to sell an inherited Danish summer house.
What actually happens
Heirs can keep an inherited summer house; inheritance needs no permit.
People also ask
- Do I pay Danish tax on an inherited summer house?
- Can foreigners buy a summer house in Denmark?
- Can parents give a summer house to children living abroad?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Prices, rules and booking terms change, so check with the place you book and the official sources.
AccommodationRelated questions
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Where can a school class or group stay overnight in Copenhagen?
Hostels with group and school camp offers are a common option for classes visiting Copenhagen.
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Do you need a permit or registration to rent out your home to tourists in Denmark?
A private person who lets a home to holiday guests on a non-commercial basis needs no permit, as long as the yearly day limits are kept.
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How much can you earn tax-free renting out your home in Denmark in 2026?
For short-term rental of a home or room you live in (under 4 months), the tax-free allowance in 2026 is 35,100 kr.
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What are the Airbnb rules in Copenhagen?
In Copenhagen you may let your whole home for holiday purposes for up to 30 days per calendar year, or up to 70 days if the rental goes through an intermediary such as Airbnb.