What is exempt from VAT in Denmark?
Services without Danish VAT
Short answer
A short list of services is exempt from the 25% Danish VAT. It covers services in the health sector, school teaching, artistic work and charitable activities. Transport of passengers is also exempt, and renting out real estate is as a rule exempt too. Trade in real estate and goods or services sold for a charitable or non-profit purpose are also VAT-free.
Why
- Exempt means no VAT is added to the price at all.
- Train, bus and other passenger transport tickets carry no VAT.
- Most other goods and services carry the standard 25%.
Details
Trade with other countries can have a different VAT rate.
Tip
If you start a business in Denmark, read the full rules on exempt services on skat.dk before you register for VAT.
What may differ
The list on skat.dk gives examples, not every case; the exact rules depend on the type of service.
Common misconception
Food is VAT-free in Denmark.
What actually happens
Food is not on the list of exemptions; they cover services such as health care, school teaching and passenger transport.
People also ask
- What is the VAT rate in Denmark?
- Can tourists get a VAT refund in Denmark?
- What is most expensive in Denmark compared with the EU?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Prices, fees and taxes change, so check the official sources before you plan your budget.
Cost calculatorRelated questions
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Start with the fixed costs of the day: in November 2026 a 24-hour City Pass for the metro costs 100 kr., a standard Tivoli entry ticket 230 kr.
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A good way to pay less for the train from Copenhagen to Aarhus is an Orange ticket, bought on dsb.dk or in the DSB app.
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How much is the toll on the Great Belt Bridge?
From 1 January 2026 a single trip over the Great Belt Bridge in a car of 3–6 m costs 235 kr.
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From 14 September 2026 a single trip over the Øresund Bridge in a car up to 6 m costs 470 kr.

