Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Denmark Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Copenhagen's property market is included in our pack
This guide covers everything a foreigner needs to know about renting out residential property in Copenhagen in 2026, from legal requirements to realistic yields and neighborhood performance.
We break down the actual numbers, rental strategies, and regulations so you can make informed decisions without guesswork.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market conditions and regulatory changes in Copenhagen.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Copenhagen.
Insights
- Copenhagen's rental vacancy rate sits around 2 to 3 percent in early 2026, meaning well-priced apartments typically find tenants within two to four weeks.
- Gross rental yields in Copenhagen cluster around 3 to 4 percent, but net yields after costs drop to roughly 2 to 3 percent due to high owner association fees.
- Denmark caps short-term rentals at 30 days per year for primary residences, or 70 days when using platforms like Airbnb, and Copenhagen has not raised this to 100 days.
- Foreign buyers without ties to Denmark typically need permission from the Danish Civil Affairs Agency before purchasing residential property in Copenhagen.
- Neighborhoods like Nordvest, Valby, and Vanløse offer higher yields than central areas because purchase prices are lower while rents remain solid.
- A typical one-bedroom apartment in Copenhagen rents for around DKK 12,500 to 16,500 per month, which translates to roughly $1,750 to $2,300 or €1,625 to €2,150.
- Remote landlords in Copenhagen need a Danish tax identification number to report rental income, even if they never live in Denmark.
- Copenhagen's rent regulation means landlords cannot always charge market rates, especially in older buildings subject to the Housing Regulation Act.
Can I legally rent out a property in Copenhagen as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own and rent out residential property in Copenhagen, but most non-residents without ties to Denmark must first obtain permission from the Danish authorities before purchasing.
The most common ownership structure for foreigners is direct personal ownership, though some investors use Danish holding companies for larger portfolios or tax planning purposes.
The single biggest restriction foreigners face in Copenhagen is the permission requirement administered by the Danish Civil Affairs Agency, which evaluates whether you have sufficient connection to Denmark before allowing you to buy a permanent dwelling.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Copenhagen.
Do I need residency to rent out in Copenhagen right now?
You do not need to be a Danish resident to rent out property in Copenhagen, and many foreign investors successfully operate as remote landlords with local property managers handling day-to-day operations.
However, you will need a Danish tax identification number to legally collect and report rental income, which you can obtain through the Danish Tax Agency even as a non-resident.
A local Danish bank account is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended because tenants and property managers typically expect Danish banking rails for smooth monthly rent payments and deposit handling.
Managing a rental property in Copenhagen entirely remotely is feasible, though you will rely heavily on a local administrator for showings, tenant communications, maintenance, and compliance with Denmark's strict tenancy laws.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Copenhagen in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting is typically the only viable strategy for foreign buy-to-let investors in Copenhagen because Denmark's strict short-term rental caps make year-round Airbnb-style hosting illegal for non-primary residences.
A well-managed long-term rental in Copenhagen generates roughly DKK 150,000 to 200,000 per year ($21,000 to $28,000 or €19,500 to €26,000) for a one-bedroom, while short-term rentals are capped at 30 to 70 nights annually, limiting their income potential regardless of nightly rates.
Short-term renting only makes financial sense in Copenhagen if you own a primary residence you occasionally rent while traveling, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Indre By or near Nyhavn where nightly rates can exceed DKK 1,500.
What's the average gross rental yield in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Copenhagen sits around 3 to 4 percent, which reflects the city's high property prices relative to rents.
The realistic gross yield range spans from about 2.5 percent in premium central neighborhoods to roughly 4.5 percent in more affordable outer districts like Nordvest or Valby.
Studios and smaller one-bedroom apartments typically achieve the highest gross yields in Copenhagen because their lower purchase prices attract more tenants per square meter of cost.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Copenhagen.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after operating costs for residential properties in Copenhagen falls between 2 and 3 percent before financing and personal income tax.
Most Copenhagen landlords realistically experience net yields ranging from about 1.5 percent in expensive central areas to around 3.5 percent in well-managed properties in outer neighborhoods.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross to net yield in Copenhagen are owner association fees (which can be substantial in older apartment buildings), property management and administration costs (especially for remote landlords), and maintenance reserves for buildings that often date back a century or more.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Copenhagen.
What monthly rent can I get in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Copenhagen run around DKK 9,000 to 12,000 ($1,250 to $1,700 or €1,170 to €1,560) for a studio, DKK 12,500 to 16,500 ($1,750 to $2,300 or €1,625 to €2,150) for a one-bedroom, and DKK 14,000 to 20,000 ($1,950 to $2,800 or €1,820 to €2,600) for a two-bedroom.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Copenhagen starts around DKK 8,500 to 10,000 ($1,190 to $1,400 or €1,100 to €1,300) in neighborhoods like Nordvest or outer Nørrebro.
A typical mid-range one-bedroom apartment in popular neighborhoods like Vesterbro or Amagerbro rents for approximately DKK 13,000 to 15,000 ($1,820 to $2,100 or €1,690 to €1,950) per month.
A mid-to-high range two-bedroom apartment in desirable areas like Frederiksberg or Østerbro commands around DKK 16,000 to 22,000 ($2,240 to $3,080 or €2,080 to €2,860) per month.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Copenhagen.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Denmark versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Copenhagen in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold a typical rental apartment in Copenhagen (excluding mortgage payments) runs approximately DKK 3,000 to 5,500 ($420 to $770 or €390 to €715) for owner association fees, insurance, maintenance reserves, and administration.
A realistic low-to-high monthly cost range covering most standard Copenhagen rentals spans from about DKK 2,500 ($350 or €325) for newer buildings with lower fees to DKK 7,000 ($980 or €910) for older buildings with high maintenance needs and full property management.
The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs in Copenhagen is typically the owner association fee, which covers shared building maintenance, heating systems, and common area upkeep in the city's predominantly apartment-based housing stock.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Copenhagen.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in Copenhagen sits around 2 to 3 percent, which reflects one of the tightest rental markets in Northern Europe.
A Copenhagen landlord should realistically budget for about two to four weeks of vacancy per year for a well-priced unit in a good location, though this can stretch to four to eight weeks if you price aggressively or rely on slow remote decision-making.
The main factor causing vacancy rates to vary across Copenhagen neighborhoods is proximity to public transit and employment centers, with areas near metro stations and major employers filling faster than peripheral districts.
Tenant turnover and vacancy in Copenhagen typically peak around July and August when students relocate and lease cycles reset, then drop significantly during the winter months when fewer people move.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Copenhagen.
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Where do rentals perform best in Copenhagen in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Copenhagen are Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and Frederiksberg, all of which combine excellent transit access, vibrant amenities, and strong tenant pools.
Families with children in Copenhagen tend to concentrate their rental searches in Østerbro, Frederiksberg, and Valby, where they find larger apartments, good schools, parks, and calmer streets than the inner city.
Students in Copenhagen gravitate toward Nørrebro, Amagerbro, and Nordvest, which offer more affordable rents, proximity to universities, and easy metro or bus connections to campus areas.
Expats and international professionals in Copenhagen typically prefer Indre By, Østerbro, Nordhavn, and Islands Brygge, where they find newer housing stock, an international community, and English-friendly services.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Copenhagen.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods offering the best rental yields in Copenhagen are Nordvest, Valby, and Vanløse, where lower purchase prices relative to rents produce better returns than central districts.
These top-yielding Copenhagen neighborhoods typically deliver gross rental yields in the range of 3.5 to 4.5 percent, compared to 2.5 to 3 percent in prime areas like Frederiksberg or Indre By.
The main characteristic allowing these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is that they sit just outside the prestige core, so property prices have not inflated as dramatically while rents remain supported by Copenhagen's overall housing shortage and excellent public transit connections.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Copenhagen.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Copenhagen are Indre By, premium Frederiksberg, and Nordhavn, where modern waterfront apartments and historic city-center locations command premium pricing.
A standard apartment in these premium Copenhagen neighborhoods typically rents for DKK 18,000 to 28,000 ($2,500 to $3,900 or €2,340 to €3,640) per month, depending on size and exact location.
The main characteristic driving the highest rents in these neighborhoods is scarcity of quality stock combined with proximity to Copenhagen's best restaurants, cultural venues, and waterfront amenities that high-earning tenants prioritize over pure value.
The typical tenant profile in Copenhagen's highest-rent neighborhoods includes senior corporate executives, diplomats, successful entrepreneurs, and dual-income professional couples without children who value location and lifestyle over space.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Denmark. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Copenhagen in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Copenhagen are a private balcony or outdoor space, high energy efficiency ratings that lower tenant heating costs, and proximity to metro or S-train stations within a five-minute walk.
A private balcony in Copenhagen can add roughly 5 to 10 percent to monthly rent because outdoor space is scarce in the city's dense apartment stock and tenants prize it highly during the long Nordic summers.
One commonly overrated feature that Copenhagen landlords invest in but tenants rarely pay extra for is luxury kitchen countertops, since most Danish renters prioritize functional layouts and energy costs over premium finishes.
One affordable upgrade that provides strong return on investment for Copenhagen landlords is installing a dishwasher, which costs relatively little but significantly broadens the tenant pool and reduces vacancy time.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Copenhagen typically rent about one to two weeks faster than unfurnished ones, primarily because they attract expats and corporate relocations who need to move in immediately without buying furniture.
Furnished rentals in Copenhagen command a rent premium of roughly 10 to 20 percent over comparable unfurnished apartments, though this comes with higher wear-and-tear costs and tenant expectations for responsive maintenance.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Copenhagen right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Copenhagen right now?
Landlords in Copenhagen do not always have freedom to set market rents because many apartments fall under Denmark's Housing Regulation Act, which limits rent to a level tied to operating costs plus a reasonable return rather than pure market demand.
Rent increases during a tenancy in Copenhagen are generally tied to documented cost increases or inflation adjustments, and tenants can challenge excessive increases before the local Rent Control Board, which has the power to roll back rent hikes it deems unjustified.
What's the standard lease length in Copenhagen right now?
The standard lease arrangement for residential rentals in Copenhagen is an open-ended (indefinite) tenancy, where the tenant can stay as long as they wish while giving proper notice, and landlord termination rights are heavily restricted under Danish law.
A landlord in Copenhagen can legally require up to three months' rent as a security deposit plus up to three months' prepaid rent, meaning a tenant might pay up to seven months' rent upfront including the first month, which translates to roughly DKK 90,000 to 115,000 ($12,600 to $16,100 or €11,700 to €14,950) for a typical one-bedroom.
Danish law requires landlords to return the security deposit promptly after tenancy ends, minus documented deductions for damages or unpaid rent, and disputes over deposit returns can be brought before the Rent Control Board for resolution.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Denmark compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How does short-term renting really work in Copenhagen in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Copenhagen right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Copenhagen, but they are tightly regulated under Denmark's national framework that limits how many nights per year you can rent out a residential home.
No separate license is required for occasional short-term hosting of your primary residence in Copenhagen, but you must comply with the night caps and report income to the Danish Tax Agency, with platforms like Airbnb now sharing booking data directly with tax authorities.
Denmark caps short-term rentals of primary residences at 30 days per year in basic scenarios, or 70 days per year when using a reporting platform arrangement, and Copenhagen has explicitly declined to raise this cap to the optional 100-day limit.
The most common consequence for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Copenhagen is tax penalties and potential fines, though enforcement has historically been difficult and relies partly on neighbor complaints and platform data sharing.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Copenhagen.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Copenhagen sits around 66 percent for properties that are actively marketed and well-managed.
The realistic occupancy range for most Copenhagen short-term rentals spans from about 50 percent for average listings to 80 percent or higher for top-performing properties in prime tourist locations.
The highest occupancy months for Copenhagen short-term rentals are typically May through September, when the city enjoys long daylight hours, pleasant weather, and peak tourist season including major events and conferences.
The lowest occupancy months for Copenhagen short-term rentals fall between November and February, when cold dark weather and post-holiday lulls reduce tourist arrivals significantly.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Copenhagen.
What's the average nightly rate in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Copenhagen is approximately DKK 1,200 to 1,500 ($170 to $210 or €155 to €195) for a typical one-bedroom or studio apartment.
The realistic nightly rate range covering most Copenhagen short-term listings spans from about DKK 800 ($110 or €105) for basic accommodations in outer areas to DKK 2,500 ($350 or €325) or more for premium central apartments or larger family units.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak summer season and off-season winter in Copenhagen is roughly DKK 300 to 500 ($40 to $70 or €40 to €65), with savvy hosts adjusting prices dynamically based on local events and demand.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Copenhagen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Copenhagen short-term rental market is competitive with nearly 19,000 active listings, but saturation matters less than regulation because the 30 to 70 night annual caps prevent most investors from maximizing occupancy regardless of competition.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Copenhagen has remained relatively stable, with growth constrained by the strict night limits that discourage pure investment properties from entering the market.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Copenhagen are Indre By, Vesterbro near Kødbyen, and areas immediately around Nyhavn, where high listing density creates intense competition for tourist bookings.
Neighborhoods that still have room for new short-term rental supply in Copenhagen include parts of Amager, Valby, and Nordvest, where tourist demand is growing but listing density remains lower than the central core.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Copenhagen, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Danish Civil Affairs Agency | Official Danish authority that runs the foreigner property permission process. | We used it to anchor the legal requirements for foreigners buying property in Copenhagen. It shaped our guidance on the permission pathway and ownership restrictions. |
| Retsinformation (Danish Rent Act) | Denmark's official legal database publishing the actual law text. | We used it as the legal backbone for deposits, lease terms, and tenant rights. It grounds what is legally possible under Danish tenancy rules. |
| Retsinformation (Housing Regulation Act) | Official government text of Danish housing regulation law. | We used it to explain why landlords cannot always charge market rents in Copenhagen. It describes the regulated rent logic in older buildings. |
| City of Copenhagen | Copenhagen municipality's official guidance for residents and disputes. | We used it to explain how rental disputes get handled through the Rent Control Board. It sets expectations about tenant protections and enforcement. |
| Danish Tax Agency (SKAT) | Denmark's official tax authority explaining rental taxation rules. | We used it to explain how Denmark treats buy-to-let rental income. It shaped our guidance on tax obligations for remote landlords. |
| Statistics Denmark (Rent Index) | Denmark's national statistics office measuring rent developments officially. | We used it to anchor rent growth trends into early 2026. It helped us validate private market rent quotes against official data. |
| Danmarks Nationalbank | Denmark's central bank analyzing housing risks and price dynamics. | We used it to support the claim that Copenhagen prices have outpaced the rest of Denmark. It explains the yield compression landlords experience. |
| Global Property Guide | Long-running international dataset publishing comparable yields by city. | We used it to get concrete Copenhagen gross yield and rent starting points. We sanity-checked these against official Danish statistics. |
| EjendomDanmark | Main Danish real estate industry organization publishing market statistics. | We used it to anchor vacancy rate discussions for Copenhagen. It provided the core vacancy input we translated into practical landlord estimates. |
| AirDNA | Widely used commercial dataset with consistent STR methodology across cities. | We used it for short-term rental occupancy and nightly rate benchmarks. We applied this data only after establishing legal caps from government sources. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Denmark. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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