Israel – Denmark Tax Treaty

Bilateral Agreements Denmark-Israel

Denmark-Israel Double Tax Treaty:

On June 27, 1996, both countries signed a double tax treaty agreement.  The double tax treaty for Denmark and Israel established in order to eliminate double taxation with respect to taxes on income as well as the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance. The bilateral tax treaty between Israel and Denmark was renewed on September, 2009.

The full double taxation treaty between Israel and Denmark can be found here.

Denmark-Israel social security Convention

The Social Security Agreement between the State of Israel and the Kingdom of Denmark is intended to ensure and regulate the social rights of those who move from Israel to Denmark and Denmark to Israel. The social security treaty between Israel and Denmark became effective on April 1, 1996.

The arrangement in the social security treaty between Denmark and Israel is intended to prevent a situation in which a resident of Israel will be subject to the laws of both countries at the same time, and as a result will be required to pay insurance premiums in both nations, and alternatively will be deprived of rights in both nations.

If you are sent by your Israeli employer to work in Denmark and you are a resident of Israel, your employer will continue to pay your salary and social security contributions in Israel. The maximum placement period is 24 months. During this period, you will be exempt from paying insurance premiums in Denmark.

If you are recognized as a resident in Denmark, being a resident of Israel, you must pay social security fees in Denmark as well. Therefore, before your departure to Denmark, you must settle your insurance status in the collection department at the National Insurance branch at your place of residence; You must continue to pay the national insurance premiums in Israel and produce every six months certificates proving that you are insured in Denmark in order to receive a refund of the insurance premiums you paid in Israel.

For further information regarding social security agreement between Denmark and Israel press here.

Residency for Tax Purposes in Denmark:

Individual Residency for Tax purposes in Denmark

An individual is fully liable to pay tax in Denmark if he has been staying in Denmark for a period of at least six months or 183 days, consecutively. To determine residency of an individual in Denmark, it is necessary to assess that the individual’s center of interests is in Denmark.

For more information regarding residency of an individual, click here.

Company residency for tax purposes in Denmark

A corporation is considered a Denmark resident for Tax purposes if it’s incorporated in Denmark and registered in the Denmark company register as having a Danish place of business. Furthermore, foreign companies will be considered Tax resident if it can be determined that the actual place (where the day-to-day operations are made) of management is in Denmark.  

Further information about company residency in Israel, can be found here.

Denmark Tax Regime:

Income Tax: Up to 56% (i.e., 52% + 8% labor market tax)

Corporate Tax: 22%.

VAT: 25%

Capital Gains Tax: 22% (subject to the normal CIT rate)

Withholding tax

Inheritance and Estate Tax:

A person residing in Denmark who receives inheritance from a family member residing abroad is not liable to pay either tax or duty on the value of the person’s inheritance, unless the inheritance includes assets in the form of real property, fixtures and fittings located in Denmark, or assets with a permanent establishment located in Denmark, which then tax is payable on the value in Denmark.

Estate tax amounts to 15% and is levied on all heirs; the deceased’s children and descendants, stepchildren and their descendants, parents, or cohabitant during the last two years of one’s life.

Inheritance received by any other relatives than the above-mentioned is subject to a supplementary estate tax of 25% of the value of the asset, after deduction of the first 15%.

The taxes are not levied on the first DKK 312,500 (in 2022) of the estate.

• 15% or 36. 5%: Value of inheritance tax imposed on net values that exceed DKK 312,500; This is also the value of the estate tax (for which the spouse is not liable) in Denmark;
• 15% or 31%: Gift tax when the said gift exceeds DKK 67,100.
• 51%: The maximum rate at which gifts may be taxed for individuals who are non-family;
• 0%: There is no inheritance tax between spouses in Denmark, and no gifts tax between first-degree relatives.

Currency differences between Denmark and Israel:

The currency in Denmark is called the Danish krone. The currency symbol is DKK. The Israeli currency called New Israel Shekel (NIS) or Israeli Shekel (ILS).

Transfer Pricing in Denmark:

Denmark transfer pricing legislation contains a general definition of the arm’s-length principle which reflects the principle of the OECD guidelines. The legislation covers transactions between companies and individuals and applies to domestic transactions as well as cross-border ones.

For more information about transfer pricing in Denmark click here.

Transfer Pricing in Israel:

The legislation within Israel in respect of transfer pricing is disclosed within Section 85A of the Israel Tax Ordinance (New Version) 1961, and the Income Tax Regulations (Determining Market Conditions) – 2006 (The Regulations).

Relocation in Denmark:

Relocating to Denmark from non-EU/EEA countries is more difficult, and custom laws are tighter. On the contrary, Denmark ranks 10th out of 80 countries in UN assessments as the most favorable country for immigrants and therefore attracts quite a few Israelis who move to Denmark for work needs.

In addition, there is a “Start-up” program in Denmark – A scheme for foreign entrepreneurs, giving you the opportunity to be granted a Danish residence permit to establish and run an innovative growth company. Your “Start-up” idea must be approved by a panel of experts appointed by the Danish Business Authority before SIRI (Danish agency for international recruitment and integration) can process your application for residency and work permit based on the scheme.

The “start-up” program can be used by both individuals and teams of up to 3 people who desire to start a business together in Denmark through a joined business plan.

A comprehensive study conducted (2022) by the Association of Jewish Organizations in Europe (EJA) in collaboration with the British Institute for the Study of European Jewish Policy examined the performance of European governments in relation to the main parameters required for the existence and prosperity of Jewish communities.

The study found that the sense of security of the Jewish communities in Denmark is one of the highest in comparison to other European states.

In addition, the public’s attitude towards Jews and Israel in Denmark is very positive, making it one of the two friendliest countries to the Jewish community in Denmark, compared to other European countries.

Real Estate in Denmark:

Denmark is a coveted destination in the Real Estate field, and the authorities in Denmark are aware of that. Therefore, Unless you have domicile in Denmark or you have had residence in Denmark for at least five years, you must have permission from the Department of Civil Affairs to acquire real property in Denmark.

A foreigner investor who is interesting in purchasing property in Denmark needs to get an approval as a business investor from official authorities in Denmark. Its important to know that even investors that owns a citizenship of the European Union, can not purchase real estate in Denmark without the above-mentioned approval.   

For further information on Real Estate investments in Denmark click here.

Business Activities between Denmark and Israel:

Our firm specializes in providing tax consultation and assistance to our clients in Denmark. Our relationships with accountants and lawyers in Denmark help aid clients by setting up businesses, opening bank accounts, and more.

Transfer of funds from Israel to Denmark

According to section 170(a) of the Israeli income tax ordinance, most transfers of funds from Israel to Denmark will require prior approval of the tax authority.

Our office assists to obtain tax exemptions from withholding and Transfer of funds to Denmark, in addition to consultation regarding the foreign banks demands, such as, among others; An accountant approval in all matters of Tax payments; Examination of other actions required in light of the unified standards of the CRS – Common Reporting Standard for the Automatic exchange of information between Denmark and Israel, which is carried out first through the banks and then between the tax authorities of each country.

Types of business entities in Denmark

Private Limited Company in Denmark – Anpartsselskab (ApS)

• Can be set up by at least one shareholder, regardless of residency;
• Minimum share capital for a private limited company is 40,000 DKK;
• Shareholders are liable for their contributions.

 Public Limited Company in Denmark- (Aktieselskaber or A/S)

• Minimum one founder that has a minimum share capital of 400,000 DKK;
• Provides shares for the public in Denmark.

Limited Partnership Company in Denmark – (Partnerselskaber or P/S)

• Registration with Danish trade register is mandatory;
• Minimum of Two partners;
• One general partner oversees and runs the business while limited partners do not partake in managing the business, and with limited liability to the extent of their own contribution;
• Partners can be individuals or legal entities.

Types of business entities in Israel

 Private Company in Israel

• 1-50 shareholders;
• Can’t sell stocks or debentures to the public.

Public company in Israel

• Minimum of 7 shareholders;
• Must publish an annual report;
• Can sell stocks or debentures to the public.

Foreign Company in Israel

• A company from overseas with a branch in Israel;
• Partnership;
• Self- Employed;
• Cooperative;
• Non-Profit Organizations.

Investments incentive in Denmark:

Based on the international survey “Doing Business” (2020), Denmark is rated first in Europe, and 4^th worldwide, in terms of ease of doing business.

There are some competitive advantages for foreign and domestic investors to run their business in Denmark:

• Procedures, time, cost, and paid-in minimum capital to start a limited liability company;
• A Danish limited liability company can be incorporated in Denmark with same day formation;
• Enforcing contracts and resolving commercial disputes;
• Protecting minority investors rights in related-party transactions and in corporate governance;
• Cross-borders trade in Denmark;
• Dealing with construction permits in Denmark;
• Flexibility in employment regulation and aspects of job quality in Denmark.