Housing benefits in Denmark

In Denmark, housing benefits (boligstøtte) are financial assistance provided by the government to help low-income households cover their housing costs. The benefits are administered by the Danish Ministry of Housing, Urban and Rural Affairs.

Eligibility for housing benefits

To be eligible for housing benefits in Denmark, you must meet certain criteria, such as having a low income, living in a rented apartment or house, and being a Danish citizen or permanent resident.

Additionally, the housing unit you are renting must meet certain standards, such as being safe, sanitary, and in good repair. As an international student in Denmark, you may be eligible for housing benefits, if you meet the criteria, e.g. have a valid residence permit, are enrolled in a full-time educational programme, and meet the income and other requirements for housing benefits. See eligibility requirements for housing benefits in Denmark here!

Calculating housing benefits 

The amount of housing benefit you receive depends on several factors, including your income, the number of people in your household, the size of your rental unit, and the cost of rent. In general, the more you earn, the less housing benefit you will receive. You can calculate your housing benefit here. NB! The calculator is in Danish, so you may need to use Google translate.

The amount you receive is adjusted annually based on changes in your income and rent. If you move to a new rental unit, you will need to reapply for housing benefits.

Applying for housing benefits

To apply for housing benefits in Denmark go to lifeindenmark.borger.dk. Here, you can apply digitally. The application system itself is in Danish, but there are thorough instructions available in English. You logon using MitID, so you are not able to apply for housing benefits until you have this in place. You can apply 2 months before you move in at the earliest.

You need documentation of your income such as a bank statement, pay slip, SU statement or the like, and your rental agreement stating your monthly rent to apply.

Receiving and using housing benefits

If you provide all necessary documentation, it will take app. 7 weeks to process your application and if approved, the money will be paid directly to your NemKonto if you are renting from a private landlord. If you are renting through a housing association, housing benefits will be paid to the association and deducted from your rent. If you are sharing an apartment, only one of the residents can receive housing benefits. The amount is tax free.

Make sure to notify Udbetaling Danmark if something changes, e.g. your income changes, your roommate moves out or the like, you rent increases or decreases, as this may have an influence on your housing benefit. 

Frequently asked questions about housing benefits in Denmark

  • The amount of housing benefits (boligstøtte) in Denmark depends on several factors, such as your income, household size, and the cost of rent. The benefit is intended to help low-income households cover their housing costs, so the amount you receive will generally be higher if you have a lower income and/or larger household size.

    As of 2021, the maximum monthly housing benefit for a single person without children is DKK 2,490. However, it's important to note that the actual amount of housing benefit you receive may be lower, as the benefit is adjusted based on your income and other factors. Additionally, if you live in a housing association, you may receive a lower housing benefit, as social housing is generally subsidised to make it more affordable.

    You can calculate how much you are eligible for in the online calculator here.

  • No, in general, Denmark does not provide free housing for students, neither locals or internationals. However, students sometimes have access to student dormitories or student apartments through housing associations. These options are not free, but may be subsidised or more affordable than renting on the private market.

    In addition, as a student you may be eligible for housing benefits (boligstøtte), depending on your income level, the rent that you are paying and other factors. See eligibility requirements for housing benefits in Denmark here!

    You can also go to our Housing page for VIA’s suggestions to affordable student housing near our campuses.

  • Housing benefits are financial assistance provided by the government to help low-income households cover their housing costs, therefore the amount you receive is depending on your income. This means that if you get housing benefits and have previously not been working, but get a job, your income will increase, which may have an effect on your housing benefits.

    If your income changes, you have to notify Udbetaling Danmark if your income increases or decreases. If your income increases and you fail to notify Udbetaling Danmark, you may be asked to return some of your housing benefits.

    You can calculate how much you are eligible for here!

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