Denmark: Siltanews-News Desk
Denmark is set to launch a tax incentive program in 2026 to attract international film and TV producers.
The Danish government has approved a production allowance worth 125 million Danish kroner (€16.8 million), marking a significant move to position Denmark as a key European hub for the TV and film industry.
For several years, Denmark has lagged in the industry compared to other Nordic countries including Sweden and Norway, as well as European nations such as France and Germany. Despite being home to world-renowned directors like Lars von Trier, Susanne Bier, and Thomas Vinterberg, Denmark has struggled to attract international projects. The new tax incentive program aims to bridge this gap.
Starting in 2026, the Danish incentive will draw from an annual envelope of DKK 125 million (€16.8 million), which is twice as much as Sweden’s foreign production budget. A 25 per cent rebate on qualified expenses is anticipated.
Denmark’s Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, described the move as “a huge strategic interest.” In a statement for Deadline, he criticized the lack of rebates that led productions like ‘Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow’ – set in Denmark and Greenland – to be filmed in other countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, and Iceland. “It’s a waste of jobs, Danish storytelling tradition, and exposure of our fantastic kingdom,” Engel-Schmidt stated, expressing pride in Denmark’s new direction.
Anna Porse Nielsen, head of the Danish Producers Association, highlighted the significance of the program, saying, “We have such a qualified industry in Denmark, with world-acclaimed directors, actors, and producers trained to work at the highest standards.” She added that the rebate would finally allow Denmark to compete on a level playing field with other European countries.
The Danish government also expects the tax incentive to bring economic and cultural benefits to Denmark. Morten Dahlin, Minister for Urban and Rural Affairs, emphasized that film and TV productions “help showcase Denmark abroad” and attract tourism and income across the country. He called the rebate “enormously good news” for both the film industry and Danish tourism.
The move comes as Denmark begins leveraging a cultural contribution levy on international streaming platforms, which is expected to generate 98 million kroner (€13.2 million) next year. Additionally, extraordinary film support amounting to 40 million kroner (€5.4 million) has already been allocated this year.
Engel-Schmidt expressed hope that Denmark could become a “European powerhouse” for film and TV productions, even jokingly suggesting that the next ‘Emily in Paris’ could feature Copenhagen as its backdrop. In other news, Copenhagen is inviting Americans who don’t like Donald Trump to move there.
With Denmark’s proven talent in producing critically acclaimed productions like ‘The Killing’ and ‘The Bridge’, plus its original role in the Nordic noir genre, this tax incentive could be a game-changer for the country’s TV and film industry.
Expats and locals in Denmark can look forward to seeing the nation’s unique stories and picturesque landscapes showcased on the global big screen.