Starting a business is never easy, especially when you’re doing it in a foreign country. My name is Furqan Rathore, and I’m the founder and CEO of Book2wheel.com, an online platform for car and motorbike rentals. Originally from Pakistan, my journey to becoming an entrepreneur in Denmark was anything but straightforward. Here’s how I went from being a student with limited options to securing a startup visa in Denmark and turning my dream into reality.
The Beginning: A Rocky Start in Denmark
My journey began in 2013 when I first came to Denmark on a spouse visa. Like many others who migrate to new countries, I had high hopes for my future. However, things didn’t work out as planned. In 2015, after separating from my Danish partner, I had to leave Denmark. At that time, I was already enrolled in a university, pursuing a professional degree in Marketing and Management, and I was just one semester away from graduating.
Despite the challenges, I was determined to complete my education. I applied for a student visa, got approved, and returned to Denmark to finish my final semester. Life on a student visa was tough—I had to balance work with paying a semester fee of up to 4,000 euros, all while dealing with restrictions on how much I could work. I was only allowed to work 12 hours a week, which significantly limited my ability to grow my business.
A New Path: Registering Book2wheel in Estonia
Given these limitations, I had to think outside the box. I decided to obtain a residence permit in Estonia and register Book2wheel there. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made. Estonia offered substantial tax benefits and made it easy to register my shareholding and attract investment. This move laid the foundation for what was to come next.
The Big Decision: Applying for a Startup Visa in Denmark
By 2018, I had completed my bachelor’s degree. I faced a crucial decision: Should I return to the Philippines or Pakistan, or should I take a leap of faith and apply for Denmark’s startup visa program? I chose the latter. At that time, the startup visa initiative was relatively new in Denmark, but I saw it as an opportunity to legitimize and expand my business.
One advantage I had was that I had already tested the waters in Denmark. In 2016, I introduced a bicycle-sharing concept and even won the Danish Entrepreneurship Award, which added significant weight to my application. With these credentials, I wrote a compelling startup visa application. To my delight, it was accepted within 30 days, granting me not only the visa but also full rights to work and the ability to bring my wife to Denmark on a visa as well.
Understanding the Startup Visa Process
Now, you might be wondering how you can apply for a startup visa in Denmark. The process is quite simple and can be done online. However, it’s essential to submit the right documents to support your application. The best part? It’s free to apply, and anyone can do it. If your idea is approved, you and your team members will be granted visas. It’s important to note that each team member must apply individually for the startup visa under the same business idea.
Another benefit of the startup visa is that your family members, including dependents, automatically receive visas. If your parents are dependent on you, they might also be eligible, but it’s crucial to verify this information on the official Startup Visa Denmark website.
Need Help? I’m Here to Assist
Securing a startup visa can be a life-changing experience, opening doors to opportunities you may have never imagined. If you have any questions or need guidance through the application process, I’m here to help. Feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at +45 5033 6186 or watch my online course, where I guide you through all the steps.
My journey from Pakistan to Denmark has been filled with challenges, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. If you’re considering taking the entrepreneurial leap in Denmark, I encourage you to pursue it with determination and the right support. Who knows? Your story might just be the next success story.