As you may have read, new rules have been introduced regarding the purchase of real estate in Greenland. These rules regulate who is legally allowed to purchase property or be granted land allocation.

The new rules mean that individuals who do not have Danish citizenship—that is, individuals who are not citizens of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, or Denmark—are not allowed to purchase real estate in Greenland.

However, individuals who have lived in and paid taxes in Greenland for at least two years are still permitted to purchase property.

Companies owned by individuals with Danish citizenship or by those who have lived and paid taxes in Greenland for more than two years are also legally allowed to purchase property or obtain land allocation.

There are also a few exceptions that apply to mining companies, tourism businesses, and the fishing industry. These may also, under certain circumstances, legally purchase property.

All others must apply for a special exemption from the Government of Greenland.

What do the new rules mean for you?

In practice, the new rules mean that you must have lived in and been tax liable to Greenland for more than two years in order to purchase a home or other property.

If you are interested in buying a home or other property but have not lived in and paid taxes in Greenland for more than two years, we recommend contacting a lawyer who can help you explore your options and potentially apply for an exemption.