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Who owns what in a marriage in Denmark?

Separate ownership during the marriage, with the gains shared at the end

Denmark's default is a deferred community: each spouse owns their own assets, and on divorce the assets of both are generally shared equally.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

The default, not your case. This page describes what applies when a couple sign no contract. Family law changes, and a court can decide differently on the facts of a case. For a couple with a foreign spouse, take advice in each country involved. This is general information, not legal advice.

What applies by default

Each spouse owns and manages their own property. Assets are shared only when the marriage ends.

When the marriage ends in divorce

The assets of both spouses are pooled and shared equally, with exceptions for assets that are protected by agreement.

A marriage contract

Spouses can agree on special rules in a marriage contract, which must be registered to be valid against others.

What stays your own, and gifts

Gifts and inheritances can be made personal, and may be left out of the sharing if the giver says so.

If one spouse is a foreigner

Denmark does not take part in the EU Matrimonial Property Regulation. Check the Danish rules if a spouse is Danish or lives there.

Understand the legal system first

Denmark belongs to the Civil law family. Family law grows out of the legal tradition, so it helps to know how the system works.

Read the Denmark legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →
Can a foreigner buy property in Denmark? →

Official sources

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TheLawToKnow Tools’s marital property guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the official source or a lawyer in the country. Report a mistake.