Short answer: No permit is needed to perform if you follow the city's rules. The city's leaflet says Danish law does not allow collecting money, and it repeats 'you may not collect money or sell anything' for both music and non-music acts.
Do you need a permit to busk in Copenhagen?
| Permit needed? | No |
| Cost | Free |
| Regulated by | Copenhagen Municipality (Teknik- og Miljoeforvaltningen, Byliv); enforced by the police |
| Official page | kk.dk |
The rules in Copenhagen
- Amplifiers. Music may not exceed 60 dB acoustic level. An amplifier is allowed only if an electric instrument needs it, and singers may not use a microphone. Non-music acts may not play music or use any amplifier.
- Collecting money. Not allowed. The leaflet says 'Du maa ikke indsamle penge eller saelge noget' (you may not collect money or sell anything) and that Danish law does not allow collecting money.
- Music on Stroget incl. Gammeltorv/Nytorv, Amagertorv and Hojbro Plads: Mon-Fri 17-20, Sat-Sun 14-17
- Music on Radhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv: daily 07-22
- Music elsewhere: Mon-Thu 16-20, Fri 15-20, Sat 10-17, Sun 12-17; non-music acts daily 10-20
- Max 1 hour per spot, then move 100 m; groups over 3 need permission
Taking card tips on a Copenhagen pitch
Plenty of people stop to listen and then find they have no coins on them. A QR code on a sign beside your case lets them tip in Danish kroner by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay from their own phone. Visitors can pay with a card from home, and nobody needs an app. Check the rule on collecting money above first: it applies to a tip sign too.
- Print it large. A phone reads a code from about ten times its width, so a 10 cm code works from a metre and an A3 sign from about three.
- Stand it upright at knee to waist height, with your name and one line saying what it is for.
- Playing as a group? One code can split every tip between the members automatically.
The full set-up is in cashless busking: card and phone tips.
Before you play
Read the general advice in busking etiquette and how to choose a busking pitch, and see how Copenhagen compares with other cities on the world busking map.
Sources
Checked in October 2026. Rules and fees change, and enforcement varies from street to street, so confirm with Copenhagen Municipality (Teknik- og Miljoeforvaltningen, Byliv); enforced by the police before you play. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Common questions
Do you need a permit to busk in Copenhagen?
No permit is needed to perform if you follow the city's rules. The city's leaflet says Danish law does not allow collecting money, and it repeats 'you may not collect money or sell anything' for both music and non-music acts.
How much does it cost to busk in Copenhagen?
Free.
Can you use an amplifier when busking in Copenhagen?
Music may not exceed 60 dB acoustic level. An amplifier is allowed only if an electric instrument needs it, and singers may not use a microphone. Non-music acts may not play music or use any amplifier.
Can buskers collect money in Copenhagen?
Not allowed. The leaflet says 'Du maa ikke indsamle penge eller saelge noget' (you may not collect money or sell anything) and that Danish law does not allow collecting money.
Can buskers in Copenhagen take card payments?
Yes. A printed QR code lets listeners tip in Danish kroner by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay from their own phone, with no card reader to carry or charge.
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