Denmark · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Setting up from abroad
- Usual entity for foreign founders
- ApS
- Non-resident can be sole director
- Yes
Official registry: retsinformation.dk
The Companies Act sets three conditions on a management member: not disqualified from directorship under Danish or other EU/EEA law, of legal age and not under guardianship, and actually functioning in the role. Nationality and residence are not among them — Denmark dropped its residency requirement in 2010.
The private limited company (ApS) is the usual form and needs DKK 20,000 share capital. You register online with the Danish Business Authority through Virk.dk, which issues a CVR (company) number; VAT registration follows if turnover exceeds DKK 50,000. Registration is fast and fully digital.
Companies are registered with the Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen) via Virk, which issues a CVR number. The ApS (private limited) is the common form.
- Registration is completed online through Virk, issuing a CVR (company) number.
- The ApS (anpartsselskab) is the standard limited-liability company.
- The CVR number identifies the company for tax and across public administration.
- 1
Choose a legal form
The anpartsselskab (ApS, private limited, DKK 20,000 capital) is the usual company; the aktieselskab (A/S) needs DKK 400,000 and suits larger ventures.
- 2
Prepare the incorporation documents
Draft the memorandum and articles of association setting the capital, management and registered address.
- 3
Deposit the share capital
Pay in the share capital (cash or valued assets) and keep the bank confirmation.
- 4
Register with the Danish Business Authority
Register the company online through Virk.dk with the Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen); you receive a CVR number.
- 5
Register for VAT and employer duties
Register for VAT (moms) if turnover exceeds DKK 50,000, and as an employer if you hire staff.
- 6
Set up banking and digital access
Open a business bank account (NemKonto) and set up digital employee access (MitID Erhverv).
- Legal form chosen (usually ApS)
- Memorandum and articles of association
- Share capital deposited (DKK 20,000 for ApS) + bank confirmation
- Danish Business Authority registration via Virk.dk → CVR number
- VAT (moms) registration if turnover > DKK 50,000
- Employer registration if hiring staff
- Business bank account (NemKonto)
- Digital access (MitID Erhverv)
- Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen)
Company registration and regulation.
- Virk
Official business self-service portal.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CVR number?
The CVR number is the unique company registration number issued by the Danish Business Authority, used for tax, VAT and official dealings.
How much capital does an ApS need?
An ApS requires DKK 20,000 of share capital, which can be paid in cash or as valued assets.
Can a foreigner own a Danish company?
Yes — non-residents can own and register Danish companies; you will need a business bank account and digital access (MitID Erhverv).
Government portals
- Life in Denmark — The state's English-language guide to moving to, living and working in Denmark.
- Skattestyrelsen — Danish Tax Agency — Tax card, preliminary and annual tax assessment, and deductions.
- New to Denmark (SIRI) — Residence and work permits, the Positive List, and family reunification.