Can a company have secondary names in Denmark?

Yes, in Denmark a company can have multiple registered names.

Danish company law allows businesses to register:

• one primary name (hovednavn), and

• one or more secondary names (binavne).

All registered names belong to the same legal entity and are linked to the same CVR number.

The concept of secondary names and the related fee structure is specific to Denmark and is not commonly used in the same way in most other countries.

Primary name vs. secondary names

1. Primary name (hovednavn):

• The company’s main legal name

• Used as the default name in the Danish Business Register

• Must always be registered

2. Secondary names (binavne)

• Additional legal names under the same CVR number

• Fully valid for legal and commercial use

• Must be registered with the Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen)

Secondary names do not create separate legal entities. The company remains one legal entity regardless of how many names it uses.

Use cases for secondary names

Companies may register secondary names for various purposes, including:

• Operating different business activities under distinct names

• Using legacy names after mergers or restructurings

• Preserving well-known brands or historical company names

Registration rules and fees

• There is no legal limit on the number of secondary names a company can register

• For reorganization purposes, secondary names can be registered without restriction

• For other business activities, a fee applies once more than five secondary names are registered