How does company registration work in Denmark?

Where to register?

The core of the Danish business registration system is the Central Business Register (CVR). When a business is successfully registered, it is assigned a CVR number, which serves as the official identification number for the company.

Is registration mandatory for all types of businesses?

Yes. Most formal business types in Denmark must be registered in order to receive a CVR number.

This includes, among others:

• Sole proprietorships (Enkeltmandsvirksomhed)

• Partnerships (I/S)

• Limited partnerships (K/S)

• Private limited companies (ApS)

• Public limited companies (A/S)

All entity types use the same online registration portal, but the requirements vary depending on the legal form.

Note: If a foreign company establishes a branch in Denmark (rather than a new Danish legal entity), the branch must also be registered with the Danish Business Authority. This generally requires documentation proving that the parent company is legally established in its home jurisdiction.

How long does registration take?

Denmark is known for its fast and efficient digital registration process.

• Digital registration (online via Virk.dk): Limited companies can often be incorporated and active within a few hours

• Sole proprietorships and smaller entities: Processing time is typically a few days to 1–2 weeks, depending on checks or manual review

Note: Paper-based (offline) registration is rarely used and generally discouraged, as Denmark strongly promotes digital filing.

What is the cost of registration?

Business registration in Denmark is low-cost, and many business types can be registered free of charge. Certain company types, mainly those with limited liability, are subject to a one-time registration fee charged by the Danish Business Authority.

^{Source: Business in Denmark – Establish a business}

Notes

1. Resumption of a company
Resumption refers to restoring a company to active status after it has been dissolved, struck off, or removed from the official company register.

2. Secondary names for Limited liability companies (ApS and A/S)

• Limited liability companies can register multiple secondary business names

• The first five secondary names are included under standard rules

• Each additional name beyond five incurs an extra fee

3. Company Types Exempt from Registration Fees

The following business types are generally exempt from standard registration fees:

• Sole proprietorships (Enkeltmandsvirksomhed)

• Associations

• Partnerships (I/S)

• Limited partnerships (K/S)