Starting a Business · Denmark
Starting a Business - Denmark
Denmark allows 100% foreign ownership of companies and offers fast, low-cost online incorporation — a private limited company (ApS) needs only DKK 20,000 capital and a CVR number obtained through virk.dk. Company formation itself is straightforward, but two frictions keep it from being uniformly 'easy' for foreigners: at least one manager must reside in the EEA, and non-EU/EEA/Swiss founders need a residence and work permit, typically via the quota-limited Start-up Denmark scheme.
Foreigners may own a Danish company entirely with no residency requirement for the owner; the company must have a registered home address in Denmark, but the owner need not live in Denmark.
A private limited company (ApS) requires DKK 20,000 in share capital (reduced from DKK 40,000, effective 27 February 2025); a public limited company (A/S) requires DKK 400,000. Capital must be deposited before registration.
Businesses register online at virk.dk to obtain a CVR number, generally at least 8 days before commencing activity; founders without a Danish MitID use the 'Registration of Non-Danish Company – Start (40.112)' self-service form.
Under the Danish Companies Act, at least one member of company management (a director or board member) must be resident within the European Economic Area.
Citizens of the Nordic countries, EU/EEA states and Switzerland may be self-employed and run a company in Denmark without a residence or work permit; non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must obtain one.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss entrepreneurs typically use the Start-up Denmark scheme: an expert panel appointed by the Danish Business Authority must first approve an innovative, scalable business plan, then SIRI grants a permit (up to 2 years, extendable). The scheme is capped at 75 approved foreign nationals per calendar year.
Machine-assisted translation · verified 5/23/2026 · orientation, not legal advice. English version →