companydata.dkPrivate limited company (ApS)
An anpartsselskab (ApS) is a Danish private limited company where the owners are liable only for their contribution. It is Denmark's most common company type and requires share capital of at least DKK 20,000.
The ApS is the preferred company form for small and medium-sized businesses because it combines limited liability with low formation requirements. The owners cannot lose more than their contribution, and the company is a separate legal entity with its own CVR number, financial statements, and tax liability.
Requirements for an ApS
- Share capital of at least DKK 20,000 (reduced from DKK 40,000 as of 1 January 2025)
- An executive board — a board of directors is optional
- Duty to prepare and publish an annual report
- Registration of legal and beneficial owners
An ApS can later be converted into an aktieselskab (A/S) if the business grows and needs to raise capital from more investors.
Related terms
Public limited company (A/S)
An aktieselskab (A/S) is a Danish limited company with share capital of at least DKK 400,000 and a requirement for both an executive board and a board of directors (or supervisory board). Only an A/S can be listed on a stock exchange.
Share capital (selskabskapital)
Share capital (selskabskapital) is the capital the owners have subscribed and contributed to a limited company. The minimum is DKK 20,000 for an ApS and DKK 400,000 for an A/S. The capital is public in CVR and can later be increased or reduced.
Sole proprietorship (enkeltmandsvirksomhed)
A sole proprietorship (enkeltmandsvirksomhed) is a personally owned business with one owner, who is personally and unlimitedly liable for the business's obligations. There is no capital requirement, and the business is not a separate legal entity.
Holding company (holdingselskab)
A holding company (holdingselskab) is a company (typically an ApS or A/S) whose primary purpose is to own shares in other companies rather than run its own operations. The structure is used to separate risk and defer tax.
Executive board (direktion)
The direktion (executive board) is a company's day-to-day management — one or more directors registered in CVR who run daily operations. Every Danish limited company must have one.