The Danish company register (CVR)
The CVR register (Det Centrale Virksomhedsregister) is the Danish state's register of all Danish businesses. It is maintained by the Danish Business Authority and holds name, address, company type, industry, status, owners and management for each business, identified by its CVR number.
The figures behind the term
Source: companydata.dk, CVR and annual reports, updated 15 September 2026
The register was introduced in 1999 and brings together data that previously sat with several authorities. Every business with commercial activity must be registered, and the data is public. The register is updated continuously as businesses are founded, changed or closed.
What does the CVR register contain?
For each business there is basic data (name, address, company type, industry code, start date and status), production units with P numbers, the power to bind the company, management and, for limited companies, registered legal and beneficial owners. Annual reports are published by the Danish Business Authority and linked to the CVR number.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs the CVR register?
The Danish Business Authority under the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs maintains the register. Businesses report changes themselves through Virk.
Is the data in the CVR register free?
Yes. Basic data, management, owners and annual reports are public and can be looked up free of charge, both at the Danish Business Authority and on companydata.dk.
How many businesses are in the CVR register?
The register holds both active and ceased businesses. The figure on this page shows the number of active businesses right now.
Related terms
CVR number (Danish company registration number)
A CVR number is the 8-digit number a company is assigned when registered in the Danish Central Business Register (CVR). The number is the company's unique identification towards authorities, customers, and suppliers.
P number (production unit)
A P number (production unit number) is a 10-digit number identifying each physical location from which a company operates. Every company has at least one P number linked to its CVR number.
Industry code (DB07)
An industry code is a 6-digit code from the Danish Industry Classification 2007 (DB07) describing a company's main activity. The company chooses the code itself at registration and can additionally state up to three secondary industries.
Beneficial owners (reelle ejere)
Beneficial owners (reelle ejere) are the natural persons who ultimately own or control a company, as a starting point, persons with more than 25% of the shares or voting rights, directly or indirectly through other companies.