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.
The figures behind the term
Source: companydata.dk, CVR and annual reports, updated 27 October 2026
"Holding" is not a distinct company form but a use: an ordinary ApS or A/S that owns operating companies. In the classic structure, a person owns a holding company, which owns the operating company.
Why a holding structure?
- Dividends from the operating company can as a rule be distributed tax-free up to the holding company when it owns at least 10%, profits can be 'parked' out of reach of operating risk
- Gains on selling the operating company are as a rule tax-free for the holding company
- Multiple owners can each have their own holding company and manage profits independently
When assessing a company, the ownership structure matters: the operating company's beneficial owners are often found through one or more layers of holding companies.
Frequently asked questions
What is a holding company for?
To own shares in other companies. The structure makes it possible to move profit up from the operating company and keep accumulated wealth separate from operating risk.
Is a holding company a separate company type?
No. A holding company is an ordinary ApS or A/S whose purpose is to own other companies. It is usually registered under the industry code for non-financial holding companies.
Must a holding company file an annual report?
Yes. It is a limited company like the operating company and has the same duty to prepare and publish an annual report.
Related terms
Private 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.
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.
Dividend (udbytte)
A dividend (udbytte) is the part of a company's profit distributed to the owners rather than retained in the business. Ordinary dividends are approved at the general meeting based on the annual report.
Fixed assets (anlægsaktiver)
Fixed assets (anlægsaktiver) are assets intended for lasting use in the business, e.g. property, machinery, goodwill, software, and equity stakes in other companies. Their counterpart is current assets.