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.
The figures behind the term
Share capital: By legal form
| Legal form | Lower quartile | Median | Upper quartile | Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All active companies | DKK 40,000 | DKK 50,000 | DKK 125,000 | 387,105 |
| ApS | DKK 40,000 | DKK 50,000 | DKK 125,000 | 354,183 |
| A/S | DKK 500,000 | DKK 501,000 | DKK 1,391,513 | 29,720 |
Source: companydata.dk, CVR and annual reports, updated 27 October 2026
Share capital is not a blocked account, it can be used in operations, but it expresses the amount the owners have committed as a minimum. Capital increases and reductions are registered in CVR and can be followed in the company's history.
Capital as a signal
Share capital far above the minimum can signal well-capitalised owners or past funding rounds, while minimum capital is entirely normal for new companies. More important than the registered capital is the equity in the latest financial statements: it shows what actually remains.
Frequently asked questions
How much share capital does an ApS require?
At least DKK 20,000. The requirement was lowered from DKK 40,000 on 1 January 2025, which is why many older companies are still registered with DKK 40,000.
How much does an A/S require?
DKK 400,000 in share capital, of which at least 25 % and always at least DKK 20,000 must be paid in at formation.
Can the share capital be used in the business?
Yes. The capital is not a blocked account but a contribution that forms part of the company's assets. If more than half is lost, management must call a general meeting.
Related terms
Equity (egenkapital)
Equity (egenkapital) is the difference between a company's assets and its liabilities, the owners' share of the company. It typically consists of share capital, retained earnings, and any reserves.
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.
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.
Legal owners (legale ejere)
Legal owners (legale ejere) are the direct owners of a company holding at least 5% of the share capital or voting rights. Legal owners can be both natural persons and other companies, and stakes are registered in intervals (5-10%, 10-15%, etc.).