Company Formation & Tax in Denmark
One of the easiest places in the world to incorporate — the ApS, a flat corporate tax, a single VAT rate, and registration that can complete within a day.
Denmark consistently ranks among the simplest jurisdictions for starting a business. Digital registration through the Business Authority can issue a company number within hours, and the tax framework is refreshingly flat: one corporate rate, one VAT rate.
Choosing an entity
The standard vehicle is the ApS (anpartsselskab, private limited company). Following a 2025 reform, the minimum capital is DKK 20,000 (down from DKK 40,000), fully paid before registration. Larger and listed businesses use the A/S (aktieselskab, DKK 400,000). Registration is via the Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen) on virk.dk, which issues a CVR number; 100% foreign ownership is permitted and there is no strict residency requirement for directors.
Corporate tax and VAT
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| Corporate income tax (standard) | 22% |
| Financial-sector companies | 26% |
| VAT (moms) — single rate | 25% |
| Dividend withholding tax | 27% (reducible under treaties) |
Corporate income tax is a flat 22%, stable since 2016 (financial firms pay 26%; oil and gas activities more). VAT (moms) is a single 25% rate — Denmark has no reduced VAT rate, though exports, newspapers and certain services are zero-rated or exempt. VAT registration is required once turnover exceeds DKK 50,000. Dividend withholding tax is 27%, commonly reduced under Denmark's wide treaty network.
Compliance
Companies file annual financial statements with Erhvervsstyrelsen and a corporate tax return with the Danish Tax Agency, and submit VAT returns monthly, quarterly or biannually depending on turnover. Payroll is reported through the eIndkomst (e-income) system where staff are employed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the corporate tax rate in Denmark?
A flat 22% on taxable profits (26% for financial-sector companies).
How much capital do I need for an ApS?
DKK 20,000, fully paid before registration (reduced from DKK 40,000 in 2025).
What is the Danish VAT rate?
A single 25% rate — there is no reduced VAT rate in Denmark.
Can a foreigner own a Danish company?
Yes — 100% foreign ownership is allowed and there is no strict residency requirement for directors.
Official sources
- Erhvervsstyrelsen (Danish Business Authority)
- Skattestyrelsen (Danish Tax Agency)
- Virk.dk — business registration portal
This guide is general information prepared by ARM Management and is current as at June 2026. It is not legal or tax advice; rules and thresholds change. Confirm against the Danish Tax Agency, or with an advisor, before acting.
Incorporate in Denmark with confidence.
ARM Management advises international companies on Danish entity formation, registration and tax compliance, alongside wider EU structuring. Begin with a confidential conversation.