Best New Business Formation Lawyers in Hellerup

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Lawyer Michael V. Kauffmann
Hellerup, Denmark

6 people in their team
English
Advokatfirma Kauffmann & Rud is a Danish law firm led by Advokat Michael von Kauffmann, providing professional legal services to selected businesses and private individuals. The practice concentrates on business and corporate law as well as private client matters, and the firm has the right to...
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About New Business Formation Law in Hellerup, Denmark

Hellerup is a suburban district in Gentofte Municipality, just north of Copenhagen, and it hosts many startups and small businesses. Danish law governing new business formation applies equally here as in the rest of Denmark, but local practice often involves coordination with regional banks, tax offices, and the Danish Business Authority. Understanding the key forms, registration steps and ongoing obligations helps Hellerup residents avoid delays and penalties.

In Denmark, the most common forms for new ventures are the private limited company (ApS) and the public limited company (A/S). Both forms provide limited liability, but have different capital requirements, governance rules, and reporting obligations. A well drafted Articles of Association and a clear shareholder agreement can prevent many disputes later on.

Registration for new businesses is handled through the Central Business Register (CVR) via the official Virk portal, and it links to tax and accounting systems managed by Skat and the Danish Tax Authority. Since formation is highly regulated, many founders in Hellerup seek tailored legal guidance to ensure proper formation and compliance from day one. A Danish attorney or solicitor can help align formation with both national rules and local considerations in Gentofte Municipality.

“The Central Business Register (CVR) is the official registry for Danish companies and is the starting point for formation, reporting, and tax registration.”

Source: Danish Business Authority and Virk portal guidance on CVR registration and company formation. See Erhvervsstyrelsen and Virk for authoritative procedures and fees.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

  • You are forming an ApS with co-founders in Hellerup and need a shareholder agreement that clearly allocates equity, decision rights, and exit mechanisms to prevent future disputes. A lawyer can draft and tailor the agreement to your situation and ensure it aligns with Selskabsloven.

  • You plan to convert a sole proprietorship into an ApS and must reallocate assets, assign contracts, and update registrations in CVR and VAT. A legal counsel can supervise the restructuring and minimize disruption to operations.

  • You have foreign investors or non-resident founders and require compliance with Danish corporate governance rules, director appointments, and anti-money laundering checks. An attorney can handle nationality, signatory, and due diligence requirements efficiently.

  • You need to choose between ApS and A/S based on capital, governance, and funding needs, and require a professional comparison to avoid over or under capitalisation. A lawyer can present a risk assessment and plan for future financing rounds.

  • You anticipate complex contracting with suppliers, customers, or joint venture partners in Hellerup and need robust contract templates and risk allocations. A solicitor can draft and review key commercial documents to protect your interests.

  • You are facing tax, accounting, and reporting obligations for a new business and want to set up bookkeeping, VAT registration, and annual reporting processes correctly. A legal counsel can coordinate with accountants and Skat to ensure compliance.

Local Laws Overview

The main legal framework for starting and operating Danish companies includes several core statutes and regulations. Here are two to three primary sources you should know when forming a business in Hellerup:

Selskabsloven (the Danish Companies Act) - Governs formation, governance, and dissolution of ApS and A/S, including capital requirements, board structures, and shareholder rights. This act is routinely updated; compliance depends on choosing the correct corporate form and maintaining proper governance.

Bogføringsloven (the Bookkeeping Act) - Sets accounting, auditing, and reporting standards for Danish businesses. It affects how you maintain books, prepare annual accounts, and interact with the Danish Tax Authority. Proper bookkeeping is essential for all new ventures and helps avoid penalties in audits.

Moms-loven (VAT Act) - Regulates value-added tax registration, reporting, and compliance for businesses that meet VAT thresholds. New ventures must register for VAT in Virk/Skat when applicable and file periodic VAT returns.

Recent digital enhancements to CVR registration and reporting have streamlined formation processes via Virk.dk, aligning with EU-style digital administration. Authorities emphasize clear ownership structures, transparent reporting, and prompt regulatory compliance for new entities. For local steps in Hellerup, consult Erhvervsstyrelsen and Virk guidance on registration and governance.

“CVR registration and ongoing reporting are centralized through the Virk portal to simplify compliance for Danish businesses.”

Source: Erhvervsstyrelsen, Virk, and Skat official resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ApS and A/S in Denmark?

An ApS is a private limited company with lower capital requirements and more limited share transferability. An A/S is a public limited company with higher capital needs and broader access to equity markets. Your choice affects governance, reporting, and investor expectations.

How do I start a new company in Hellerup, Denmark?

Begin by choosing the corporate form, drafting articles of association, and agreeing on a shareholder arrangement. Then register the company in the CVR via Virk, deposit the required capital, and complete any necessary tax registrations with Skat.

Do I need a Danish personal number to form a company?

Most founders will need a Danish or valid personal identification to sign documents and open bank accounts. Foreign founders may use a corporate signatory or authorized representative to complete filings. A local attorney can help coordinate identity verification and signing requirements.

How much capital is required to form an ApS in Denmark?

The minimum capital for an ApS is typically 40,000 DKK, which must be deposited before registration is completed. This capital may be contributed in cash or assets. Check the latest Virk guidance for precise requirements.

How long does CVR registration take for a new company?

Online CVR registration typically completes within a few hours to a couple of days once documents are in order. In complex cases or with foreign signatories, processing can extend to a week or more.

Do I need to hire a lawyer to form a company in Denmark?

You do not have to, but a lawyer can help draft the Articles of Association, prepare shareholder agreements, and ensure compliance with Selskabsloven. This reduces the risk of later disputes or regulatory issues.

What is a shareholder agreement and why is it needed?

A shareholder agreement outlines ownership, voting rights, transfer restrictions, and exit mechanisms. It helps prevent disputes when there are multiple founders or investors and aligns expectations before formation.

Can a foreign entrepreneur form a company in Denmark without residency?

Yes, a non-resident can form a Danish company with the proper signatories and representation. You may need additional documentation and a local attorney to coordinate signings and bank accounts.

Is a board of directors required for an ApS?

Yes, an ApS typically requires at least one director and may require a board depending on size or shareholder requirements. Larger governance structures impact reporting and compliance obligations.

When do I need to register for VAT in Denmark?

Register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold or when you anticipate cross-border sales. You can apply through Virk and Skat as part of your formation and ongoing compliance.

How much does it cost to form an ApS in Denmark?

Costs include the government registration fee and potential notary or lawyer fees. The online registration through Virk has a government fee modest in comparison to professional services; consult Virk for current rates.

Can I use a virtual address for CVR registration?

You may use a registered business address for CVR registration, but you must ensure it is a legitimate address for correspondence and legal notices. Some founders use serviced offices and virtual mailbox providers with proper documentation.

Additional Resources

  • Erhvervsstyrelsen - The Danish Business Authority oversees company formation, corporate governance, and licensing processes for businesses in Denmark. Website: erhvervsstyrelsen.dk
  • Virk - Official digital portal for businesses; handles CVR registration, articles of association, and other formation filings. Website: virk.dk
  • Skat - Danish Tax Authority managing VAT registration, corporate taxation, and reporting requirements for new businesses. Website: skat.dk

Next Steps

  1. Clarify your business form and governance needs by outlining founders, ownership shares, and control rights. This will guide your formation strategy and documents.

  2. Check name availability and prepare a preliminary Articles of Association aligned with Selskabsloven. Engage a lawyer to review and tailor it to your plan.

  3. Prepare required documents for CVR registration, including capital proof, director appointments, and shareholder agreements. Use Virk's templates if appropriate.

  4. Open a Danish bank account and arrange capital deposit in the chosen corporate form. Banks may require a local representation and due diligence documentation.

  5. Submit CVR registration online via Virk and complete any tax registrations with Skat. Monitor confirmation timelines and ensure all filings are complete.

  6. Set up an accounting system and appoint an auditor if needed. Ensure compliance with Bogføringsloven and prepare for annual reporting.

  7. Review ongoing regulatory obligations (VAT, annual general meetings, and reporting) with your attorney and accountant. Schedule regular compliance checks, especially in the first year.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

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