Best New Business Formation Lawyers in Tommerup

About New Business Formation Law in Tommerup, Denmark

Starting a business in Tommerup follows the same national legal framework that applies throughout Denmark, with some local administrative steps handled by Assens Municipality. Key legal steps include choosing a legal form, registering the business in the Central Business Register (CVR), meeting tax and VAT obligations, and complying with local planning, health, safety, and environmental rules. Denmark has clear rules for company formation, mandatory registrations, and statutory reporting and employment obligations. Many processes are handled digitally and require secure digital identification.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help reduce risk, ensure compliance, and save time when you are forming a new business. Common situations where legal help is useful include:

- Choosing the right company form based on liability, tax and investment needs.

- Drafting articles of association, shareholders agreements, partner agreements, or founder contracts.

- Structuring ownership, founder equity, investor terms and exit provisions.

- Ensuring regulatory compliance for specific activities, for example food handling, environmental permits, or professional licensing.

- Handling contracts with suppliers, customers and employees, including employment contracts and non-compete, confidentiality or IP assignment clauses.

- Resolving disputes between founders or early investors.

- Advising on cross-border issues, transfers of assets or immigration questions for foreign founders.

Local Laws Overview

This section summarizes the key legal topics particularly relevant for forming a business in Tommerup.

- Legal forms. Common Danish company types include sole proprietorship (Enkeltmandsvirksomhed), general partnership (Interessentskab, I/S), private limited company (Anpartsselskab, ApS) and public limited company (Aktieselskab, A/S). ApS and A/S are separate legal entities with limited liability; ApS typically requires a minimum share capital and is the most common choice for small to medium businesses.

- Capital requirements. The statutory minimum share capital is required for certain company types. For example, an ApS generally requires a minimum capital contribution and an A/S requires a larger minimum capital.

- Registration and reporting. All businesses that trade as a company must register in the CVR. Companies must file annual accounts with the Danish Business Authority and comply with bookkeeping and audit rules that depend on company size.

- Tax and VAT. Businesses must register for taxation and, where applicable, VAT. The standard VAT rate in Denmark is a flat percentage applied to most taxable sales. Employers also have payroll withholding obligations and must make social contributions and pension contributions on behalf of staff.

- Employment law. Danish employment rules cover contracts, termination, notice periods, collective agreements, working time and health and safety. Some sectors are strongly influenced by collective bargaining agreements.

- Local permits and planning. Assens Municipality oversees local planning and building permits, local environmental rules and business permits. Specific activities such as food services, waste handling or regulated trades may need approvals from the relevant national or municipal authority.

- Intellectual property. Trade names, trademarks and designs may be protected through national registration with the Danish patent and trademark authority or by international registrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What company form should I choose for a small business in Tommerup?

Choice depends on liability tolerance, tax treatment and capital needs. Many small businesses choose an ApS for limited liability and professional structure. Sole proprietorships are simpler and cheaper to start but expose the owner to unlimited personal liability. Consult a lawyer or accountant to choose the best form for your situation.

How do I register my business in Denmark?

You register the company in the Central Business Register (CVR) through the national digital business registration system. Registration requires identification using the national digital ID system and submission of required documents such as articles of association for incorporated companies.

Do I need to register for VAT?

Most businesses selling goods or services that are subject to VAT must register for VAT and charge the applicable VAT rate on sales. You should review whether your activities are taxable, exempt or zero-rated and register with the tax authorities if required.

What capital is required to form an ApS or an A/S?

Different company types have statutory minimum capital. An ApS requires a minimum registered capital and an A/S requires a higher minimum. Exact amounts are set by law and can change, so confirm current figures with a lawyer or an official source before incorporating.

What permits do I need from Assens Municipality when starting a business in Tommerup?

Permits depend on the business type. Typical requirements include local planning and building permits for premises, environmental approvals for certain operations, and health inspections for food businesses. Contact the municipal business or planning office to check specific permit needs.

How do I protect my brand and intellectual property?

Consider registering trade names and trademarks with the national patent and trademark authority. For unique technology or processes, evaluate patent protection. Use clear contracts to ensure IP created by employees or contractors is assigned to the company.

What are my obligations as an employer?

Employers must register employees, withhold payroll taxes, make social contributions and pension payments as required, comply with occupational health and safety rules and adhere to employment contract and termination rules. Sector-specific collective agreements may add obligations.

How much will it cost to form a company?

Costs vary by company form and complexity. Expect fees for registration, legal and accounting advice, possible capital requirements, notary or administrative charges and ongoing compliance costs such as bookkeeping and annual reporting. Obtain an upfront estimate from your adviser.

Can non-Danish residents start a business in Tommerup?

Yes. Foreign nationals can set up businesses in Denmark but should consider requirements for residence and work permits, cross-border tax issues and the need for Danish digital identification for registration. Legal advice is recommended for cross-border founders.

What are the filing deadlines and consequences of non-compliance?

Companies must file annual accounts and comply with tax and VAT reporting deadlines. Deadlines and required disclosures depend on company type and size. Failure to meet filing or reporting obligations can result in fines, loss of rights and in serious cases, criminal liability for responsible persons.

Additional Resources

When you need official information or administrative help, consider these types of resources:

- The Danish Business Authority and the national business registration and guidance services for CVR and company law information.

- The Danish Tax Agency for registration, VAT and employer tax obligations.

- Assens Municipality for local planning, building permits and municipal business services relevant to Tommerup.

- The Danish Patent and Trademark Authority for trademark and design registration.

- Sectoral authorities such as the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration for food businesses and the Danish Working Environment Authority for workplace safety.

- Local business networks, chambers of commerce and industry associations for practical guidance and peer support.

- Accountants and business advisers for tax planning and bookkeeping systems.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance to form a business in Tommerup, follow these practical steps:

- Gather basic information: business activity, who the founders are, estimated turnover, planned employees and premises.

- Decide on a preferred company form and initial ownership structure.

- Book an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in Danish company law. Ask for a clear scope of work, estimated timeline and fees.

- Prepare founding documents with your lawyer: articles of association, shareholder agreements and any investor documents.

- Register the company in the CVR and arrange required digital identification for founders and managers.

- Register for tax and VAT, open a business bank account and set up accounting and payroll systems with an accountant.

- Apply for any local permits from Assens Municipality and sectoral approvals if needed, and confirm compliance with employment obligations if you will hire staff.

Taking these steps with professional legal and accounting support will help ensure a compliant and efficient business start in Tommerup.