Given Denmark’s well-known fiscal rigor, understanding the direct costs of company creation and annual maintenance is crucial for business owners considering an Anpartsselskab (ApS), Denmark’s standard private limited company. Below is a data-backed breakdown for 2025, highlighting the upfront and recurring charges of establishing and sustaining a company in Denmark.
Average Company Formation Costs in Denmark
The setup costs for an ApS are mostly standardized and primarily comprise a legal minimum capital requirement, a state filing fee, and professional fees for legal assistance and documentation. Here are the core figures:
| Cost Item | Amount (DKK) | USD Equivalent* ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 40,000 DKK | $5,900 |
| Registration fee (Erhvervsstyrelsen) | 670 DKK | $99 |
| Average lawyer fees (formation, documentation, advice) | 3,330 DKK | $492 |
| Total Average Creation Cost | 44,000 DKK | $6,491 |
* Conversion rate: 1 DKK = 0.1475 USD (Q1 2025)
The statutory capital (40,000 DKK) must be deposited upon formation; it constitutes company equity and is not a sunk administrative cost. The lawyer and registration fees (together 4,000 DKK+ or ~$600+) are generally non-recoverable expenditures.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs
Yearly corporate upkeep in Denmark can fluctuate depending on the complexity of operations, but core annual obligations center around accounting, auditing, and compliance:
| Cost Item | Amount Range (DKK/year) | USD Equivalent ($/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting/auditing services | 6,000 DKK | $885 |
| Annual reporting/filing fee (Digital self-service only) |
0 DKK | $0 |
| Optional legal/accounting advisory (Recommended for compliance) |
0–9,000 DKK | $0–$1,327 |
| Total Annual Maintenance | 6,000–15,000 DKK | $885–$2,212 |
Mandatory accounting or audit services (from 6,000 DKK a year, or about $885) are the largest predictable annual expense. Advisory costs can increase the annual total toward 15,000 DKK (~$2,212), especially if you opt for regular professional compliance or tax advice. Annual filing is free when using digital platforms; otherwise, these tasks are typically handled as part of your accountant’s ongoing fee.
Typical ApS Costs Breakdown (2025)
- Initial creation cost (including capital): 44,000 DKK ($6,491)
- Annual maintenance (basic to premium): 6,000–15,000 DKK ($885–$2,212)
It’s important to budget for the mandatory share capital as part of your setup—this remains company equity, not a recurring outflow.
Pro Tips for Managing Company Creation and Maintenance Costs in Denmark
- Leverage digital filing tools: Utilize the official platforms for company filings to avoid unnecessary administrative fees—digital services are free, and paperwork is streamlined for ApS formation and annual reporting.
- Structure the equity smartly: While the minimum capital is 40,000 DKK, efficient structuring can maximize operational liquidity and tax efficiency; experienced accountants familiar with Danish company law are essential.
- Outsource only as necessary: Minimize early-stage advisory costs by focusing on core legal and accounting requirements. Additional consultancy should be rationed unless your industry or structure is especially complex.
- Monitor annual advisory spend: If operating on a tight budget, review how much you allocate to ongoing accounting or legal services; some compliance tasks can be automated or handled in-house as the company matures.
- Track compliance deadlines: Danish authorities are stringent about timely reporting. Set reminders for all filings or delegate to a local service provider to avoid late penalties.
Relevant Official Sources
The main takeaways for 2025: Denmark’s ApS company formation process is straightforward but capital-intensive, with minimum setup costs around 44,000 DKK ($6,491) and annual maintenance from 6,000 to 15,000 DKK ($885–$2,212). Most recurring fees go toward accounting and audit compliance, while state fees are minimal, particularly for digital submissions. Careful planning can keep overheads reasonable given the high regulatory standards Denmark applies to limited liability companies.