If you wish to buy a shelf company in Denmark, our experts will help you throughout each step of the process, from choosing the right shelf company for you to doing due diligence on it and performing all of the necessary corporate procedures. We also help those investors who would like to start a Danish company from scratch in incorporating the company and dealing with all of the corporate issues.
Table of Contents
What are the services that you provide?
Our specialists will be able to assist you in the process of shelf company acquisition or establishment in Denmark to ensure that all legal formalities are performed properly for our investors. Our specialist services include:
- recommendation of a proper legal form of your business;
- assist in the purchase of a shelf company or establishing of a new ApS;
- assistance in preparation and review of corporate documents;
- assistance in registration before the Danish Business Authority;
- assistance in VAT, tax and employer registrations;
- assistance in opening business bank account;
- post-establishment support of your business.
What are the shelf company requirements in Denmark in 2026?
Despite the incorporation of a shelf company, there will be the need for the new owner to adhere to the Danish corporate requirements prior to starting the business operations. These will normally include:
- completion of ownership transfer process and the shareholders and beneficial owners of the company;
- supplying the identification details for the shareholders and management;
- having a registered business address within Denmark;
- appointment of the company’s management;
- possessing the share capital documents of the company where necessary;
- registering for VAT, payroll tax or employer where the nature of the business operations demands such; and
- setting up of a business bank account in Denmark.
What documents do you need for buying a shelf company in Denmark in 2026?
The purchaser should typically prepare the following documentation:
- passport or other identification documents;
- documents proving the residential address;
- details of the shareholders and beneficial owners;
- new company name, if the name needs changing;
- details of business operations;
- registered office documentation, where appropriate.
What are the advantages of a shelf company in Denmark?
A shelf company in Denmark can bring the following advantages:
- credibility: a shelf company already has a track record, which can confer more credibility to clients and business partners;
- contracting government programs: most of the times, government contracts require a proven track record of the businesses involved;
- ability to attract investors: shelf companies in Denmark could attract investors more easily, since they were registered many years before;
- ability to get bank credits more quickly: because they have a history, shelf companies can obtain credits from banks more rapidly.
What are the taxes for a shelf company in Denmark?
A shelf company in Denmark will be subject to the same types of taxes as a newly incorporated company:
- 22% corporate income tax rate;
- 25% standard corporate income tax and 0% reduced rate for certain types of goods and services;
- DKK 12,000 – DKK 15,000 per year, per employee in social security contributions;
- 27% withholding tax on dividends paid to a resident company; a 5% reclaim can be submitted in some cases; a participation exemption can apply and in this case no withholding tax on dividends applies; there is no withholding tax on interest or royalties payments.
Which costs need to be taken into account when acquiring a shelf company in Denmark in 2026?
In addition to the cost of the shelf company in Denmark itself, other costs associated with setting up or changing the company have to be taken into consideration by the investors. The costs will comprise:
- legal and corporate advisor’s costs;
- costs of Danish Business Authority for necessary changes;
- VAT and tax registration services;
- opening of business bank account;
- accountancy services;
- services for registered office, if needed.
The minimum costs for incorporating a private limited company (ApS) in Denmark will be approximately DKK 3,000 plus VAT, without including the costs of share capital and registration. In case you would like to start a new company in Denmark, we can assist you in this matter, too.
What are the main reasons to buy a company in Denmark?
Some of the main reasons to invest in Denmark, either through purchasing a shelf company or through opening one, are the following:
- the investment climate: the country enjoys a stable political and economic climate and it has an AAA rating, as per the evaluations performed by the top credit rating agencies in the world;
- ease of doing business: the country is constantly included in the World Banks top countries for ease of doing business; in fact, it was the number one country in Europe for several years;
- accessibility: the country can serve as a base for many international companies that wish to establish their base in Europe and reach many European clients;
- connectivity: Denmark is well connected not only to Europe but also to the rest of the world; Copenhagen Airport offers direct routes to more than 180 destinations.
Contact us for more information about the advantages of the shelf company as well as for complete assistance when purchasing one.