Business guide
Danish CVR register explained:
how to read a virk.dk extract
Denne side er også tilgængelig på dansk: Virk-udtog forklaret →
Key fields in a CVR extract
| Field (Danish) | What it means |
|---|---|
| CVR-nummer | The company's unique 8-digit registration number. Permanent identifier — never changes. |
| Navn | The registered company name. |
| Virksomhedsform | Legal form — e.g., ApS, A/S, I/S, enkeltmandsvirksomhed (sole trader). |
| Status | Active (Aktiv), dissolved (Opløst), or under bankruptcy proceedings. |
| Stiftelsesdato | Founding date. |
| Formål | Registered business purpose — what the company is legally authorised to do. |
| Tegningsregel | Who is authorised to bind the company legally. Critical before signing contracts. |
| Direktion | The company's director(s) by name. |
| Kapital | Registered share capital. |
| P-nummer | Production unit number — identifies specific locations/branches. |
The tegningsregel — who can sign?
The tegningsregel is the most important field if you are entering a contract. It defines exactly who has authority to commit the company legally.
- Direktionen alene — any single director can sign alone
- Direktionen i forening — all directors must sign together
- To bestyrelsesmedlemmer i forening — two board members must sign jointly
- En direktør i forening med et bestyrelsesmedlem — one director and one board member together
If the person signing a contract with you is not authorised under the tegningsregel, the contract may not be binding on the company. Always verify.
Danish company types
| Type | Full name | Min. capital | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApS | Anpartsselskab | 40,000 DKK | Private limited company. Most common form for SMEs. |
| A/S | Aktieselskab | 400,000 DKK | Public limited company. Used for larger firms. |
| I/S | Interessentskab | None | Partnership. Partners bear unlimited personal liability. |
| ENK | Enkeltmandsvirksomhed | None | Sole trader. Owner bears unlimited personal liability. |
| K/S | Kommanditselskab | None | Limited partnership. One general partner + limited partners. |
Red flags to check
- Status not "Aktiv": A dissolved or bankrupt company cannot enter valid contracts
- Very recently founded: A company founded days ago has no track record
- Signing rule requires multiple signatories but only one signs: Potentially invalid contract
- Registered purpose is very narrow: The contract may fall outside what the company is authorised to do
- Minimal capital for an ApS: 40,000 DKK is the legal minimum — offers limited recourse if the company fails
Understand a company document
Upload a virk extract, CVR printout or other company document to Elify. We explain what it means and what to watch for — in plain English.
Analyse my document free →Frequently asked questions
What is a CVR number?
A unique 8-digit Danish business registration number. Every business entity has one. Free to look up at virk.dk.
What is the tegningsregel?
The signing rule — who is legally authorised to bind the company. Before signing a contract with a company, verify the signatory has authority under the tegningsregel.
What is the difference between ApS and A/S?
ApS (private limited, min. 40,000 DKK capital) is the most common SME form. A/S (public limited, min. 400,000 DKK) is used for larger companies. Both limit shareholder liability.
What is a p-number?
A production unit number identifying a specific physical location. A company can have one CVR but multiple p-numbers — one per site. Payroll and workplace filings are tied to p-numbers.
What should I check before signing a contract with a Danish company?
Confirm the company is active, check the tegningsregel matches who is signing, and verify the signatory's name and role. Do it at virk.dk — free, 30 seconds.