Starting a business is a big step. But, as always, we’re here to help. We've put together a checklist with some of the key steps you should get through before you're ready to bring your business to life. Here’s a preview of what you need before you start your business:
We get it. You have a great idea and are raring to get going. But let’s take a breath and make sure you have everything in order first. Before you launch your company, it's a smart move to test your business concept. Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
If the answers encourage you, it's time to craft your presentation. Your pitch. This should clearly and simply explain your idea to everyone, from friends and family to potential investors. Test your pitch out on your close ones before you move on to potential investors. And stay open to the feedback you get.
Consider any objections and make sure you have solid answers. You can also try testing your idea with a simple webshop. This allows you to collect data and feedback about your product or service, giving you an initial sense of whether your idea can become a success.
Your company name should be unique and reflect both you and your mission. If you want to know if a company name is already taken, you can look it up in the Danish Central Business Register (CVR) . Remember to also check if your desired domain name is available.
Before you can get started, you have to choose a business type. The main options are a personally-owned business or a limited company. If you have a personally-owned business, you are personally liable for the company's debts and obligations. If you have a limited company, you have limited liability, meaning you are only liable for the capital you invest in the company.
This is a straightforward way to get started, as you won’t need to invest any capital. The main types are:
Key takeaways for personally-owned businesses:
If you want to start a limited company, a popular option is the private limited company (Anpartsselskab - ApS). This is a very common business structure in Denmark. The requirements to start an ApS are higher than for personally-owned businesses, but on the other hand, an ApS gives you access to several tax advantages.
Key takeaways for private limited companies (ApS):
Functions as a separate legal entity.
Get a CVR number hassle-free and free of charge.
Lunar and The Ramp teamed up to get rid of all the paperwork and make getting your CVR and business account effortless. All in one go.
*Based on typical fees charged by other CVR service providers; actual savings may differ.
For most entrepreneurs, the initial funding comes from personal savings, friends, or family. Every successful business started out small, remember that. You can also explore grants, business angels, or other investors. It’s important not to underestimate your financial needs. That’s why you need to have a handle on your:
Know your numbers first. Then, get external financing if you need it.
Think of your business plan as your company’s playbook. It’s your guide for how you will develop and run the business, both now and in the future. It helps you clarify your thoughts, manage your to-do list, and gather information about potential customers and competitors. In short, it has all the information you need to seek external financing. This plan should, at a minimum, include:
As a business owner, you must track expenses, income, VAT, and tax reporting. It might seem like a lot, but remember that there are many tools (and a friendly digital bank) out there to help you. You have two main options:
Whatever you choose, your accounting must follow the Danish Bookkeeping Act and other requirements for your business type. Remember to always save your receipts and documentation. This will save you a lot of time and trouble.
When you start a business, there are several insurance policies to consider. For instance, workplace injury insurance is a legal requirement to cover you and your employees in case of an accident. If you have a company car, liability insurance is also legally required. And if you have a physical location, it’s a good idea to get fire insurance. You never know, right? This is not legally required, but it's a requirement from almost all financial institutions. It’s good if you research the matter further yourself, and you might also want to contact a professional advisor. There are many rules regarding insurance.
If you’ve already done all of these steps, all you need to do is get a CVR number. A CVR number is a must-have for all Danish companies. You can't get a business bank account or insurance without it.
Don’t have a CVR number? We got you. If you need a CVR number, you can get one fast and without the hassle of doing it yourself. If you apply for one of our business accounts, you can get free CVR registration with our partner. The entire registration process will be handled for you, whether it's a sole proprietorship or an ApS. No long forms, no fees, no waiting. That way, you can get everything done in one go. And get started with your business as fast as possible. Apply now and get help creating a CVR number.
Traditional banks can be slow and expensive for entrepreneurs like yourself. But Lunar is here to change that. We offer the cheapest business accounts in Denmark*, with a 0 DKK setup fee. Apply easily online today and get ready for the journey of a lifetime. A journey filled with less banking and more business.
*The comparison was made on 13/03/2025 and is based on first-year expenses for nationwide banks. The comparison is limited to banks with publicly available prices, where the setup fee and annual subscription are clearly stated.
Lunar offers Denmark's most affordable business account for entrepreneurs and the self-employed. Too many founders find that traditional banks are slow and difficult to work with, and that getting a business account is expensive. That's not the case with us. We make managing your finances easy and affordable, so you can minimize routine tasks and grow your business faster.
Are you about to start your company, or are you already up and running? With Lunar, you get an affordable business account with a DKK 0 setup fee, and you can apply easily online today.
Last updated: 24/07/2025. We have compiled general information, but there may be specific rules or circumstances applicable to you and your business that you should be aware of.
