FirstServe Startup DK logo

Launch Your Business in Denmark The Right Way.

From company registration to opening day. We handle the system. You focus on what you do best.

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Why FirstServe?

✓ Everything Handled for You

  • Company registration (ApS, CVR, VAT)
  • Food authority compliance
  • HACCP documentation
  • Staff training & certifications
  • Pre-opening audit
  • POS system setup

✓ No Language Barrier

  • Most forms in Danish
  • We translate & handle everything
  • No need for Danish language skills
  • Direct communication with authorities
  • All documentation in English

✓ Proven Track Record

  • 100+ restaurants launched
  • 6-7 month typical timeline
  • 98% inspection pass rate (first inspection)
  • Specialized in restaurant & food business

How Long Does It Take?

Simple timeline - 3 main phases to opening day

Phase 1: Foundation

Weeks 1-8

  • ApS registration: 1-2 weeks
  • CVR & VAT: 1 week
  • Premises search & lease: 4-6 weeks

Approx. 1,749 DKK + deposit costs

Phase 2: Approvals

Weeks 8-16

  • DVFA registration & approval: 4 weeks
  • Alcohol license (if needed): 4-6 weeks
  • Municipality permits: 2-3 weeks
  • Kitchen build-out: 3-8 weeks (parallel)

Phase 3: Launch

Weeks 16-24

  • Staff hiring & training: 2-4 weeks
  • POS setup & testing: 1 week
  • Final inspection: 1 week
  • Soft opening: 1-2 weeks

OPENING DAY: Week 24 🎉

Typical Total: 5-7 months

The Real Costs

Clear breakdown of startup investment

Company Setup

  • ApS registration: 1,749 DKK (FirstServe package) vs 4,000+ DKK (attorney)
  • CVR & VAT: Included
  • Capital requirement: 20,000 DKK minimum

Location & Build

  • Lease deposit: 100,000-300,000 DKK
  • Kitchen build-out: 150,000-500,000 DKK
  • Equipment: 100,000-300,000 DKK

Approvals & Compliance

  • DVFA registration: Free (part of FirstServe)
  • Alcohol license: 0-5,000 DKK
  • Staff training: 2,000-5,000 DKK per employee
  • Insurance: 10,000-30,000 DKK/year

First 6 Months Operating

  • Rent, utilities, staff, food, marketing
  • 300,000-1,000,000 DKK

TOTAL STARTUP INVESTMENT

700,000 - 2,500,000 DKK

(depending on concept)

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Learn from others' expensive errors

❌ Building kitchen before DVFA approval

✅ FirstServe Solution: We get pre-approval drawings before any build

❌ Hiring staff before approval

✅ FirstServe Solution: We coordinate timing - staff trained post-approval

❌ Not documenting HACCP system

✅ FirstServe Solution: We provide complete HACCP templates & documentation

❌ Wrong waste disposal contract

✅ FirstServe Solution: We coordinate with municipality-approved providers

❌ Operating before final inspection

✅ FirstServe Solution: We conduct thorough pre-opening audit first

❌ Alcohol license issues

✅ FirstServe Solution: We handle all documentation & coordinate with police/municipality

💰

The Real Cost of Business Startup in Denmark (Restaurant Focus)

Understanding the full financial picture before you start

💼 Company Registration (ApS)

40,000 DKK minimum capital investment (can be equipment, not just cash)

🏢 First Location Costs

100,000-2,000,000 DKK - 6 months rent deposit + first month + potential key money

✅ DVFA Registration & Approval

Typically free for registration, but consultants charge 280 DKK/hour

Kitchen approval varies by premises (pre-approved kitchen = faster)

👥 Staff Training & Certifications

2,000-5,000 DKK per employee

💻 POS System Setup

10,000-50,000 DKK

🍴 Initial Stock & Equipment

150,000-500,000 DKK depending on concept

📊 First 6 Months Operating Cost

300,000-1,000,000 DKK (rent, utilities, staff, food)

Total Startup Investment

600,000 - 2,000,000+ DKK

Average time to profitability: 12-24 months

Our Packages

Clear pricing - no surprise hourly rates

⭐

StarterServe Pack

12,500 DKK

Legal & regulatory basics

  • ApS registration, CVR, VAT
  • Food authority registration
  • Basic hygiene plan
  • 1 consultation

Save 2,000 DKK vs. traditional attorney

Choose Package
🔥

FirstServe Full Launch

48,000 DKK

Complete setup (most popular)

  • Everything in StarterServe +
  • Kitchen layout review
  • Full HACCP documentation
  • SOP package
  • POS setup guidance
  • Pre-opening audit

Save 5,000 DKK vs. individual consultants

Choose Package
👑

Turnkey Setup

75,000 DKK

A-Z project management

  • Everything in Full Launch +
  • Interior contractor coordination
  • Equipment sourcing help
  • Soft-opening supervision
  • On-site opening day support

Complete peace of mind

Choose Package
📜

What Denmark Requires Before You Open (Restaurant & Food Focus)

A comprehensive breakdown of mandatory compliance requirements for food businesses

🏛️ Food Authority Registration (DVFA)

  • Register all food businesses with Danish Veterinary & Food Administration
  • Form submission via BusinessInDenmark.virk.dk
  • Automatic registration for low-risk activities (most takeaways/restaurants)
  • Approval needed for animal products, slaughter, specialized items
  • 4-week response time typical
  • Inspection after approval before operating allowed

🧼 Hygiene & HACCP

  • Documented HACCP system (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
  • Kitchen layout must show clean/dirty zone separation
  • Temperature monitoring: fridge 0-4°C, freezer -18°C documented daily
  • Cleaning schedules: detailed plans for each surface/equipment
  • Staff health requirements: no work if sick with food-borne illness
  • Hand-washing protocols documented
  • Regular own-checks required - logged and kept 3 years

🍺 Alcohol License

  • If serving alcohol: separate approval from municipality + police
  • Requirements vary by region (Copenhagen stricter than rural)
  • "Skjænkebevilling" (serving license) required for all alcoholic beverages
  • Responsible manager training required (3-day course, ~2,500 DKK)
  • Police background check standard
  • Outdoor service hours often restricted

🔥 Fire Safety & Insurance

  • Fire exit routes, signage, extinguishers required
  • Inspection by fire department often required
  • Public liability insurance mandatory (minimum coverage ~5M DKK)
  • Employer's liability insurance required
  • Business insurance typical cost: 10,000-30,000 DKK/year

📋 Permits & Licenses

  • Business permit from municipality
  • Outdoor seating permit (if applicable)
  • Food business license (separate from general business)
  • Music license if playing music (KODA or Gramex)
  • Waste disposal contract (mandatory)
  • Utility agreements (electricity, gas, water)

👥 Staff & Compliance

  • Food hygiene training certificate per staff member (8 hours online, ~800 DKK)
  • Employment contracts must follow Danish labor law
  • Work schedule records kept 3 years
  • Payroll registration via SKAT Erhverv required
  • CPR numbers for all employees

Ready to Open Your Business in Denmark?

Book Your Free 20-Minute Consultation