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What is a CVR number?

A CVR number is the unique, eight-digit identifier that every registered Danish business has in the Central Business Register (Det Centrale Virksomhedsregister, CVR). The number stays with the business for life, and it is the most reliable way to find exactly the company you are looking for — names can repeat, CVR numbers cannot.

What the CVR number is

CVR stands for Det Centrale Virksomhedsregister — the Central Business Register — operated by the Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen). Every company, association and other legal entity registered in Denmark is assigned a CVR number at registration, from sole proprietorships to listed corporations.

The number is permanent: it does not change when the business changes name, address or owners, and it is not reused for other businesses. That is why the CVR number is used as the key in everything from invoices and contracts to public registers.

The format: eight digits

A CVR number is always eight digits — no letters, no spaces. One example is 37677892, which belongs to Risika A/S. In everyday use it is written as "CVR 37677892" or "CVR-nr. 37677892".

The CVR number is also the basis of the Danish VAT number: VAT-registered businesses use the country code DK followed by the eight digits, e.g. DK37677892.

How to look up a CVR number

You can search by company name or CVR number straight from the Denmark front page — the profile shows registration details, filings, key ratios, roles and corporate hierarchy. You can also browse every registered company alphabetically in the company directory.

The official source is the CVR register at datacvr.virk.dk — the data on Riskpilot originates there, via the Risika data platform. Read more under data sources & methodology.

What is public?

The CVR register is public. For any registered business, anyone can see:

  • Name, address and legal form (e.g. ApS or A/S).
  • Status — active, in bankruptcy, dissolved — and the incorporation date.
  • Industry code and stated purpose.
  • Management, board and registered ownership.
  • Annual reports, for businesses with a filing duty.

Want to know what to look for in the numbers? Start with the guide Check a company for free.

Frequently asked questions

How many digits does a CVR number have?

Eight. A CVR number is always eight digits with no letters or spaces, e.g. 37677892.

Is the CVR number the same as the VAT number?

Almost. The Danish VAT number is the country code DK followed by the CVR number's eight digits, e.g. DK37677892. The CVR number itself is just the digits.

Do sole proprietorships have a CVR number?

Yes — every business registered in the Central Business Register has a CVR number, including sole proprietorships.

Does it cost anything to look up a CVR number?

No. The CVR register is public, and lookups on Riskpilot are free.