Building in Denmark

Danish Construction Law for International Contractors

The Danish construction sector is currently an attractive and dynamic market for foreign contractors. However, the Danish construction law framework differs in important ways from many other jurisdictions, and these differences can have a direct impact on risk, pricing, and project delivery for international companies working in Denmark.^[0]

About the briefing

This event offers a practical, business-focused introduction to the Danish construction law system for international contractors and project stakeholders. You will be guided through the key contractual standards and legal concepts you are likely to encounter when tendering for and executing construction projects in Denmark, with a particular focus on avoiding the classic pitfalls where time and money are most often lost.^[0]

Who should attend?

• Foreign contractors considering entering the Danish market
• International project managers and contract managers involved in Danish projects
• In-house counsel and legal advisors supporting construction operations in Denmark
• Consultants and engineers who work with Danish standard conditions and cross-border contracts

What the event covers

The briefing provides an overview of the construction law issues you need to be aware of as an international contractor carrying out works in Denmark. You will explore AB 18 and ABT 18 in practice, understand how they operate in real projects, and see how they compare to the FIDIC standard forms many international players are familiar with. Particular attention is given to the points where projects often run into difficulty: notification of additional works and extensions of time, documentation requirements, liquidated damages, security, handover and liability for defects.^[0]

Beyond the contract itself, the session also addresses the wider regulatory framework that shapes construction projects in Denmark. This includes public procurement rules where the employer is a public body, labour clauses and chain liability, RUT registration, and the posting of workers. Throughout, you will see concrete examples from both Danish and international projects, together with a walk-through of the mistakes most frequently made by foreign contractors on their first Danish project.^[0]

Key takeaways

By the end of the event, you will have:

• A clear overview of the Danish system of agreed documents – AB 18, ABT 18 and ABR 18 – and an understanding of why it matters that these conditions are not legislation but contractually agreed, and are often modified in the tender documents.^[0]
• An understanding of the central differences between AB 18 and FIDIC, including the allocation of roles between employer, consultant and contractor, and why Danish construction law has no "Engineer" role in the FIDIC sense.^[0]
• Practical insight into notification and documentation requirements for additional works and extensions of time – and what happens to a claim if notice is not given in the correct form or within the required timeframe.^[0]
• An overview of rules on liquidated damages, security, payment, handover, inspections and liability for defects, including the specific Danish time limits that can significantly affect project risk and cost allocation.^[0]
• Familiarity with the Danish dispute resolution system, including the dispute resolution ladder, negotiation, mediation, expert survey and appraisal, fast-track decisions and arbitration – and how the choice and sequencing of these mechanisms can influence project economics and strategy.^[0]
• A practical checklist of regulatory and employment law matters that must be in place before work commences in Denmark, helping you structure internal processes and compliance efforts before mobilising on site.^[0]

Why attend?

Entering a new legal and contractual environment without preparation can quickly erode project margins and damage client relationships. This briefing is designed to give international contractors and their advisors a realistic picture of how Danish construction law works in practice, where the main risks lie, and how to navigate them confidently. With concrete examples, common pitfalls and actionable guidance, you will be better equipped to price, negotiate and deliver projects successfully in Denmark.^[0]