CPR Number in Denmark: How to Get Yours as an Expat
Your CPR number is the key to almost everything in Denmark. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, access healthcare, sign an employment contract, or use most digital services. Getting it sorted within your first week in the country is one of the most important things you can do as a new arrival.
This guide explains what the CPR number is, whether you need one, and exactly how to get it.
What is a CPR number?
CPR stands for Det Centrale Personregister, which translates as the Central Personal Register. It is a unique ten-digit identification number assigned to everyone who registers as a resident in Denmark.
The format is DDMMYY-XXXX, where the first six digits are your date of birth and the last four are a unique identifier.
Your CPR number is used for:
Healthcare (accessing your GP and hospital services)
Employment (required by all employers before you can be paid)
Banking (required to open a Danish bank account)
Tax registration with SKAT
Digital services via MitID and e-Boks
Phone contracts, utility registrations, and most private services
Do you need a CPR number?
Yes, if you are staying in Denmark for more than three months (or more than six months for EU, EEA, and Nordic citizens), you are legally required to register and receive a CPR number.
If you are staying for a shorter period, you may be able to use a P-code instead for limited digital access. A P-code is an eight-digit temporary identification code for people without a Danish CPR number. However, a P-code does not give you access to healthcare, employment registration, or a Danish bank account. For anyone living and working in Denmark, the CPR number is essential.
Before you can apply: what you need first
You cannot apply for a CPR number until you have a permanent Danish address. A permanent address means a signed rental contract or confirmation from a landlord for a period of at least one month.
Staying in a hotel, hostel, or short-term rental does not qualify. Sorting your accommodation before you apply is not just practical, it is a requirement.
What documents to bring
Bring originals, not copies:
Valid passport or national ID card
Signed rental contract or written confirmation from your landlord
Employment contract, university enrollment letter, or other proof of your reason for being in Denmark
For non-EU citizens: your residence permit (you must have this before applying)
For families registering together: marriage certificate and birth certificates for children
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at nyidanmark.dk or consult a qualified immigration lawyer for your specific situation.
Step by step: how to get your CPR number
Step 1: Book an appointment
You must register in person. Book an appointment at an International Citizen Service (ICS) or your local Borgerservice centre.
Appointments at ICS centres are recommended for internationals as staff speak English. Locations are available in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg. Waiting times for appointments can be several weeks in larger cities, so book as soon as you have a confirmed Danish address.
Book at: borger.dk
Step 2: Attend your appointment
Bring all documents listed above. The appointment takes 20 to 30 minutes. A case officer will check your documents, confirm your address in the civil register, and process your registration.
Step 3: Receive your CPR number
In most cases your CPR number is issued the same day, either confirmed verbally or provided in writing at the appointment.
Step 4: Receive your yellow health card
Within two to four weeks of registration, you will receive your yellow sundhedskort (health insurance card) by post. This card confirms your CPR number and shows which GP you have been assigned.
The five-day rule
Once you have a permanent address in Denmark, you are legally required to register within five days. This applies whether you have just signed a lease or moved into long-term housing. Do not wait. Book your appointment as soon as your address is confirmed, even if the appointment itself falls after the five-day window.
What to do immediately after getting your CPR number
Once you have your CPR number, your next priorities are:
1. Set up MitID for digital access to all Danish services
2. Designate a NemKonto to receive public payments
3. Register with a GP
Key takeaways
A CPR number is legally required for anyone staying in Denmark more than three months
You need a permanent Danish address before you can apply
Book your appointment at borger.dk well in advance, ideally before you arrive
The number is usually issued the same day at your appointment
Your yellow health card arrives by post within two to four weeks
Sources
Borger.dk CPR registration: https://www.borger.dk
CPR.dk: https://www.cpr.dk
Life in Denmark: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/theme/when-you-arrive
Copenhagen Expats CPR guide: https://copenhagenexpats.com/expat-essentials/cpr-number/
Study in Denmark CPR guide: https://studyindenmark.dk/live-in-denmark/permits-visas-red-tape/how-do-i-get-a-danish-id-number-cpr