MitID in Denmark: What It Is and How to Set It Up
If you are moving to Denmark or have recently arrived, MitID is one of the first things you need to set up. Without it, you cannot access online banking, file your taxes, sign contracts digitally, or log in to most Danish public services.
This guide explains what MitID is, what you need it for, and how to set it up step by step, whether or not you have a Danish CPR number yet.
What is MitID in Denmark?
MitID (short for “Mit ID,” meaning “My ID” in Danish) is Denmark’s national electronic identification system. It replaced the previous system, NemID, which was permanently shut down in June 2023. If you are arriving in Denmark now, MitID is the only digital ID system in use.
MitID works as a digital passport for all official online activity in Denmark. When a Danish website or service needs to verify your identity, it redirects you to MitID to confirm who you are. You approve the request through the MitID app on your phone using a PIN or biometric scan.
What do you need MitID for?
MitID is required for almost every official digital interaction in Denmark. You will need it to:
Log in to e-Boks (Denmark’s official digital post system, where all government correspondence is sent)
Access SKAT to view and file your Danish tax return
Log in to online banking with Danish banks
Sign contracts digitally
Access services from your municipality online
Use MobilePay, Denmark’s dominant mobile payment app
Access insurance providers, pension funds, and many private sector services
Without MitID, you are effectively locked out of Denmark’s digital infrastructure. It is not optional.
What you need before you start
Before setting up MitID, make sure you have the following:
A smartphone (iOS or Android) with an updated operating system capable of NFC scanning
A valid passport or international ID card containing a chip
Either a Danish CPR number or a P-code (explained below)
A quick note on CPR numbers and P-codes
Two terms come up throughout this guide, so it helps to understand them before you begin.
CPR number: Denmark’s personal identification number, a ten-digit code assigned to everyone who registers as a resident. It is required for almost every official interaction in the country, from opening a bank account to accessing healthcare. If you have recently arrived in Denmark, getting your CPR number is one of your first priorities.
P-code: An eight-digit temporary identification code for people who do not yet have a CPR number, such as those who have just arrived or non-residents doing business in Denmark. A P-code gives you limited access to Danish digital services while you complete your registration.
Option 1: Setting up MitID with a CPR number
Once you have your CPR number, setting up MitID is straightforward and takes around ten minutes.
1. Download the MitID app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
2. Open the app and select “Get MitID”
3. Choose “Set up with passport”
4. Scan the chip in your passport using your phone’s NFC reader
5. Complete a face scan to confirm your identity matches your passport photo
6. Create a PIN code for the app
7. Your MitID is now active
You can also set up MitID in person at any Borgerservice (citizen service centre) if your phone is not compatible or if you prefer face-to-face assistance.
Practical tip: If you are attending your CPR registration appointment at Borgerservice, ask to set up MitID at the same appointment. Many centres offer this as part of the registration process, saving you a separate visit.
Option 2: Setting up MitID without a CPR number
If you do not yet have a Danish CPR number, you can still get MitID using a P-code. This is relevant if you are a foreign business owner, a new arrival waiting for your CPR registration appointment, or a non-resident who needs access to Danish digital services.
1. Download the MitID app
2. Select “Get MitID using passport”
3. Scan your passport chip and complete the face scan
4. Enter your P-code when prompted
5. Create your PIN and activate MitID
Important: A P-code does not give you the same level of access as a CPR-linked MitID. Some services, particularly tax filing and Danish bank accounts, still require a CPR number. The P-code version of MitID is a temporary solution while you complete your registration in Denmark.
How the MitID app works day to day
Once set up, using MitID is simple. When a Danish service asks you to log in, your phone receives a push notification. Open the app, approve the login with your PIN or face/fingerprint scan, and the service confirms your identity and grants access. The whole process takes around five seconds.
If you do not want to use a smartphone, MitID also offers two physical alternatives: a code display device and an audio code reader. Both can be ordered directly at mitid.dk and are useful if you do not own a compatible phone.
Getting help if something goes wrong
If you run into problems during setup, three options are available:
Online: mitid.dk/en-gb/help has step-by-step video guides in English
Phone: Call MitID support on 33 98 00 12, available in Danish and English
In person: Visit any Borgerservice centre. Staff can assist with setup and resolve identity verification issues
Key takeaways
MitID replaced NemID in June 2023 and is the only digital ID system in Denmark
You need it for banking, taxes, e-Boks, digital contracts, and most official services
Set it up through the MitID app using your passport, with or without a CPR number
If you do not have a CPR number yet, a P-code is a temporary solution
In-person help is available at any Borgerservice centre
Sources
MitID official website: https://www.mitid.dk/en-gb/
Get MitID with a passport: https://www.mitid.dk/en-gb/get-started-with-mitid/get-mitid-with-passport/
MitID on Life in Denmark: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/apps-and-digital-services/mitid
Download the MitID app: https://www.mitid.dk/en-gb/help/help-universe/mitid-app/download-app/