Denmark (DK)

The Central Person Register number — a 10-digit personal identification number (DDMMYY-XXXX) that is THE most important document in Denmark. Required for absolutely everything: healthcare, banking, tax, benefits, phone contracts, library cards, and more. Obtained upon registering at the folkeregisteret at your local borgerservice. Without a CPR number you cannot function in Danish society.

Required for immigration purposes, opening a bank account, and all official registrations. Non-EU nationals must hold a valid passport throughout their stay. EU nationals can use their national ID card for EU registration purposes.

The yellow health card issued after CPR registration, showing your assigned GP (praktiserende læge). This card is needed to access the Danish healthcare system. Carry it at all times for medical appointments. Contains your CPR number, name, address, and GP details.

Denmark's national digital identity system (replaced NemID in 2022). Required to access virtually all Danish government and bank services online: SKAT (tax), Borger.dk, e-Boks, banking apps, and more. Requires a CPR number and a smartphone. Absolutely essential from day one.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying more than 3 months must register with SIRI (Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration) and receive an EU registration certificate (EU-opholdsbevis or registreringsbevis). Obtained at SIRI or a borgerservice office. Required as proof of legal residence.

Non-EU/EEA nationals require a residence permit (opholdstilladelse) to live and work in Denmark. Applied for at SIRI (siri.dk). Different types: job offer permit, pay limit scheme, fast-track scheme, family reunification, student permit. This sticker goes in your passport.

Registration of your address in the Danish civil registration system (Folkeregisteret). Must be done within 5 days of moving to a new address at your local borgerservice. This is what triggers the issuance of your CPR number (for new arrivals) or updates your address records.

Required for registering children, some visa applications, citizenship applications, and marriage registration in Denmark. Must be an official extract from your country of birth.

Required for family reunification applications, registering your partner in the folkeregisteret, and some benefits applications.

Required for folkeregisteret registration and CPR number application. A signed rental contract or written permission from a property owner to register at their address.

Required for recognition of foreign qualifications and professional licences. Denmark is a Hague Apostille member; apostille and certified Danish translation required for non-Danish originals. Academic recognition is assessed by the Danish Evaluation Institute (EVA) or the relevant professional authority — Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed (Danish Patient Safety Authority) for healthcare; Advokatsamfundet for lawyers; professions using ENIC/NARIC equivalency. Regulated profession recognition can take 3–6 months.

EU/EEA driving licences are fully valid in Denmark. Non-EU licence holders may drive for up to 90 days after registering as a Danish resident, after which the licence must be exchanged at Motorregistret via Borger.dk. Some non-EU countries have bilateral exchange agreements allowing direct exchange; others require a theory and practical test. An IDP is recommended for the initial period if the licence is not in Latin script.

A Danish bank account linked to your CPR number through the NemKonto system — used for all payments from the state (tax refunds, benefits, salary for public employees). Any Danish bank account can be designated as your NemKonto. Required to receive any payments from Danish authorities.