The Danish CPR Number
An overview of the Danish CPR number (CPR-nummer). Find out what it is, who needs one and how to get one...
In Denmark the CPR number is the CPR-nummer or personnummer. CPR stands for Det Centrale Person register, which is the Danish Civil Registration System. The register contains current information about a person, including their CPR number, all addresses they have lived at, names, civil status and citizenships. A CPR number is obtained on registering with the Civil Registration System for temporary or permanent residence.
- For comprehensive information on the civil registration system in Denmark
The CPR Number
A CPR number is needed to access a number of services in Denmark including:- Opening a bank account
- Connecting utilities
- Taking out insurance
- Joining a library and borrowing books
- Access to publicly funded healthcare, though a CPR number is not needed for emergency treatment
- Salary payment
- Buying a house
When to Apply for a CPR Number
Those moving to Denmark from countries in the European Union and Switzerland, or who are Nordic citizens, need to register with the Danish Civil Registration System and get a CPR number within six months of arriving in the country.People who are citizens of countries outside of the European Union and who intend to stay in Denmark for more than three months need to register for a CPR number on arrival in the country. Those intending to stay in the country must arrange a CPR number within five days of having proof of legal residence in Denmark, such as a residence permit. As a CPR number is needed to access so many services, such as opening a bank account, it is advisable to arrange one as soon as possible if a long stay in Denmark is planned.
How to Get a CPR Number
To get a CPR number a person has to register with the Danish Civil Registration System in the municipality in which they live. Some municipalities now require the application to be done online. If the application needs to be presented in person, any accompanying spouse or children may also need to be present.A CPR number can also be applied for online as soon as the applicant has an EU registration certificate or residence permit. To get a CPR number, it is necessary to have an address in Denmark. The following documents are required:
- A certificate of registration (European Union and Swiss citizens)
- A Danish residence and work permit (non-European Union citizens)
- Proof of a Nordic personal identification number (Nordic citizens)
- Photographic identification, such as a passport
- Marriage certificate, or a certified copy of one, if applicable
- Birth certificates of any children
- Divorce certificate, if applicable
- Death certificate of a deceased husband or wife, if applicable
- To find contact details for Citizens' Services (Borgerservice) in any municipality in Denmark visit the: Krak website and enter Borgerservice in the Hvad søger du? box and the name of the municipality in the Hvor box
- To apply for a CPR number online
- For details on how to get a CPR number in Copenhagen
- The International Service Centre office offers assistance in applying for a CPR number